It had appeared that Rangers had found their man to replace Pedro Caixinha in Aberdeen boss, Derek McInnes.
A former Rangers player himself, the general assumption in Scotland was that the impressive manager would jump at the opportunity to manage one of the country's big two.
Yet, after a contentious media campaign that continually undermined Aberdeen, McInnes is content to remain where he is for the time being.
Forty-two days after firing Pedro Caixinha, the Rangers board retreat, sheepishly, to the drawing board in search of a manager. Incredible.
— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) December 7, 2017
This decision, it would appear, is not going down well with the Rangers hierarchy.
Despite publicly trailing McInnes for well over a month, a club statement has since stated that the Rangers board have yet to identify "an outstanding candidate" for the role:
The position of Rangers manager requires an ability to win football matches and the mentality to cope with the demanding off-pitch environment that goes with being the Rangers manager.
This is a critical aspect of our assessment of any candidate during the interview.
It would appear then that entering liquidation in 2012 has scarcely hampered Rangers' sense of itself. Seeking to take control of the narrative, Rangers have made themselves look just a touch foolish.
Not stating McInnes by name, the statement did reference the club's dealing with Aberdeen as they sought "permission to engage with their manager".
Yet, despite all evidence to the contrary, Rangers are determined that,
At this stage of [McInnes'] career, it would be best for him to remain in his current post.
We endorse that position because moving to a massive club like Rangers is a big step with concomitant risk.
We continue to consider candidates but will only appoint someone in whom we have full confidence and who feels he is ready for the job.
.@btsportfootball McInnes to stay at Aberdeen... Great news for Aberdeen! Another shambolic situation at Rangers??? Your thoughts??
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) December 7, 2017
That latest statement from Rangers lacks both class and professionalism. Sums up the state of affairs quite perfectly.
— keith jackson (@tedermeatballs) December 7, 2017
The Rangers statement on McInnes is too laughable for words.
The fact they try and suggest they agree with Aberdeen that he should stay there because the Rangers job is too big is the most toys out of pram statement I’ve seen in a long while— Ross 🏴 (@rford_31) December 8, 2017
What a classless, seriously pompous statement from Rangers after the embarrassing snub from Derek McInnes.
— Derek McGregor (@McGregorDerek) December 7, 2017
With the chances of any side in Scotland catching Celtic becoming increasingly slim with every passing season, Aberdeen and Rangers are currently locked in a battle for 2nd place.
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson has stated that he is "absolutely stunned" with McInnes' decision, but ultimately believes the whole event is "a bit embarrassing" for Rangers.
While Rangers are correct to seek the very best manager they can conceivably get, this statement suggests a sense of entitlement that Scottish football could probably do without.
