Gers making progress in hunt for new boss but patience is key: Murty

RANGERS’ search for a new manager finally appears to be making progress after caretaker boss Graeme Murty said there had been “movement” in the process.

Gers have been without a permanent manager since Pedro Caixinha was sacked in late October, with Murty taking temporary charge at Ibrox.

Murty initially started promisingly with back-to-back wins over Hearts and Partick Thistle, but successive defeats have since highlighted the need for clarity.

Derek McInnes has committed his future to Aberdeen, who visit Ibrox tonight, following links to the role, while another favourite, Alex McLeish, insists he has not been approached.

Murty admits there has finally been movement in the search, but has stressed the importance of Rangers taking their time to get the decision right.

He said: “I’ve discussed with Mark Allen and Stuart Robertson (on the Gers board) that this process is ongoing. There has been movement but we’re not quite there yet, and I think that to get the next five, six, seven years right, we need to take our time to get this appointment right.

“If we take a little bit more time now, we get the next five years of progress and secure the future of this club at the top of the league, and that’s crucial.”

Murty added: “We don’t want to have the excuse of uncertainty. The players know what is ahead of them and what their task is.”

Losses against Hamilton and Dundee have stalled Rangers’ progress in recent weeks, with Friday night’s 2-1 defeat at Dens Park leaving them fourth in the table ahead of tonight’s clash with Aberdeen.

Murty is aware of the need for his group of players to right things on the pitch if they are to ease fans’ concerns regarding offfield matters.

“If we had won against Hamilton, which we could and should have done, and got something at Dens Park, the club would be in a better situation,” he said. “But it’s about performance. The players need to make sure the performance is taken care of because then, with two good results, people are more relaxed and sanguine and it gives the board time.

“We need to give the club a lift on Wednesday and take away further questions of this ilk by making sure that on the pitch things are taken care of. Regardless of if I’m in charge or another manager is in charge, the players and squad will be the same.” Crucial: Graeme Murty wants to see the right man appointed