OPINION
Attention at Rangers this summer will inevitably turn to the managerial position and the future of Graeme Murty at Ibrox.
While the former youth coach has led the Light Blues admirably since being appointed on a permanent basis, there are still detractors out there who believe he is not experienced enough to remain in the job long-term.
There have been several names linked with Murty’s job over the last few months, but one that has surfaced time and time again is that of Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke.
Clarke has been put forward by several members of the press, and others involved in the Scottish game, as the ideal replacement for Murty at Ibrox.
The former West Bromwich Albion and Reading manager has done a miraculous job at Rugby Park, taking the club from bottom in the table to fifth in just five months at the helm.
There is no doubting Clarke’s credentials, and the fact that he would be a great manager for Rangers, but his latest comments mean the club must put a stop to speculation and hand Murty a contract extension sooner rather than later.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Clarke said: “One of the good things about going down south is you don’t get caught up in all the nonsense. The media like to say, especially when it comes to the Old Firm, you’re going to move here, there and ?everywhere.
“I’m happy at Kilmarnock, I’m happy with the job I’ve done so far and hopefully we continue that.”
While Clarke has not explicitly ruled out a move to Rangers this summer, it is clear from this latest development that it would take a lot of effort to convince him to leave Kilmarnock.
With no other clear candidates for the job, Dave King and the Rangers top brass must recognise that the best move for the club now is to hand Murty a new deal to take the club forward.
Few can dispute the fact that the Light Blues have moved forward under Murty in the last few months, and he is obviously the man best-placed to continue his fine work into next season.
Who cares if he doesn’t have as much previous experience as other candidates? The key here is that he has the right experience, which is leading Rangers brilliantly during his tenure so far.