Would this bookies’ favourite come to Ibrox?

Ex-England manager Sam Allardyce, who just turned 63 this week, would in my opinion be a great shout as the new manager of Rangers. Just the right type of character to take the ‘Gers back to where we belong – he is priced at 12/1.

It might be the right challenge for him at his stage of life and help in some way to compensate for the sad way he was forced to resign from the perfect job it took him a long time to engineer for himself – the England manager job. He is technically the most successful England manager – ever – played one – won one!

I also like his Scottish family connection. Sam’s father was a police sergeant who is originally from Nairn and his mother is from Dumfries.

Sam is known as a successful motivator who has taken to modern technology and a newish statistics-centred approach to tactics and coaching over the past 6 to 8 years, and has been praised for his organisational and man-management skills.

He has a vast experience of managing Premier and Championship sides and one of his biggest assets is setting up teams with the right balance to achieve the best results.

I would suggest making Sam the overall manager of the first team squad on a contract until the summer of 2019, with Allardyce receiving a couple of days off per week to allow his two Rangers legends Barry Ferguson and Kenny Miller to assist him and teach them everything they need to know for the game of football management in general.

Sam’s first success was at Bolton Wanderers between 1999 to 2007, before Newcastle United offered him the job in 2007 – 2008. He spent a further two years at Blackburn Rovers from 2008 to 2010.

Allardyce took over London’s West Ham United from 2011 to 2015 before heading to the north east to save Sunderland from being relegated during the 2015 – 2016 season.

On 22 July ‘16, Allardyce signed a two-year contract to become manager of the England national team. He won his first and only game in charge on 4 September, as an Adam Lallana goal deep into injury-time was enough to beat Slovakia on the opening day of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Following allegations of malpractice, which Sam attributed to a dreadful mistake and misjudgement of trust on his part, Allardyce left the role by mutual consent on 27 September, having managed the team for just 67 days and one match.

On 23 Dec ‘16, Allardyce signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to become manager of Crystal Palace, a day after taking over from Alan Pardew. He strengthened in the January transfer window by spending around £30 million on Jeffrey Schlupp, Patrick van Aanholt, and Luka Milivojević. The “Eagles” confirmed their safety from relegation in the penultimate game of the 2016–17 season with a 4–0 victory over Hull City at Selhurst Park. Allardyce announced his departure from Crystal Palace on 23 May ‘17, saying he had no intention of seeking another job, in what was interpreted as a retirement announcement. However, on 19 July 2017, Allardyce said he would be open to an international management position, but not another club job.

Perhaps the challenge and history of Rangers and managing in Scotland would be a persuasive job opportunity to become the manager of the most successful club in the world. Only real winners need apply!

‘Big Sam’ would give Brendan Rodgers a run for his money given a bit of time and a few bob to spend.