Gers hierarchy in the line of fire as Rohl watches on

YOU had to feel sorry for Danny Rohl, who was probably expecting to take centre stage at his grand unveiling as Rangers head coach.

- BY FRASER WILSON

Instead, it was the men flanking the German - chairman Andrew Cavenagh, chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell who were the focus of attention as they faced the full glare of the media for the first time since the Russell Martin debacle came to an end.

Questions over the managerial hunt saga, the decision to employ Thelwell's son as head of recruitment, the £8million splashed out on unproven striker Youssef Chermiti and the disastrous start to the season flew at the hierarchy from all angles.

Among it all there was a remarkable admission from Thelwell. "I don't think we ever underrated Scottish football," he said. "What I think I did underestimate was the size of this football club.

"If I was going to take anything going forward from the last four months it is to understand that greatness and make sure we apply that to an even greater level to anything we do."

Perhaps it's not a good start then to conduct an extended hunt for a head of recruitment - and land at your own front door. Almost literally.

The decision to hand Thelwell's 26-year-old son Robbie such a key role has only amplified the fury and distrust from a thoroughly brassed-off support.

"Optically, we all agreed when we made this step to appoint Robbie that he was going to be seen in a particular way," said his father with diplomatic understatement.