Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton believes Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s history at Ibrox stands him in good stead as the Dutchman prepares to replace Steven Gerrard as the club’s manager, speaking to talkSPORT (18 November, 11am).
Talk about big shoes to fill.
Van Bronckhorst has been out of the game for nearly 12 months now, without a job since finishing a disappointing 11th in the faraway land of the Chinese Super League.
And his biggest achievement in management – guiding Feyenoord to their first Eredivisie title since the turn of the century – came four-and-a-half years ago.
But, as Warburton points out, the 46-year-old will not be taken aback by the size and the stature of the club he is joining, having made over 100 appearances in Rangers blue between 1998 and 2001.
Will Van Bronckhorst succeed as Rangers manager?
“The important thing is that he knows the club, he knows the history, the expectations of the fanbase. That’s really positive,” says Warburton, who guided Rangers back to the Premiership in 2016 before being replaced by Pedro Caixinha.
“The hard thing is that he’s following Steven. That expectation will be higher than ever.
“Celtic will see that is an a opportunity and Rangers need to respond, give him the backing the transfer market.
“He showed his quality in Holland, he broke into the big two (beating Ajax and PSV to the Eredivisie title). He knows what it takes. Knowing the club is vitally important.”
Frank Lampard, Callum Davidson and Alexander Blessin were also linked with the Ibrox post but, according to The Guardian, former Holland captain Van Bronckhorst quickly emerged as the club’s number one target.
It is understood that an agreement is close, Van Bronckhorst pleased with how negotiations are progressing with Rangers director Ross Wilson.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
