Rangers striker Kenny Miller could become one of the casualties of the current void when it comes to a manager at Ibrox. Not just a missing manager, because there is caretaker boss Graeme Murty, as worthy a fellow as he probably is (and hats off to his diligent and professional manner during his temporary stint as the Light Blues team chief) it won’t be his problem.
No, that issue must be decided by the man entrusted with leading the club into the future; a man charged with overseeing a new way of leading the team affairs under the head of football policy currently being looked at by managing director Stewart Robertson.
The Miller situation is a bit of a dilemma now that Mark Warburton has departed, along with assistant manager David Weir and head of recruitment Frank McParland; not many who follow the fortunes of Rangers would deny the forward, now 37, an extension to his current deal, which will expire in the summer.
But, and here is the rub, if there is to be a clean sweep running through the club, should old hands such as Miller be seen as the way ahead? Or should his services be retained for at least one more season, with new recruits then able to learn from his vast experience?
Yes, Miller still scores goals, and he loves scoring them in the William Hill Scottish Cup, which the Gers still have a chance of holding high come the conclusion of the campaign. Miller’s double helped with the win over Motherwell to set up Greenock Morton in the next round; and he scored once more in a 2-1 win at the weekend in that tie. Now Hamilton Academical await in the quarter final in early March.
Warburton was keen to offer Miller an extension and there is little doubt that the frontman wants to stay, as he has made evident of late, and before Warburton’s exit, when he said:
“Everybody knows where I want to be. It’s not really in question. Whether it happens or not is out of my hands. I’ve spoken to the manager on a few occasions so I know his thoughts on it. We’ll see where it goes but I want to be here.
And, somewhat prophetically, he added: “The manager wants me here but football is a funny game and nothing would surprise me now. My loyalties to Rangers are not in any doubt. I’m fully committed to this club and will be for the rest of this season with my performances, whether I’m staying or not.”
There is one thing Dave King, the chairman, and his board of directors should be aware of if they, or the newly appointed next manager, decide not to offer Miller a new deal; there will be a touch of glee at both Aberdeen and Hibernian, both of whom are said to be potential suitors.