As Rangers fans are only too well aware, we now have a manager we actually wanted. A Rangers man in the form of Derek McInnes who knows what Rangers are all about and who is a Rangers boyhood supporter.
What Rangers fans are a little less aware of is his impressive time down south with West Brom as a player, and also the details of Dan Neil from Sunderland, McInnes’ third summer signing.
Speaking to Ibrox Noise, Matt Smith (no, not those ones), who’s a major press player and a keen observer of both McInnes and Neil (and a huge West Brom fan), gave us a bit more context behind them both.
He said:
“I do have a massive soft spot for McInnes. I won’t lie to you. However, on multiple fronts, I think he is the best appointment possible. His record in the Premiership cannot be looked at in any way other than positively.
I feel the last couple of managers have not been ‘managers’, if that makes sense. Yes, coaching and development are important at any club and any level. But there is more to that when you are representing the club.
Derek can handle that – I don’t think Martin or Rohl could. He also gets the best out of players, which with your squad, I think means you can win the league!”
One only has to look at the teams McInnes has managed to see how well he’s shone every single time. His only blip was Bristol which just wasn’t the right club for him. Even the greatest in the game have had duff spells somewhere.
On Neil Matt went on:
“As for Neil, I understand your concerns (about him being out of his depth). Ultimately, the midfielders they (Sunderland) signed were better than him, no doubt. However, as part of two promotion-winning teams, I have not seen anything to make me think he is not a player who can hold his own in the division.
Four out of Sunderland’s five midfielders were playing at the World Cup this summer in Xhaka, Talbi (who I rate), Sidiki and Diarra. The other midfielder is Enzo Le Fee, who cost £15 million plus. While he is a local lad and came through the academy, they’ve got Chris Rigg to think about in the same boat.
Time will tell, but I have not seen anything to make me think Neil would be out of his depth in the PL. He’s also played for a massive club which will help with the move!”
In short, Neil had the short straw at Sunderland where he fell a little short of the world class quality Sunderland had. They finished 7th in the PL which is no mean feat.
As such, with every testimony we hear about Neil, and his general reputation, he appears to be one who may just fit in. Even if we had our doubts.
As for McInnes, of course we didn’t have any doubts there at all, and outsiders also agree.
Time will tell seeing how it all goes, but on paper, it looks good.