BBC get their grubby mitts on another internal Ibrox document

[Senna 735]

Rangers blueprint critical of Ibrox coaching regime

By Chris McLaughlin

Senior Football Reporter, BBC Scotland

Comments

Former Rangers chief executive Charles Green was aiming to win a European trophy by 2020 with the help of a new director of football.

The plans were in a Football Philosophy document obtained by BBC Scotland and included a major overhaul of the club's coaching system.

"There is a big risk that if the current coaching regime remains, then fans will stop coming," it reads.

However, the proposals have been shelved following Green's departure.

The document, drawn up by a major investor in the Ibrox club, is sub-headed The Way Forward and is dated 14 March.

It suggested that the Ibrox club seek "top European ex-player with great pedigree and reputation" for the director of football role and that he "would have the final decision on which players we sign".

Dutch legends Frank de Boer, Johan Cruyff and Frank Rijkaard are listed as potential targets, although it was conceded that these men would be unlikely to come to Glasgow.

The plans called for a "strict wage structure with a basic salary and attractive bonuses", with a "total football philosophy" across every team, from youth level up to the first team, citing Ajax, Porto and Swansea as examples to follow.

Read Football Philosophy - The Way Forward in full.

As well as setting an ambitious goal to win a major European cup by 2020, the document outlined a financial model whereby "coaches would be rewarded by winning trophies, but the largest reward would come in the form of a percentage of the profit made by selling star players".

The blueprint for the club's future also touched on the possibility of Rangers joining England's top flight.

A section reads: "If we played in the English Premiership and earned large payouts then our policy could change regarding selling on players, however, we would always stick to budgets and not overspend."

Manager Ally McCoist steered Rangers to the Third Division title with ease but there were cup exits to Scottish Premier League pair Inverness CT and Dundee United and Second Division Queen of the South, while league form against part-time opponents has been erratic.

The document ends with: "The Rangers fans will stick by the club and support us in their thousands, but only if they can see that there is progression.

"Right now, many questions are being asked about what is really happening at the club, and the biggest concern seems to be the style of football and coaching theory.

"With the fans on board, and a transparent policy of how their cash is being reinvested into player development, they will continue to pay. Rangers have an amazing opportunity to use the huge fan base and ask them to spend on products and services that will ultimately benefit Rangers.

"However, fans will only pay if they are happy with the on-field activities, and right now the majority of fans are not happy. There is a big risk that if the current coaching regime remains, then fans will stop coming and we will see half of the season ticket sales we had this season.

"Change is required... and this starts with a big decision."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22402871

Interesting reading. Can't disagree with the standards of coaching points or the potential effect on ST sales.

[Allanger 625]

Wow. Lots of talking points in there

[debear 603]

Fairly sensible document. Hopefully the new board and CEO are keen to take it forward and put it into practice.

[elephants stoned 2,994]

My God that is everything we have been saying, and now its shelved because the old guard dumped Charles how did bbc get this anyway? Illegaly no doubt.

[Devils_Reject_Guy_06 16]

Showed they had a long term plan for our great cloob..

Shame Green's away

[Senna 735]

Fairly sensible document. Hopefully the new board and CEO are keen to take it forward and put it into practice.

Walter sacking Ally, Kenny and Durrant? You're kidding, right?

[Senna 735]

Still, expect no remorse from the Green Oot mob.

[TMB 14,167]

That document makes me wish Charles Green was still here. So these plans have be shelved? Great.

[debear 603]

Walter sacking Ally, Kenny and Durrant? You're kidding, right?

Yes.

[handballmadonna 3]

i see no indication ST sales will be effected if ally remains, bollocks.

[Allanger 625]

So many of those things are what the fans gave been crying out for.

[jcb 1,167]

If the ideas to take the club forward have been shelved, then should we not be asking why and what exactly anyone disagrees with.

[Senna 735]

Rangers' football philosophy

Rangers are in a unique position in British football in that we have a company that is debt free, and a very large faithful following even in the lowest league.

Continue reading the main story

“

Rangers would adapt the 'Total Football' philosophy across every team. This would require some major changes to current attitudes within the club.

”

Being in the lowest league also provides the opportunity to create a new structure with less pressure to make mistakes, and give ourselves time to 'test/try' new systems.

If we were in the top league there would be a huge pressure to succeed, but with Division Two and Division One over the next couple of years we can afford to learn from mistakes, so that in three years time we have a successful system on and off the park.

