Rangers next manager: Wyness can’t believe Steven Naismith could replace Philippe Clement
Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness has insisted it is too early for Steven Naismith to return to Rangers as manager despite his success with Hearts.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed it could be five years before he is ready to make the move to Ibrox.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (12 March) that Naismith is admired in Scotland and is considered a future Rangers manager.
Naismith, 37, has guided his Hearts side to a comfortable third place in the Scottish Premiership and is on course to qualify for European football next season.
Naismith not ready to take Rangers hot seat, says Wyness
The ex-striker spent five years of his playing career at Ibrox between 2007 and 2012 where he scored 33 goals and provided 30 assists in 132 appearances.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I had Steven Naismith as a player at Everton and he’s surprised me with what he’s shown so far as a manager.
“But I’d say it’s too early in his managerial career to be going into a situation like Rangers.
“I think it’s going to take some time yet before he’s ready for a challenge like that. You’re talking four or five years down the road.
“That’s the sort of experience he would need.
“He may have to head out of Scotland at some point, as well, to cut his teeth in different situations.
“It’s never easy, but I think he needs more experience.
“It’s very dangerous and always tempting for the owners to bring a familiar face back.
“They know the fans will receive a former player well, but when things go wrong it just doubles the pressure. You feel it even more and you feel you’re letting the fans down.”
In other news, Rangers prioritise “top” striker signing after £20million reveal.
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