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Former Aberdeen Chief Sounds Alarm on Rangers’ Future
In a candid assessment of Rangers’ recent leadership changes, Keith Wyness, the former chief executive of Aberdeen, has raised concerns that the club’s appointment of Patrick Stewart as CEO may ultimately be in vain without significant alterations to its ownership structure. Wyness, who has a wealth of experience in football management, believes that while the excitement surrounding Stewart is palpable, the club’s top-level issues remain unaddressed.
Stewart’s New Role Amidst Club Uncertainty
Rangers officially announced Stewart’s appointment on 25 November, setting the stage for him to step into the chief executive role on 16 December—just a day after the club faces Celtic in a crucial Scottish League Cup final. Stewart joins the Gers after an impressive 18-year tenure at Manchester United, during which he briefly held the interim CEO position following Richard Arnold’s departure. His reputation as a capable operator has sparked optimism among fans, but Wyness suggests that enthusiasm may be misplaced without foundational changes at the club.
Ownership Structure Under Scrutiny
Wyness, who has also held leadership positions at Everton and Aston Villa, emphasised the necessity for a robust management team to attract potential investors. He stated on the Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, “Rangers fans might be excited but they haven’t fixed the top level just yet.” His comments highlight a critical gap in the club’s strategy, suggesting that while Stewart’s appointment is a step in the right direction, it won’t yield meaningful results unless the ownership and board structure are also addressed.
Questions Remain About Club Leadership
As Rangers continues its search for a new permanent chairman, reports indicate that Malcolm Offord may not be the chosen candidate, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the club’s leadership. Wyness pointed out that the club has made progress at the operational level with Stewart’s hiring, but he cautioned that these improvements are insufficient without a solid foundation at the top. “They’ve fixed levels two and three, because Patrick Stewart is a good operator and he’s well-respected. That position is fine, but it’ll be pointless unless they fix the very top of the club,” he asserted.
Investment and Future Prospects
Wyness believes that addressing the ownership structure is paramount for attracting new investment. “That comes with funding, the ownership structure and the board itself. There are still some big questions to be answered, but things are looking brighter,” he noted. His insights reflect a broader concern within the football community regarding the sustainability and future success of clubs like Rangers, which are steeped in rich histories yet face modern challenges.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Rangers?
As Rangers prepares for the upcoming cup final and welcomes Stewart into his new role, the club’s supporters are left to ponder the implications of these changes. The excitement surrounding Stewart’s appointment is tempered by the reality that without a restructured leadership team and ownership model, the club may struggle to reach its full potential. The coming weeks will be critical for Rangers as they navigate these challenges and seek to solidify their position in Scottish football.
In the world of football, where change is constant and expectations are high, the next steps taken by Rangers will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike. The club’s ability to adapt and respond to these pressing issues may very well determine its trajectory for years to come.
