Brentford have improved since Robert Rowan arrived but is he ready for Rangers?
After the Mark Warburton reign ended with confusion and disarray off the pitch, not to mention below-par performances on it, you can understand why Rangers fans may be concerned after hearing reports from STV that they have their eyes on another man with Brentford ties.
The publication claims that The Bees’ Head of Football operations, Robert Rowan, met Rangers’ officials last week to discuss potentially becoming the club’s much-publicised Director of Football.
On initial inspection, it’s easy to see why some supporters have already expressed their firm opposition.
At just 26, Rowan is relatively inexperienced and unproven at the top level despite spells with Stenhousemuir and the Scottish FA – at least in comparison to former Tottenham talentspotter Paul Mitchell and Southampton’s influential Director of Scouting Ross Wilson, arguably the best in the business at Premier League level.
After all, Wilson has overcome administration and financial inferiority to establish the Saints as a top half, top flight team via the ability to turn an unpolished diamond into a profitable asset – it’s an approach that would serve Rangers well.
Furthermore, Rowan has ties with, of all clubs, Rangers’ Old Firm rivals Celtic, having worked at Parkhead in a coaching capacity.
While Rowan may be an excellent operator, his three years at Brentford has coincided with the club establishing themselves as a competitive Championship outfit after all, the initial reaction from a number of fans seems to indicate that he is a rather uninspiring choice.
One perceived in more cynical quarters as a cheap alternative. Especially when Wilson appears the ideal candidate.
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