No need to be top player to be a good coach, says Warburton

GLASGOW: Rangers manager Mark Warburton says you don’t need significant playing experience to make it in management.

The 54-year-old Englishman, who had a career outside football as a city trader before spending the money he earned to travel round Europe to learn about coaching, was speaking about the appointment of former Newcastle United assistant coach Ian Cathro as Hearts manager ahead of their visit to Ibrox today.

The 30-year-old, who never played professional football, became the youngest manager in Scottish top flight history when he replaced Robbie Neilson on Monday.

And Warburton, whose own playing experience was limited to nonleague football after failing to make the grade at Leicester, said Cathro deserved a chance to prove himself after four years as assistant manager at Portuguese side Rio Ave, Spanish outfit Valencia and Newcastle.

“I’m delighted to see the appointment. I think it’s brave on his part and a brave call by Hearts,” the Rangers manager, whose side were defeated 2-0 by Hearts last week, said.

“I think it is brave in the right way and all credit to Hearts for giving him his chance. He’s a young coach but he’s very knowledgeable and demonstrated that to a number of people in the game.

“He’s got a lot of confidence to come and do this job and I’m sure a lot of ability too.

“I’m pleased to see him get his chance and I’ll wish him well – but only after this weekend.”

Warburton, whose side trail bitter rivals Celtic by eight points at the top of the Scottish Premiership having played three games more, insists his side are still a draw for star players despite the club’s ill-fated signing of the fiery Joey Barton.

The English midfielder was Warburton’s marquee signing in the summer as Rangers prepared for their return to the top flight.

However, the much-travelled Barton managed just eight games before his outspoken nature saw his contract terminated by the club following a bust-up with management and team-mates in the wake of their 5-1 derby thrashing by Celtic.

Despite the controversy, Barton claimed this week in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live he wouldn’t hesitate to make the move to Ibrox again if faced with the same opportunity in the future.

Warburton, who made his name as a manager with his shrewd stewardship of unglamourous English side Brentford, said other top players would not be put off making a similar switch.

“It’s a big club. It’s not about Joey or myself, Rangers is a magnificent club, a fantastic football institution,” said Warburton.

“We’re not going to outbid big clubs down south for players in terms of the financial aspect, but we can demonstrate what Rangers has to offer in terms of the training complex, an iconic stadium and a magnificent support with 50,000 fans, so there’s a lot to enjoy about Rangers.

“Are we still capable of signing someone of Joey’s calibre? Absolutely; no doubt.”