Rangers are “not putting a timescale” on the appointment of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, according to The Athletic‘s Jordan Campbell.
The website’s Gers’ correspondent claims that the Dutchman is the leading candidate to replace Steven Gerrard in the Ibrox hot seat but discussions are ongoing over backroom staff:
Talks between Rangers and Giovanni Van Bronckhorst continuing with backroom staff being discussed.
Semi-final vs Hibs on Sunday is approaching but club said to be happy with the process and not putting a timescale on the appointment.https://t.co/CwfZQS6qVd
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) November 17, 2021
Supporters on Twitter are now concerned that a new manager won’t be in place before crucial games against Hibernian and Sparta Prague over the next week:
You not think Gerrard was contacted before dean smith was even sacked .
— Clayton laird (@ClaytonLaird) November 17, 2021
Ah yes let’s rush him in with no back room staff and then if he loses the semi final let’s berate him on twitter? LETS GO
— Calral (@CallamR96) November 17, 2021
No, it’ll be McCallum in charge.
— Rab (@Rabert72) November 17, 2021
Hope @KThomsonAcademy has a major role to play in this 👌😀. Knows the club and standards set along with a winning mentality. Not to mention he has a very good football brain ⚽️ 🏆
— John Bolger (@johnbolger82) November 17, 2021
It seems that the major issue surrounds the appointment of Jean-Paul van Gastel as van Bronckhorst’s assistant. He is the 46-year-old’s trusted right-hand man but he is currently managing Guangzhou City.
Compensation would probably be required to buy out the remainder of van Gastel’s contract at the Chinese Super League club and that may not be something the Rangers board are prepared to do. At the time of writing, no breakthrough has been made, and there is a risk that talks will carry on into the weekend.