Rangers are close to ending their extensive search for a new manager, Graeme Murty has revealed.
The caretaker Ibrox boss explained at this media briefing on Tuesday that he had been told by director of football Mark Allen and managing director Stewart Robertson that there “has been movement” in the club’s bid to replace Pedro Caixinha, who was sacked nearly five weeks ago.
Murty reported that Rangers “are not quite there yet” but strongly suggested a deal is edging closer, as quoted by the club’s official Twitter account.
GM: I have discussed with Mark Allen and Stewart Robertson that the process is ongoing. There has been movement but we are not quite there yet.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) November 28, 2017
Murty did not divulge any names, or further details, but it appears the club are finally close to finding a successor to Caixinha.
Betting was suspended on Alex McLeish landing the job on Monday but he subsequently poured cold water on the possibility of a return to the club he managed for five years from 2001 to 2006.
Derek McInnes had been favourite following the departure of Caixinha, but emphatically distanced himself from the role on Friday as he committed his future to Aberdeen.
OPINION
Could Rangers’ long and painful search for a new manager be about to come to an end? Only those in the know really know, and the Ibrox faithful will be desperate that the new man will be worth the extensive wait. It appears fairly certain McLeish will not be heading for the dugout, and McInnes was quite emphatic last Friday he is staying put. The mystery deepens, but expect Allen to have a major say on the appointment, and it could well be someone he is well connected to.