MANAGER HAS TO ROHL THE ROOST

Let German have final say in all first-team matters, insists Smith

- BY CRAIG SWAN

GORDON SMITH is adamant Danny Rohl must hold full top-team power in his bid to revive Rangers.

And legendary duo Graeme Souness and Walter Smith have been cited as ideal examples on why not to doubt the German due to his relative lack of managerial experience.

Rohl is facing a huge job to turn Rangers' fortunes around after the miserable short reign of Russell Martin.

Individuals such as CEO Patrick Stewart, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and his head of recruitment son Robbie will have major roles to play in helping the 36-year-old be a success.

However, Stewart and Thelwell Snr have already faced massive fire from irate fans after the Martin nightmare and the huge sums of cash spent during the ex-gaffer’s disastrous spell, with £8million signing Youssef Chermiti heading a heavily-criticised summer shop.

Thelwell and Rohl both stated at the new manager's unveiling that they would work in tandem in all areas - and Smith knows that simply has to be the case.

But, when it comes to the final say on all major calls from signings to systems, he insists the former Sheffield Wednesday boss must get the last word.

Smith, inset, explained: “The manager has to be totally in charge of running the first-team. His job depends on it. That's the crucial element of it.

“I was into the recruitment side. I know for a fact that, in certain cases, recruitment is done outwith the manager's say. That's wrong.