Rangers backed to make 'outside' hire for new chairman after John Bennett development

Gary Keown has backed Rangers to hire from "outside" of Ibrox after John Bennett resigned from his role as chairman.

The Gers announced [14 September] that Bennett stepped down from his post due to health reasons, with former director John Gilligan temporarily filling his role until a replacement is appointed.

It is understood that the Scottish giants have no immediate plans to find Bennett's successor [The Athletic], with the club already busy in their attempt to hire a new CEO.

Writing for the Scottish Mail on Sunday (15 September, page 98), Keown said: "Former director John Gilligan has come in to keep the ship afloat in the meantime, but that's unlikely to be a long-term solution either.

"Whether it's Dave King, Bennett, Park, Gilligan or Alastair Johnston, Rangers' recent history has just seen a cycle of familiar old faces making the decisions.

"Maybe it's time to stop placing such emphasis on the leadership group being real 'Rangers men' and open up to people from the outside who might just have the proven acumen to get the old place back on the straight and narrow."

John Bennett steps down as Rangers chairman

It is hardly a surprise to see Bennett step down from his role as chairman as he continues to face criticism from the fans due to the decisions being made at Ibrox.

The latest assessment of the 61-year-old's job has come after the Gers' failure to appoint St Mirren's Jim Gillespie for the vacant CEO role, with the vice-chairman even now believed to never have had an interest in the role [BBC Sport].

Considering the emergence of a "gulf" between the Gers and their Old Firm rivals Celtic, the club is calling out for something to change, with Philippe Clement coming under heavy pressure already this season.

Hiring someone from outside of the Ibrox circle could bring a new perspective to things at the club, because it has been like Groundhog Day in recent times..

While it appears the Gers are in no rush to find a permanent replacement for Bennett, there is no understating how important of a role the chairman will play moving forward.

In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has named one player who simply has to start v Dundee United.

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