Alan Pardew’s previous comments about Scottish football may annoy Rangers fans

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The then-Newcastle United manager had some harsh words for the game north of the border in 2011, though Rangers are reportedly interested.

Despite the unprecedented gap between one Old Firm rival and the other, the one-arm-tied-behind-the-back restrictions in recruitment, the job of Rangers manager remains one of the most illustrious titles in British football.

And, with the Scottish giants drawing up an ironically lengthy ‘shortlist’ of potential replacements for Mark Warburton, one name truly stands out from the list, if only for sheer shock factor. Alan Pardew.

Sky Bet have now installed the former Newcastle United manager as the fourth favourite behind current interim boss Graeme Murty, two-time title winner Alex McLeish and self-confessed Gers fan Dougie Freedman.

But the Scottish Sun’s claims that Pardew is likely to demand a hefty pay packet is not the main reason why it would be such a surprise to see the 55-year-old attempt to kick-start his stalling managerial career north of the border.

Following then 22-year-old goalkeeper Fraser Forster’s return to St James’ after a loan spell with Celtic in 2010/11, Pardew was less than complimentary about the standard of the Scottish game.

“[Returning to England, Forster is] coming back to a completely different level of football, I’ll tell you that now,” Pardew stated, as reported by Sky Sports.

“We have watched that division and watched him all year. We’ve been very disappointed with the quality of the games, other than the occasional Rangers versus Celtic game.

“And even some of those have been poor, if I’m honest. He is coming to a completely different level of football.”

Standing proudly on the Ibrox touchline, your name serenaded by a sea of blue, is enough to entice any manager. However, as Pardew implied, an away trip to Partick Thistle or Hamilton doesn’t quite have the same appeal.

However, with Pardew’s reputation severely dented by a horrific calendar year in charge of Crystal Palace, it’s possible he sees Rangers as a promising blank slate. Returning them to their previous glories would earn him legendary status at Ibrox, though it’s far easier said than done.