Neilson warns Rangers over risk of ‘friction’

Robbie Neilson has warned Rangers they risk “friction” if they appoint a new boss before hiring a director of football.

The former Hearts manager has first-hand experience of the model from his time working with Craig Levein at Tynecastle.

But he reckons Gers – who plan to introduce a director of football in the wake of Mark Warburton’s departure – will be making a big mistake if they bring in a new manager first.

Neilson, now in charge at MK Dons, told Press Association Sport: “The most important thing is that the director of football goes in first, then they should look to get the manager in off the back of that. That’s the easiest transition, in my opinion.

“The director of football has to be the one who comes in and appoints the manager.

“If it works the other way about, you can end up with issues about who is in control. It can cause a bit of friction.

“I think it’s a great idea for Rangers to go down that route,” he said.

“They are a huge club and this set-up would give them more of a structure to their football operation and make it easier to develop.”

Alex McLeish remains the frontrunner for the job, although Press Association Sport understands the club have yet to make contact with their former boss.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes, St Johnstone’s Tommy Wright and former Ibrox defender Frank de Boer are also tipped as contenders.

Gers chairman Dave King has already confirmed he may consider hiring an interim boss if it allows him time to go after his first-choice pick in the summer.