TOOLS TO BE THE REDS’ MANAGER
with it. He’s got Rangers into an unbelievable league position.
“Obviously managing in the Premier League at Liverpool brings different sort of pressures. But he’s shown no signs of cracking in his current job where he is forever under the spotlight.”
It will be no different today at Ibrox with Rangers top of the table, unbeaten in their 29 games which includes 25 wins with only eight goals conceded. Mellon added: “It’s like going up against a scratch golfer and you’re going off the tee with a handicap of 20. The challenge is there. You know it’s always going to be tough.
“As football people you always believe you can beat anyone. That will be our attitude. But all the optimism in the world is needed.”
Like Gerrard, Mellon surprised many by also leaving Merseyside for a new adventure – uprooting from Tranmere Rovers last summer to take charge of newly promoted Dundee United.
Although a proud Scot who started his football life in the Hearts youth system his entire playing and managerial career has been spent in England.
“Like Gerrard I had to prove myself in Scotland,” he admitted. “Many people here would have been unaware of my career. I knew I was coming to a league which has got a very good profile allowing me the opportunity to show more people what I am capable of achieving.
“It’s a really underrated league. Many supporters are naturally insular in their outlook and I know some in England knock the Scottish leagues. I just wish there was a cup competition which could pit Scottish clubs against their English rivals.
“A few seasons ago I watched Burnley against Aberdeen in the Europa League and there was nothing between the two teams.”
CHELSEA and Arsenal are showing an interest in
Inter Milan starlet Martin Satriano.
The 19-year-old academy graduate has been involved in a few first-team matches but has been firing in goals as well for the B team.
He is creating a big buzz in Italy and his progress has not gone unnoticed by the two London clubs.
He scored two goals in the Milan derby last week, taking his tally to seven in five.
Satriano hails from Montevideo, Uruguay and has been with Milan for 13 months following a £2million switch from Nacional.
His contract at the San Siro runs until June 2024.