PATRICK STEWART has described Rangers as a club with “unfulfilled potential” as he prepares for the first transfer window under a new ownership regime and management team.
Russell Martin was confirmed as the Ibrox side’s head coach on Thursday, following the arrival of Kevin Thelwell and Dan Purdy as sporting director and technical director.
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On May 30 the £90million takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises was finally completed after months of negotiations.
An initial £20million of investment has been promised and a share issue will follow to help raise more funds.
With the Light Blues in Champions League qualifying action on July 22/23 and 29/30, the summer rebuild must start soon.
We looked at how Martin could transform Rangers, in particular by recruiting trusted former players.
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Gers chief Stewart acknowledged there is a lot of ground to be made up on Celtic in the league, but believes Martin has arrived early enough for them to make signings before the Euro qualifiers next month.
Speaking in an interview with Rangers TV, he said: “There is a lot of hard work to be done, just to be clear. I think there always is every pre-season for Rangers because the European qualifiers come so early, so let’s not shy away from that.
“That said, we have got Russell in and the transfer window doesn’t open for another ten days and the first team don’t return for another two weeks, so actually you could look at it glass half full and say we have got him in well in advance of those two key events.
“But let’s not kid ourselves, there is a lot of hard work to be done but I know Russell is determined to get stuck into that.
“The potential of Rangers, we know it is unfulfilled at the moment.
“This is a huge club and supporters, players, management and staff, we have all been frustrated at not having achieved the heights.
“It feels now though that we are making steps forward and new ownership is a massive step forward.
“My excitement and optimism levels have definitely increased but they were always there because there is so much that is positive about this club.”
Stewart was asked how Martin’s experience in both Scotland and England during his career will help them in the recruitment process.
He said that combining Martin’s knowledge with Thelwell’s contacts book should lead to positive results in the transfer market.
Stewart said that they will pay close attention to the Scottish and English markets, as players there will have an understanding of the British game.
But that won’t stop them from scouting players further afield – the only condition being that they must ALREADY be suited to playing in Scotland, rather than trying to mould them into the finished product.
He said: “Having an understanding of the Scottish game I would say is a key factor because every league is unique and we can look at some of the fixtures that have to be played as part of the SPFL.
“Every ground has its nuances and every club has its nuances, so somebody that comes in with an understanding of that is a huge asset.
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“Equally, when it comes to recruiting players having a knowledge of markets outside of Scotland and players outside of Scotland, and off-the-pitch talent outside of Scotland as well, is a huge advantage.
“So yes, I think we are really fortunate to have somebody who has that Scottish background and also English experience as well.”
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