Leaders can make Gers
As a Treble-winning right-back turned Ibrox chief scout, Neil Murray is well-versed in the recruitment remedy for a successful Rangers – and he can sense a similar recipe brewing in the early weeks of the Derek Mcinnes era.
A Scottish, or British, core was central to both Walter Smith-led periods of sustained silverware success. So, too were multiple characters capable, and comfortable, of playing a captain’s role.
Murray was in a Rangers dressing room packed with born leaders in the nine-in-arow era and is set to zone in on those qualities when trying to secure players for the club in his recruitment role.
Mcinnes was signed by Smith from Morton in 1995 and it can be no coincidence that he is treading a similar path.
For example, centre-half Ben Godfrey was a stand-in skipper for Norwich City in the Premier League at 21 and midfielder Dan Neil captained Sunderland to their shock promotion triumph of 2024-25.
In addition, Lawrence Shankland led Hearts to the brink of last season’s title under Mcinnes, who made a young Ross Mccrorie his vice-captain at Aberdeen.
And a move for Bologna’s Scottish skipper Lewis Ferguson has also been launched.
The other midfielder strongly linked, Vanja Dragojevic, had the Partizan Belgrade armband at the tender age of 20.
“In some ways, maybe Rangers have been missing that,” said Murray.
“You look at Celtic. They have James Forrest – who has been there a long time – as well as (Kieran) Tierney, who knows the club inside out, and (Callum) Mcgregor, who has had incredible success as captain. These are the guys who set standards for them. Those who come in have to be what Celtic requires.
“That’s how Rangers need to approach things – bring in the right people.
“It’s not necessarily superstars or extravagant footballers, committed characters are also important because it just keeps the standard high in a dressing room.
“Derek is a good appointment for Rangers because he clearly understands the club and its demands.
“Other managers who have come in have
needed a steep learning curve in that sense. When I was scouting at Rangers, we always looked for leaders, or captains in their own right.
“We signed ‘Captain America’ Carlos Bocanegra, and Dorin Goian captained Romania from time to time.
“We also were interested in, and looked at, Gareth Mcauley years before he eventually arrived – he is a captain-type and a great talker. That is always important for Rangers.
“For me, Shankland will be great – scoring goals and leading by example.”
Mcinnes only served one season in charge at Tynecastle Park.
Murray loved what he saw in Hearts’ mentality and spirit, which was in marked contrast to the negatives that went in his notebook when watching Rangers under Russell Martin then Danny Rohl as setbacks struck.
Murray said: “Derek has a clear vision of what he wants and he knows what he’s doing.
“At Hearts, it wasn’t just about team selection and formations, it was about galvanising that team spirit.
“You can’t keep that momentum going if it’s a flash in the pan. That was a manager and his players pulling in the same direction.
“These guys were important to drive things on, set the standards when the manager was not looking. Watching Hearts last season, they would make mistakes. But none of the players would moan and complain about each other. They would motivate each other to go again and get goals back.
“There was a real determination. And, I can tell you, that comes from the management and their leaders.
“Quite often at Rangers, you would see them pointing the fingers at each other on the pitch, playing the blame game. Seeing that in public, there’s a big difference.”
Digging out teammates behind the scenes is a different matter.
Murray knows Allan Mcgregor – who is expected to return as goalkeeping coach – is no stranger to that dynamic.
There has been a change between the sticks, with Ivor Pandur joining from Hull City to be No 1 and Jack Butland moving in the opposite direction.
“Allan Mcgregor played a lot of games for Rangers and is experienced in winning,” said Murray.
“Towards the end of his Rangers career, he still had an enormous desire and pride in keeping the ball out his net.
“Allan has a good attitude, and is a winner. So he would be a good appointment.
“Derek needs people around who get that Rangers should be winning more leagues than they are.”
Mcinnes is reuniting with Mccrorie who was a versatile performer for him at Aberdeen. The 28-year-old came through the ranks at Rangers before moving on in search of regular football.
Mcinnes also stole a march on Scottish clubs by identifying Lewis Ferguson at Hamilton Accies as a Pittodrie signing.
Now he will cost Rangers a club record £17 million if they wish to make him their flagship summer capture.
Murray said: “Mccrorie is a very consistent player who can fulfil a variety of roles.
“He has been at the club before and understands the necessity to win games.
“Very rarely do you get a second bite at it at Rangers, to go back and make a significant contribution. Ross has that chance and I’m sure he’ll make the most of it.
“Lewis Ferguson, if it stacks up financially, is a great example of the type of player he’s looking to get into the group.
“A Serie A captain, you can’t argue with it. He totally fits the mould and is a leader type who sets examples.”