Robertson hails calibre of Rangers new boys

RANGERS’ summer recruitment drive has provided an injection of backbone to the squad, according to Ibrox managing director Stewart Robertson. Pedro Caixinha has wasted little time in securing a raft of new signings, adding Bruno Alves, Ryan Jack, Daniel Candeias, Fabio Cardoso, Dalcio, Carlos Pena, Eduardo Herrera and Alfredo Morelos. Rangers have also tendered a

third bid for Norwich City midfielder Graham Dorrans. And Robertson expects this summer’s cast list to be a markup on last year’s wayward recruitment under former

manager Mark Warburton. ‘I think you can see the level of player Pedro has brought in this year,’ said Robertson. ‘They have international experience or have been touted for international recognition. There is a step up in class. ‘He has laid down the way he wants to play and players who can play in those positions with aggression and strength of character. ‘Some of the guys who have come in have been international captains and that’s important as it’s strength of character we needed to add to the team.’ Robertson spearheaded the search for a new director of football, confirming the appointment of Manchester City academy director Mark Allen earlier this week. Confident Allen and Caixinha can work together productively, Robertson added: ‘Pedro is here to get the first team playing as well as they can. Mark is not like an experienced manager looking over his shoulder. ‘It’s all about putting structures and processes in place that will stand us in good stead. ‘It will be about scouting and recruitment and the succession planning of the team. We also need to recognise who we are in the food chain in terms of selling players on. We want to create that revenue chain — but we have to bring the players through and then replace them. ‘That’s where Mark’s experience will come in, albeit with different resources. He has effectively been a director of football for everything from 23 and below at Man City. ‘His business background is great and he has a lot of good contacts — agents and beyond. ‘We want Pedro focused on the first team and telling Mark what he needs.’