One of the most important aspects of running big businesses and organisations is contingency and forward planning – qualities that Rangers are sorely lacking in the present moment.
The last three managers to replace Steven Gerrard have had different philosophies whilst the departures of James Bisgrove and Zeb Jacobs from their respective CEO and academy director roles should have surprised nobody given their career trajectories.
And yet, surprise Rangers it did which, added to John Bennett’s resignation from his post as chairman, has left the club rudderless.
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Barry Ferguson names Rangers move John Gilligan must make
Barry Ferguson, speaking to the Go Radio Football Show, knows what Rangers have to do:
“At this moment in time John Gilligan has stepped in and we just need to see what will arise with John Bennett stepping down for health reasons.
“But what I do know is Rangers do need a chairman in pretty soon, and a CEO. They are the two most important people at the club.
“So, I’m sure while John has stepped in on a caretaker basis, that will be one of his main priorities to make sure that Rangers get the right man to take them forward.
“At Rangers it’s not a case that you can wait months,” he continued.
“I think this needs to get sorted pretty quickly because it’s a role that is the most important – the leader at the club – and that is a chairman and just below him is the CEO, which Rangers have been without since James Bisgrove left.
“In the coming weeks I fully expect Rangers to have somebody. It has to be somebody that has worked in the industry before but it also has to be someone that has a connection. I think that’s important.”
Rudderless Rangers need a competent figurehead
Ferguson is absolutely correct.
John Gilligan is more than competent enough to guide the Ibrox club on an interim basis as chairman, but the club needs an experienced pair of hands in the CEO role as soon as possible.
Rangers knew that James Bisgrove was leaving before the end of last season but six months later it remains a vacant position.
The hierarchy should have had a list of possible replacements lined up and spoken to individuals who might one day have been interested in the job.
Hiring an external agency to identify potential talent seems to have drawn a blank too.
After Jim Gillespie’s name came and went, the only other recognised rumour is Adrian Bevington, who has openly admitted that he would relish the task of restructuring Rangers.
With Philippe Clement hinting that a new appointment could be imminent, Ferguson could well be about to get his wish.
