Andy always thought ‘Yorkie’ Murty would end up in Scotland
Graeme Murty expressed a desire to Andy Mclaren 20 years ago that he wanted to work in Scotland.
But neither of them for one minute thought it would be as manager of Rangers.
The pair of them were team-mates at Reading when Tommy Burns was manager and back then Murty showed a big interest in the game north of the border.
In a dressing room containing other Scots such as Jim Mcintyre and Grant Brebner, it was no surprise.
Although born in Yorkshire, Murty went on to play for Scotland and was capped four times when Berti Vogts was manager and Burns his assistant.
Mclaren has kept an eye on Murty’s career and is delighted to see him in charge at Ibrox.
He will watch this afternoon’s Scottish Cup tie at Ayr United – one of Mclaren’s former clubs – and reckons Ian Mccall’s men will make life difficult for the Gers to progress to the last eight.
Mclaren told The Sunday Post: “Graeme is a good lad and I’ve always had time for him.
“We had some memorable times at Reading together, where we were both signed by Tommy Burns.
“I think Graeme cost around £700,000 from York City and gave the club a decade of solid service.
“I, on the other hand, lasted about 10 minutes!
“But he was really into his football and had a thirst for knowledge. That’s why Tommy loved him so much.
“He told us all about his Scottish heritage and that’s also why he enjoyed our company.
“I always had a feeling he would end up working in Scotland, but I thought it would have been as a player.
“I remember him being keen on a move to the top flight in Scotland.
“However, he stayed down south and now he is the manager of Rangers.
“It’s some leap for him but I think he has handled everything very well.
“He has displayed dignity throughout and a real touch of human decency, regardless of the situations he has been confronted with.
“I’d be delighted for him if he got the job beyond the end of this season. Why shouldn’t he?
“He seems to enjoy a good working relationship with Dave King and that can only be beneficial.
“A good vibe between a chairman and a manager is the foundation for success. It looks as though it’s all heading in the right direction.
“I read the other day that Gordon Dalziel said Graeme’s chances of landing the job beyond May would be over if Ayr win on Sunday.
“I know exactly what Gordon meant by that. But there also has to be a bigger picture.
“Certainly, if Rangers were to go on and win the Scottish Cup then it would be a huge achievement.
“It would be their first major trophy in six or seven years, and that would have to put Graeme in pole position.
“But they will find it tough at Somerset Park. I played there for a wee while towards the end of my career and it’s perfectly formed for an old-fashioned Scottish Cup tie.
“I’ll be glued to my telly watching it. “Can I see an upset? Well, I think it’s unlikely – but I wouldn’t rule it out.
“I know Ian Mccall very well. He was my manager during my second spell at Dundee United and he was really good.
“I felt we had the squad to achieve really good things there but the club hit financial problems and wage cuts were bought in and players put up for sale.
“But Ian knows his football and knows how to get the best out of players.
“He has reinvented his managerial career at Ayr United and I’m delighted for him.
“Ayr score plenty of goals and always try to put the opposition on the back foot.
“So, I don’t expect this one to be a game where the underdogs sit in and put 10 men behind the ball.
“Yes, he will have the team organised and compact, but he will look to hurt Rangers.
“I fancy Rangers to win 3-1.” Mclaren is possibly looking to get back into football.
He has moved on to other ventures after 10 years with the charity he founded, A&M Scotland, which helped kids from disadvantaged areas.
He said: “I’ve got plenty to offer in that sector and opportunities to explore.
“But I also wouldn’t mind looking at working at a football club, along the lines of what I’ve been doing for the past decade.”