Rangers in really strange new Ibrox hire as Van Bronckhorst comparison made
Derek Ferguson finds it “really strange” that incoming new Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart is not starting his position until December 16.
Rangers confirmed the appointment of former Manchester United chief Stewart on the club’s official website on 25 November.
However, he will not officially start his role at Ibrox until after this week’s games with Tottenham in the Europa League and Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final.
The Herald reported last month [25 November] that the unusual start date is likely down to wanting to get the high-profile Celtic fixture out the way with first.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Ferguson said of the appointment: “I always find this strange, when the appointment is made and they don’t start for three or four weeks down the line.
“I think it happened with Giovanni van Bronckhorst as well. His first game he was sat in the stands. I find it really strange. If you’ve been appointed by a football club, start there and then. It’s a really strange one.
“But we do look to have a guy with vast experience, good knowledge, good contacts. He’s already had a conversation with the manager and that’s important. He’s not there until the 16th but he’s at least spoke to the manager.
“It’s important because he needs to suss out the manager, find out if they’re going to be able to have a working relationship, and if he can see him being the guy to take Rangers forward. I like the appointment, but I’d have liked him to start the job a bit sooner.”
Rangers having to be patient with Patrick Stewart appointment
As Ferguson said, it is strange that Stewart did not start the job immediately. It means the Gers remain without a CEO, which is quite simply not acceptable.
Factor in the farcical situation regarding the chairman search, too, and it is fair to say all is not well behind the scenes at Ibrox right now.
The good news is that, come this time next week, Rangers will have someone who appears to have some pedigree in the CEO role.
Focus will then turn to hiring a capable chairman, which will hopefully provide some stability on the field too.
In other Rangers news, a twist has emerged regarding the compensation battle with Aberdeen over Connor Barron.
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