Barry Ferguson has discussed one of the elephants in the room as Sevco’s search for a manager enters it’s fourth week.
Last Friday the company issued a statement saying that they would assess applications but with only Henning Berg and Steve McClaren applying the calibre is hardly eye-catching. Alex McLeish is waiting on a phone call.
The grim nature of finances was spelt out in the recently published accounts which anticipated a £4m shortfall before Pedro Caixinha is paid off and a fresh war-chest is provided for January.
For supporters brought up on generations of financial doping the modern reality is unbearable with the managerial delay a further sign of how short the club is for cash.
Under Dave Murray the old club wouldn’t have thought twice about a £750,000 transfer fee but that figure to compensate Aberdeen for Derek McInnes seems a step too far for the hard up tribute act.
Articulating his worries in the Daily Record Ferguson asks: “So what’s the delay? There can only be two reasons. They either can’t afford to pay the compensation to get someone who is in a job or they are taking their time to make sure they get this bang on.
“I really hope it’s the latter but I’m surprised it’s taken so long because I felt the international break was the perfect time to make a move.
“I understand you need to take time but it’s important to get your man in place with the January transfer window opening soon.”
Ferguson added: “I saw Henning Berg’s name was mentioned in Record Sport yesterday and I’ve also heard Tim Sherwood and Gus Poyet’s names being aired.
“These guys might be good managers but I’ve said previously I feel Rangers need someone who knows the values of the club and the pressure that comes with it. No disrespect to the aforementioned names but I don’t think they really understand what Rangers are all about. That’s why they have to go and get Derek McInnes.
“I’ve made it clear I think he’s the No.1 choice and he’s right under their noses – that’s the bit I don’t understand.
“I’ve heard people say it doesn’t need to be someone who knows the club but Rangers went left-field last time and look what happened.
“I’m not sure if he would be put off by the time it’s taken if they eventually do go to him, only he can answer that but knowing McInnes as I do, I don’t think the speculation will affect him and the job he’s currently doing at Aberdeen.”
As well as the grim finances Sevco are waiting on word from the Court of Session on Dave King’s concert party take over of the board in 2015.
The accounts were all based around a future share issue to repay director loans but if the CoS case goes against King those plans will be put on hold until the South African based criminal puts £11m into an escrow account as he attempts to find a NOMAD to handle the share issue.
