With the release of an exclusive Sky Sports interview to mark Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first anniversary as Rangers manager, it signals a statement from the club even if there will be no official acknowledgement.
The pre-recorded film from Auchenhowie charts the previous twelve months, the subsequent highs and lows from the perspective of the Dutchman and former Rangers player.
Quite simply, the release of this content would not have permitted by the Ibrox hierarchy if the manager’s position was in jeopardy. Especially now, six days after the most recent dropped points, against St Mirren – if a change was desired and agreed by the board, it would have happened already meaning that it is almost guaranteed that Gio will be in the dugout for the game against Hibs on 15th December.
📝 Being appointed
🗣️ Most difficult day so far
🏆 Europa League & Scottish Cup
🌍 Champions League impact
🔁 Transfers & contract talksIn an 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 interview, before the World Cup break, Giovanni van Bronckhorst opens up on his first year as Rangers boss & more ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/b7HInd3wmy
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 18, 2022
There is some merit in the argument that Gio has been unlucky with injuries as well as having to make do with limited resources to bring in new players, whilst the recruitment of those tasked with replacing the likes of Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun has been inadequate. To say that GvB needs more time prompts the question, more time for what?
Where is the plan? Where is the reason to believe? Where is the evidence that Rangers are right to stick with the incumbent?
The charge sheet stacks up from this season alone, as well as the title capituation last term. It is not a case of forgetting the relative success of last term, in Europe and the Scottish Cup. If anything, these feats highlight the manager’s deft hand in knockout football in contrast to the slugfest that is the Scottish Premiership.
With only 15 games played, a significant nine point deficit stands between Celtic and Rangers. The title bid is hanging by a thread and that is with four key games to come before the New Year Old Firm fixture. It is a stark situation facing the team and club, answers are required which can only come from up the marble staircase.
What is the plan for progression at the club against a backdrop of a squad in regression and a manager who is seriously failing to put forward a compelling case for approval?
Rangers AGM will take place on 6th December, there will be no hiding place then, with the top table set to include Gio van Bronckhorst following today’s effective message that he remains as the manager but for how long.