Long search for Caixinha successor defended

Stewart Robertson insists Rangers now have the right man in charge as he defended the Ibrox club’s 57-day search for Pedro Caixinha’s replacement.

Caretaker boss Graeme Murty has been told he will remain in charge for the rest of the season.

The surprise decision to give the former under-20s boss the job for the foreseeable future comes a fortnight after Gers’ protracted pursuit of Aberdeen boss Derek Mcinnes fell apart in farcical circumstances.

Mcinnes was touted as the Light Blues’ first-choice from the outset but – when they finally made their move after six weeks of rumour and speculation – the Dons boss knocked back a return to Govan.

Chairman Dave King and the rest of the Gers board were accused of dithering over the decision but managing director Robertson insists it was more important the club appointed the right person, even if he was under their noses all along.

“Someone once said to me, ‘recruitment is an art, rather than a science’,” said Robertson.

“It’s more important that we get the right man and I think we have got the right man to move the club forward.

“Life doesn’t go in a straight line. We’ve all been there in different situations where there are twists and turns and in this situation we’re delighted to have Graeme in charge.”

Gers responded to Mcinnes’ decision with a bitter statement which hinted he was not up to managing Rangers.

That prompted an angry reply from Dons chief Stewart Milne, who insisted Ibrox bosses owed his manager an apology.

But Robertson insists the fall-out has not damaged relations between the two rivals.

He said: “We’ve drawn a line under the whole situation with Derek. It’s time to move on. We wish Derek all the best up the road.

“That all happened three weeks ago. Now it’s a case of moving on and looking forward rather than looking back.

“Has the relationship with Aberdeen been tarnished? Not at all. We’ve had conversations since then so the relationship is fine.”

Gers midfielder Ryan Jack will serve the final match of his three-game ban when the Ibrox club travel to Kilmarnock today.

Murty will also be without striker Kenny Miller after the veteran hitman was given the news his hamstring injury is worse than first feared and requires a significant period of recovery.

Jak Alnwick, Graham Dorrans (both ankle), Lee Wallace (groin) and Jordan Rossiter (knee) are also out.

Welshman Declan John has penned a three-and-a-half year deal with the Light Blues are impressing during a loan spell from Cardiff.