Rangers fans have raved about Ibrox sporting director Ross Wilson for his conduct during the club’s search for a new manager.
Wilson was hit by the news last week that Steven Gerrard was leaving mid-season to take charge of Aston Villa.
Steven Gerrard left Rangers last week and has his first match as Aston Villa manager on Saturday. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
It was a very public test for the sporting director, but he worked swiftly, interviewing a number of candidates before settling on Giovanni van Bronckhorst and appointing him in the space of a week.
Given that the ex-Netherlands international was the man the vast majority of supporters wanted to see land the role, Wilson has received praise for bringing him back to Ibrox.
WAYNE ROONEY TO EVERTON IS A JOKE.
However, he’s also been lauded for how committed he was to keeping the squad and remaining staff up to date with the recruitment process.
“In terms of my interactions during the week, I’ve addressed the squad twice this week,” he said on Thursday [RangersTV]. “They’re a great bunch to work with. I enjoy working with them every day.”
“From the captain throughout all the squad, we’ve kept them totally updated on what we’re doing, where we’re going, obviously whilst respecting the confidence of the process.
“I wanted to make sure they were totally aligned. Probably the only mistake I made was that I decided to phone every single player and every single member of staff last week. It was a long list of phone calls to make. Once I was four or five in, I was quickly regretting that.”
Rangers fans are delighted with the recent work done by Ross Wilson. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
It was a real personal touch from a Wilson during a stressful time for all at the club and Bears showered him with praise on social media.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
Phoned every single member of the playing staff? Over 30 calls even if that's 10-15minutes each you're talking about 6 hours spent just to reassure players at a time fans just want him to secure the manager which he still managed within a week. That is fantastic leadership!
— Walter's dignity (@CaptainJTav2) November 18, 2021
He’s absolutely exquisite at his Job is Ross Wilson. Brilliant interview!
— Div (@sharpdiv7) November 18, 2021
Ross Wilson oozes class, professional to the core. Rightly acknowledges SG but we move on with a terrific appointment in Giovanni van Bronckhorst. This is another major step forward for the club, great work by all involved.
— Michael Gray (@LLCoolMJGray) November 18, 2021
Credit to Ross Wilson , very professional, comes across really well and has handle this situation very well 👌
— Scott Raby (@SrabyR) November 18, 2021
This man really is fantastic
— ً (@lnheritant) November 18, 2021
Hugely impressed by Ross Wilson
— Rivers (@RTVWOW) November 18, 2021
Phenomenal leadership from Ross Wilson and an absolute credit to the club . 🇬🇧🇬🇧🔴⚪️🔵. No man is bigger than the club but Ross certainly makes us a big and professional club. 👏👏
— The Oaks (@Keithcareth) November 18, 2021
Could listen to Ross talk all day long. Great interview. Phoning all players and staff individually also 💙 class act https://t.co/K8mPnce8f0
— JM (@McCwatp) November 18, 2021
Taking his time to make sure he phoned every single player and every single staff member is a touch of class.
Hats off to him for that one. https://t.co/xUv2OQjnzC
— Adam Dunn (@AdamDunn1872) November 18, 2021
We are so lucky to have Wilson on board at Ibrox. He epitomises every aspect of professionalism that should be expected at a club of Rangers’ stature, and speaks so well. Calling all the players and staff personally last week is a classy touch. Long may we keep hold of him 🔴⚪️🔵 https://t.co/d0E6HEE4kX
— Chinne55 🏴 (@Chinnes1872) November 19, 2021
In other news, there’s uncertainty about a key Ibrox issue following conflicting reports.