Rangers name Stuart McCall new manager and he wants job long-term
Thursday 12 March 2015 23:27, UK
Former Motherwell boss Stuart McCall would love to be considered for the full-time post as Rangers manager after taking over on a short-term deal.
McCall, who is currently part of national coach Gordon Strachan's backroom staff, will be joined at Ibrox by Kenny Black, his former assistant manager at Fir Park.
The 50-year-old, who played over 200 times for Rangers between 1991-1998, replaces Kenny McDowall who has left the club after taking charge for 10 games when previous boss Ally McCoist was placed on gardening leave last December.
Personally for me it was great to get back out there on the grass on the coaching field and we just look forward to progressing now.
On his appointment and his desire to make the job permanent come the summer, McCall said: "Obviously this is a big, big challenge, there is no doubt about that.
"Anyone who has seen the side in the last three or four months will know this is a big challenge but ultimately it is a massive opportunity, great honour and privilege to be invited to come in and try and help the club at this moment in time. It is something I am really looking forward to.
'Difficult'
"I have already met the players, I know they normally have a day off on a Thursday but the aim for us this season is to get out of this league and the quicker we can get down to it and get into training the better. It was a bit difficult for the boys today as they got a text at 11.30am to tell them to get in here.
"They got here as you would expect with a new face in the door. We had a meeting where I set a few things out, went out and trained and had a good session. Really enjoyed it and to cap it off the U20s beat Ross County 6-1 so we got off to a good start.
"Personally for me it was great to get back out there on the grass on the coaching field and we just look forward to progressing now."
Asked how big a job he would have on his hands to get the side promoted this season, McCall insisted he was in no doubt as to the size of task ahead of him and Black.
"I have had a million texts wishing me good luck and I think I will need them all," he said. "But I think you only have to look at the quality of the squad here. I spoke to them today and they are under no illusions and they know they have under-performed this season, for whatever reason that is.
"But there is enough quality here to be better than what we have done. But football can change with a couple of good results. There is no magic formula, no magic pill for confidence which is severely lacking at this moment in time.
"But a new voice, whatever it may be, can give some players a spark, players who thought they wouldn't be given a chance. I have already said everyone will get a chance and their main aim now is to turn it all around.
"There are 12 players out of contract this summer and my message to them is 'go out and win yourself another contract'. Be there at the end of the season, go round Ibrox to the cheers of the crowd rather than run down the tunnel because you are being booed off.
"It's in their hands, it's in our hands' It's an opportunity for us. We know we need to improve but I certainly believe we can do that.
'Rangers-minded'
"The players are playing for the futures and new contracts and me and Kenny are in the same boat. That's what we want too. We are under no illusions. We are here for the short term but we have a chance to put us mark in and if we can do well then who knows what happens in the future.
"Off the park things look to be going great now. I've always said it's important to get Rangers-minded people on the board. I don't think it's so important to have Rangers-minded people as manager but I certainly think for this short term that someone who knows the league, the players and Scottish football was the right choice."
McCall also confirmed he has told Scotland boss Gordon Strachan that he will give up his coaching duties with the national side while in charge at Ibrox.
McDowall, who won just three of the matches during his time at the helm of the Scottish Championship club, said: "It was an honour and a privilege to work for Rangers Football Club and I will leave with so many positive memories."
Commenting on McDowall's departure, acting chairman Paul Murray said: "Everyone at Rangers thanks Kenny for his contribution and we will never forget the part he played in our success."
