Van Bronckhorst requires UK work permit, could delay Rangers appointment
Giovanni van Bronckhorst would require a UK work permit if Rangers want to hire him as their manager, according to BBC Scotland journalist Kenny Macintyre.
Writing on the BBC Sport website, Macintyre reported that while the Gers are hopeful they can hire Steven Gerrard’s replacement before they play Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals on Sunday, there’s a chance that the next boss will not be in the dugout at Hampden Park.
It is understood that the need for a working visa could delay van Bronckhorst’s starting date if he’s the man that the Gers decide to offer the job at Ibrox.
The ex-Feyenoord manager also needs to assemble a new team of coaches after Gerrard took most of his backroom staff with him to Aston Villa.
Further delays
It’s very unlikely that van Bronckhorst will be in charge against Hibernian on Sunday.
He may be in the country and he may be in the stands at Hampden Park. But will he be down pitchside as the Gers take on Hibs? We really doubt it.
Rangers play Sparta Prague at Ibrox in a make-or-break Europa League match next Thursday.
If van Bronckhorst isn’t in the dugout for that match then we’ll be really disappointed especially as that is such a massive, massive match in terms of whether we’ll be playing European football after Christmas this season.
Van Bronckhorst seems like the perfect hire for us.
He did brilliantly at Feyenoord, winning them the Eredivisie title and two domestic cup competitions while also overseeing a Europa League win over Manchester United.
He’s also someone who knows the Gers from his playing days here and his playing experience at Barcelona and Arsenal will also play a massive role in his overall coaching ability.
Everyone wants Gio and Gio seemingly wants us.
Let’s hope this work permit issue doesn’t drag on too long.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have scheduled a press conference amid intense speculation.