Rangers’ Internal Review: A Sign of Progress or More Panic at Ibrox?
Rangers’ latest internal review, led by CEO Patrick Stewart and the New York-based consultancy firm Sportsology, is being framed as a crucial step towards modernizing their football operations. However, for many Rangers fans, this review feels like yet another reactionary move following a disastrous run of results—most notably, their humiliating Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Queen’s Park.
Stewart insists that the review has already provided valuable insights into the club’s shortcomings, with the most pressing outcome being the urgent need for a new sporting director. This is a notable admission of failure, as Rangers previously operated with a sporting director under Ross Wilson but scrapped the model after his controversial departure to Nottingham Forest in April 2023.
Now, just over a year later, they are not only returning to the model but are also admitting that their current footballing structure is inadequate. Stewart’s comments suggest that Rangers lack a coherent strategy at all levels of football operations, something Celtic have had in place for years. The key question is: will this latest attempt at restructuring actually work, or is it another case of Rangers trying to fix a broken system while still suffering from deeper, more fundamental issues?
The Sporting Director Search – A Necessary Move or a Desperate One?
The biggest takeaway from Stewart’s update is that Rangers are now actively searching for a sporting director to oversee all aspects of the club’s footballing operations. This role will reportedly involve managing everything from recruitment to player development, ensuring that all departments are working towards a unified strategy.
On paper, this makes sense. Clubs across Europe operate with sporting directors, and even Celtic, who historically relied on a more traditional manager-led approach, have incorporated a Head of Recruitment model that has proven successful. However, there are several glaring issues with Rangers’ approach:
- Why did they abandon the sporting director model in the first place?
When Ross Wilson left in 2023, Rangers opted to create a “recruitment board” instead of hiring a direct replacement. This experiment has clearly failed, but it raises the question of why it was implemented in the first place. Did the club not foresee the issues that would arise without a clear footballing structure?
- Is this a long-term solution or a short-term reaction?
Stewart has stated that they won’t rush the appointment, emphasizing that Rangers want the “best solution” rather than a quick fix. But Rangers don’t have the luxury of time. With Celtic continuing to dominate Scottish football, any prolonged period of uncertainty could allow their rivals to extend their advantage even further.
- Will the new sporting director have real authority?
One of the biggest criticisms of Rangers under previous regimes has been the interference of the board in footballing matters. If the sporting director is simply another figurehead with no real power, then the club will find itself back in the same cycle of poor recruitment and underperformance.
Ultimately, while the decision to reinstate a sporting director is the right one in theory, its success will depend entirely on who they hire and whether the club genuinely allows them to implement a clear, long-term vision.
Philippe Clement’s Position – Is He Safe or on Borrowed Time?
While much of the focus has been on Rangers’ structural changes, the elephant in the room is Philippe Clement’s job security. Stewart has not given Clement a public vote of confidence, but he also hasn’t suggested that his sacking is imminent.
However, the fact that Rangers are in the process of reshaping their entire footballing department does not bode well for the Belgian manager. If the club is bringing in a sporting director to oversee all footballing matters, there’s a strong possibility that the new hire will want to bring in their own manager rather than inherit Clement.
Clement has had a mixed tenure at Ibrox. While he initially steadied the ship after taking over from Michael Beale, Rangers’ performances in key matches have been inconsistent, and the shock Scottish Cup exit has only increased pressure on him. If Rangers continue to fall short in major competitions, the new sporting director could decide that a fresh managerial appointment is needed to truly implement a long-term footballing strategy.
At this point, Clement’s future seems to be tied to the timeline of the sporting director appointment. If Rangers struggle in the league and the gap with Celtic widens, there’s every chance that the new football executive will decide to start from scratch.
Celtic’s Perspective – Another Season of Rangers in Chaos?
From a Celtic standpoint, Rangers’ continued instability can only be seen as a positive. While Brendan Rodgers’ side has had its own challenges this season, the Hoops remain a well-oiled machine compared to their Glasgow rivals. The contrast in leadership and planning between the two clubs is clear:
- Celtic’s footballing structure has been more stable.
While Celtic have had changes in their backroom staff and scouting department, they have not had to conduct a mid-season emergency review to determine how to run their football operations. The recruitment strategy, while not always perfect, is clear and methodical.
- Celtic have consistently made better use of the transfer market.
While Rangers have repeatedly struggled with recruitment (leading to the need for this review), Celtic have generally done a better job of identifying talent, signing players who fit their system, and moving them on for profit when the time is right.
- Celtic’s stability gives them a long-term advantage.
The biggest benefit Celtic have over Rangers right now is stability. Even when there have been managerial changes, the overall footballing structure at the club has remained intact. Rangers, on the other hand, have been in a constant state of flux, with different managers, different recruitment strategies, and now another major overhaul.
If Rangers fail to get the sporting director appointment right, they risk falling even further behind Celtic. The Hoops have already built a squad capable of dominating Scottish football, and if they continue to strengthen while Rangers go through yet another transitional period, the gap between the two clubs could widen significantly in the coming years.
Conclusion – Rangers Are at a Crossroads
Rangers’ latest internal review and search for a sporting director represent a crucial moment in the club’s future. If they get it right, they could finally put an end to years of mismanagement and build a footballing structure capable of competing with Celtic in the long run. However, if they get it wrong, they could find themselves stuck in yet another cycle of failure and instability.
The biggest concern for Rangers fans should be whether the board has truly learned from past mistakes. The club has a history of making reactionary decisions without properly thinking through the consequences, and there’s no guarantee that this sporting director appointment will be any different.
For now, Rangers remain a club in transition, while Celtic continue to operate from a position of strength. If the Hoops can maintain their dominance while their rivals struggle to find the right path forward, it could set the tone for years to come in Scottish football.