A general view of the action infront of the Sandy Jardine Stand during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Ibr…Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
John Bennett can land expert sporting director with free run at former Rangers captain
Thu 5 September 2024 10:00
Gavin Kelly
Rangers are hardly running smoothly at the moment with a lengthy list of issues on and off the pitch.
With no CEO and no academy director, Philippe Clement has probably been doing more work this summer than he would have wanted to as he looks to rebuild the squad and kickstart a functioning player trading model.
Last summer, Michael Beale had a similar issue after Ross Wilson left his post at Ibrox as sporting director to join Nottingham Forest.
One of the people interviewed to replace Wilson was Carlos Bocanegra, a former Rangers captain and distinguished USA international.
READ MORE: Rangers ‘talks’ with £20m striker explained, he’d have loved to make transfer
Former player Carlos Bocanegra talks to attendants during a tour to present Mercedes Benz Stadium on May 27, 2016 in Atlanta, United States. Merced…
Photo by Omar Vega/LatinContent via Getty Images
Rangers can make Carlos Bocanegra technical director offer
The 45-year old chose to remain in his post as Atlanta United’s technical director but his experience and expertise could be invaluable to an inexperienced football department.
Nils Koppen has a healthy CV in terms of scouting, analysis and recruitment but this is his first senior post as a director of recruitment.
Creag Robertson too as director of football operations has never held such a post.
Without stepping on their toes, there is space for Bocanegra to oversee the football department and give the incoming CEO and chairman a subject matter expert voice.
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Conveniently, Bocanegra has just left his post at the MLS outfit with Atlanta United Owner and Chairman, Arthur M. Blank, giving a ringing endorsement:
“I want to personally thank Carlos for his many contributions to the success of Atlanta United on and off the pitch.
“He was here from the beginning and deserves much credit for our MLS Championship; other trophies we’ve won over the last nine years; and the way our team captured the heart of this city even before we launched in 2017.
“Several dynamic players signed by Carlos have been foundational to our success, including some who have moved on to opportunities in elite leagues and clubs across the world.
“I will always have great affection for Carlos and his beautiful family, and deep gratitude for the passion and dedication he brought to our club over the years. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Bocanegra can bring leadership and calm to Ibrox chaos
Bocanegra captained almost every club he was at as a senior player, this might not qualify him as a competent sporting director, but it at least shows his qualities as a leader – something Rangers have been sadly lacking in recent years.
What Bocanegra also did, was help to build Atlanta almost from the ground up and manage every area of their growth on and off the pitch to the stage that they became trophy winners in MLS.
The football structure is different in Europe, however, Bocanegra played in France, England, Scotland and Spain and will be fully aware of the processes invovled due to signing players from this side of the Atlantic.
Having held a role as vice president at Atlanta, “Captain America” will also have experience of the inner workings of the boardroom and the constraints of budget.
Rangers made a mistake not hiring Carlos Bocanegra last season and have learned the hard way.
Experience of elite football is needed in the boardroom and in the football department, with no club to negotiate with, John Bennett could get a much-needed helping pair of hands without the hassle.
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