Jason Ayto to Rangers: ‘This is the best decision for his career…’
Rangers are moving ahead with a refresh of their executive team ahead of the 49ers Enterprises takeover.
Ex-Man United chief Patrick Stewart is already spearheading the club’s operations after he was appointed as chief executive before takeover negotiations became public – and is undertaking an internal review at Ibrox.
Barry Ferguson is the club’s interim manager on the pitch, and recruitment has been identified as a key area for improvement when the 49ers arrive.
TBR Football reported (31 March) that Rangers hold an interest in Arsenal chief Jason Ayto as they look to improve their executive team at Ibrox – with Everton and Crystal Palace also monitoring his situation.
He served as interim sporting director at the Emirates Stadium after Edu Gaspar’s departure and before Andrea Berta’s appointment.
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has had his say on Rangers luring the 40-year-old to Ibrox.
Ayto could snub Rangers to stay at Arsenal, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has claimed Ayto’s career may be better served by swerving a move to Rangers and remaining at Arsenal.
The 40-year-old started with the Gunners as a scout in 2014 and has progressed to become chief scout and assistant to Berta.
| Position | Team | Played | Points | GD |
| 1 | Celtic | 32 | 78 | 71 |
| 2 | Rangers | 32 | 65 | 33 |
Wyness claimed he is still “learning his trade” in an executive role despite being with Arsenal for longer than 10 years.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s interesting.
“He wasn’t given the big job at Arsenal. Berta has come in as sporting director.
“While he was Edu’s number two, and it’s normally the way that someone is promoted internally at Arsenal – I don’t know if it’s a surprise that he didn’t get it.
“I think he’s still learning his trade to a degree, even after 10 years. He hasn’t been in the big chairs for a long time.
“In terms of Rangers, it’s a much bigger picture they’ve got to put together.
“I don’t know if he will work with what the 49ers want to do, but after that long at Arsenal – you will have a great network.
“If he does fit with the personal chemistry of the new Rangers team, he would have a big role to play.
“I just think it may be a link that is media-inspired. My personal gut feeling is that he will stay with Arsenal as number two right now.
“I think it will do him better for his career going forward.”
Rangers unlikely to lure ex-Leipzig boss to Ibrox
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed last week (1 April) that Rangers will also struggle to lure highly-rated German boss Marco Rose to the club this summer.
The 48-year-old was sacked by RB Leipzig on 30 March after two and a half years with the Bundesliga outfit.
Rangers are planning to be in the market for top managers this summer given the size and stature of the club – and ambitions of prospective new owners 49ers Enterprises.
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