Rangers response to Derek McInnes snub criticised by Gordon Smith
Saturday 9 December 2017 18:42, UK
Gordon Smith has criticised the Rangers board for their response to Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes' decision to remain at Pittodrie.
Gers released a statement on Thursday night after it was confirmed McInnes - who was expected to take over Ibrox - would be remaining at Aberdeen.
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The Rangers statement said the manager's job "requires an ability to win football matches and the mentality to cope with the demanding off-pitch environment that goes with being the Rangers manager.
"This is a critical aspect of our assessment of any candidate during the interview process."
Interim boss Graeme Murty will now remain in charge until at least the end of the season.
But former Rangers player Smith, who has also acted as the club's director of football, is critical of their response to the McInnes situation.
"I find the whole thing astonishing," he told Sky Sports News.
"It seems strange that it takes so long to make the appointment, then when Derek turns it down, they come out with this statement saying it was probably the right thing that he stays at Pittodrie because really they were trying to assess whether he was the right person for the job and the fact he is staying at Pittodrie proves he isn't the right person.
"It's almost like they are saying he didn't have the bottle for such a big role.
"It absolutely is an embarrassment for the Rangers board. They are trying to say now that he wasn't the number one candidate.
"I just don't understand how they can say that."
Watch Hibernian v Rangers on December 13. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 7:30pm.
