Rangers given ‘reality check’ after Ancelotti transfer twists – Exclusive
Rangers took a careful and considered approach in appointing their new manager, eventually announcing Russell Martin.
For a long while, it seemed Davide Ancelotti would be given the reins, while Steven Gerrard was another name mentioned.
Whoever the Gers were to pick would have had differing permutations on how they conduct their summer business.
Now that Martin is settled, the Ibrox club can crack on and work with their manager to sign the right personnel.
Would Ancelotti appointment have meant marquee Rangers signings?
Given that Ancelotti is one of the most famous names in management, any Rangers appointment would have come with strings.
Unsurprisingly, links with Real Madrid duo Luka Modric and David Alaba did the rounds amid his possible appointment.
However, football finance expert Dan Plumley has addressed whether those transfers would have happened.
“There’s a bit of a reality check to some of those stories, isn’t there?” he exclusively told Ibrox News when asked about the Modric and Alaba links.
“I understand why people have gone there and suggested some of those names, but for me, never likely to happen.
“The wage consideration alone is just not where Rangers are at the minute.
“Now that it is Russell Martin, you’re looking at the investment number that we’ve seen has been promised, and you’re looking at giving somebody there a project to take forward in the next two or three years.
“Some of those names there, particularly with the link to players like Modric and Alaba, are brilliantly talented footballers and would bring a lot of exposure and everything that comes with it.
“They are at the end of their careers, and I think this has all the blueprints of looking more like a long-term project, which for me seems a more sensible option.
“Despite some of the stories that we’ve seen and how good it would be if some of those players were to sign, I just don’t think it’s realistic.”
Martin must be given time to bring success to Ibrox
While Martin is possibly the more underwhelming appointment, the Rangers hierarchy clearly has faith in him.
The Bears only have one title in 14 years, and change is not going to happen overnight, but Martin can make a start next season.
Many will reference his sacking at Southampton, but in truth, he did a tremendous job in guiding the Saints to the Premier League.
As Plumley mentioned, there is a long-term plan with Martin, and supporters must get behind him so he can succeed.