Rangers are still without a manager as the January transfer window draws closer.
Rangers hero Derek Johnstone has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he doesn’t think the club will be in a position to make major January signings if they don’t have a manager in place.
When Rangers sacked struggling manager Pedro Caixinha back in October, many fans were excited about who could come in to replace him after a dismal seven-month spell in the Ibrox dugout.
However, almost two months on, Rangers remain without a new manager, having seen Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes snub a move to Ibrox last week, with the search poised to drag on into 2018.
Caretaker boss Graeme Murty remains in charge after some impressive results of late, but he will not be in charge of transfers, with Director of Football Mark Allen taking the lead on incomings.
Whilst Allen – lured from Manchester City over the summer – should be able to spot talented players to target, convincing them to join Rangers may be another matter.
Players may not be willing to commit their futures to Rangers when they don’t have a manager, and the Gers saw Motherwell striker Louis Moult sign for Preston North End this week despite links of a move to Ibrox.
Now, Rangers hero Derek Johnstone has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he doesn’t think Rangers will be in a position to make big signings in January, due to the fact that they have no manager.
Johnstone added that Allen needs to be using his contacts to bring in key loan players for the rest of the season, saving valuable money for the eventual new manager to spend on his own players at the end of the campaign.
“If there is no managerial appointment made next month, I would be very surprised to see Rangers spend money during the January transfer window,” said Johnstone. “Any manager that comes in will have his own people that he wants to bring in so it is pointless making signings for the sake of it. Graeme has already said that Mark Allen, the Director of Football, will be dealing with the recruitment process but Rangers need to be careful how they approach the window.
I am sure Graeme will be asked for his opinions on the squad and there is no doubt that the group needs to be strengthened if we are going to challenge Celtic going forward.”
“But I don’t expect Rangers to make significant signings unless there is clarity on the managerial situation. I would imagine Mark will be thinking more of loan players that can give the team a boost in the second half of the season. He will be using his contacts and hopefully there are one or two that can come in and strengthen the team. I’m not looking for squad players. We need players that can start games and make a difference right away. Mark has been here for a few months now so he knows what is needed in terms of the squad and what is required at a club like Rangers. If he can’t get the right deals done, then keep the funds for the summer and ensure the new manager has as much money at his disposal as possible,” he added.
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