Rangers are moving quickly to secure Derek McInnes as their new head coach after Danny Rohl’s quick departure from Ibrox.
The Light Blues have agreed a deal with Red Bull Salzburg for Rohl to become the Austrian Bundesliga giants’ new manager.
Ibrox chiefs have wasted no time in identifying a successor, instantly entering advanced talks with Hearts for McInnes.
Rangers are now working to finalise a three-year contract to bring McInnes to Glasgow.
The rapid managerial development sparked a fierce debate on talkSPORT between Jim White, Troy Deeney, Mark McGhee and Simon Jordan.
White asked the panel if McInnes represents an upgrade, with Deeney and McGhee backing the experienced SPFL manager.
What would your concerns be about Derek McInnes replacing Danny Rohl?
Simon Jordan delivers Derek McInnes verdict
McGhee adopted a very diplomatic stance, confidently asserting that McInnes possesses all the tools required to bring major success.
Deeney explained that McInnes‘ vast understanding of Scottish football stands him in good stead at Rangers, but Jordan quickly interrupted his fellow pundit to offer a much more grounded perspective on the Scot’s managerial track record.
The outspoken pundit questioned the narrative around the head coach’s consistency before acknowledging his recent success at Tynecastle.
Jordan highlighted that while the hiring is a gamble, it remains an upward trajectory for the manager.
However, he seemed to take a subtle dig at McInnes for seemingly prioritising his own interests by swapping Hearts for Rangers without further thought.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “But he hasn’t had a stellar career in Scottish football.
“This particular moment, he’s had moments in his career, but he’s not had a consistent opportunity, and I would have felt that there’s an answer to your [White’s] question.
“Yes, because there was an educated punt taken by Hearts to give him an opportunity, and it has worked out well and at the beginning of the journey, not the end of it.
“So, I hope it plays out well for him because these football managers are very adept at making decisions that best suit themselves.”
Now that Danny Rohl seems set to leave Rangers, how would you rate his time at the club?
Rangers are taking a calculated gamble
McInnes certainly knows the unique pressures of the top flight, making Deeney’s assessment highly accurate.
However, Jordan’s reminder that football managers look out for number one will sting Hearts supporters, including STV Radio host Ewen Cameron.
If the three-year deal crosses the line, McInnes must prove this massive Ibrox opportunity was worth the gamble.