Rangers would adapt the 'total football' philosophy (or 'tiki-taka' by Barcelona) across every team, from the youths up to the first team.

All players would be coached on this pro-active style of football, and we would only recruit players who are prepared to work hard at their game and play as part of the team.

This would require some major changes to current attitudes within the club, and would no doubt result in some casualties.

The current staff costs are high for the level of football we currently play, so if these were cut then there would not be a large financial investment required to invest in a new system.

Some success stories across Europe are Ajax, Dortmund, Porto and Swansea. There are many articles available on these clubs, and it would be useful to visit these clubs to study how they developed their strategy and made it happen.

Our Vision.....

...is to win a major European trophy by 2020. Every decision made by each person connected with Rangers would be made with our vision in mind.

Continue reading the main story

“

If we played in the English Premiership and earned large payouts then our policy could change regarding selling on players

”

Whether you are the CEO, or the person taking calls from fans, you have your part to play in making Rangers one of the most successful clubs in European football.

We would all embrace this vision and have total belief that we will get there.

If anyone is not prepared to believe this then they will be helped to find an alternative company to work for. We will only accept a positive 'can-do' attitude and welcome suggestions on how we can continuously improve.

The objective of the club would be to develop young talent and provide them opportunities in the first team. Another objective is to develop players with a view to selling them on to the rich clubs across Europe.

This money would then be reinvested into youth development, and be used to pay incentive bonuses to the coaching staff.

If we played in the English Premiership and earned large payouts then our policy could change regarding selling on players, however we would always stick to budgets and not overspend.

Structure

We would have a director of football who would be responsible for the overall 'total football' development and delivery. This person would recruit the coaches at all levels, and lead them in the philosophy that we have.

All coaches would be trained on the exact same methodology and ensure that their teams play this style.

Choosing the director of football would be a key decision. We would want to attract a top European ex-player with great pedigree and reputation.

They would of course need to share the philosophy of 'total football' and have experience in developing this. They would be a natural leader with clear objectives on what they want to achieve.

Ajax manager Frank De Boer was named as a possible director of football

Ideal candidates. Unlikely to attract them but it gives an idea of the people who would be suitable:

• Frank de Boer - (current manager at Ajax and has won Dutch title in each of his two years). Ex-Rangers player for one season. Great reputation having had an excellent career and a big part of the Ajax family. Unsure if we would we be able to tempt him away. Marc Overmars is current Ajax Director of Football since 2012.

• Johan Cruyff - (currently manager of Catalonia football team [unofficial friendly team]). This will not be a full time role, and right now Cruyff is an influential advisor to Barcelona and Ajax.

• Frank Rijkaard - Left Saudi Arabia as coach on 16 Jan 2013 after they failed to reach the World Cup 2014 qualifiers. Successful player and comes from the coaching traditions of Rijkaard's countrymen and forebears, Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff.

• Someone close to Michel Platini, and other influential leaders of European football.

Continue reading the main story

“

Choosing the director of football would be a key decision. We would want to attract a top European ex-player with great pedigree and reputation.

”

We would then have a head coach (manager) who would be responsible for the first team only, but with a very keen interest and involvement within all Rangers teams.

Ideally a young manager with good leadership qualities and who would demand respect. Preferably a Scottish manager who knows the challenges of the Scottish game.

He should have had coaching experience and have a 'big picture' attitude. He would of course need to believe in the philosophy of 'total football', and have an optimistic view on taking Rangers to the top of Europe.

He would encourage and develop his players, show clear tactical awareness, and be willing to try new methods of training and coaching.

Mental attitude and confidence is a key component of all successful sportsmen, and Rangers will adapt this positive approach.

We will recruit the very best in sports psychologists and ensure that all our players and staff embrace the power of positivity.

Practices such as NLP have proven to be majorly successful in sport - just look at the success of the British cycling team, or the World Cup-winning English rugby team.

From the playing staff, we will see:

• A consistent style of football that attacks the ball and every player will give 100% for the full game, even if we are 4-0 up.

• The team will work for each other and press the opponents when not in possession.

Continue reading the main story

“

We will be 'smart' by challenging refereeing decisions, and be vocal in a respectable way.

”

• Players will be disciplined and act mature on and off the park.

• We will be 'smart' by challenging refereeing decisions, and be vocal in a respectable way.

• All players will display confidence and also show respect to opposing teams.

Rangers captain Lee McCulloch perhaps epitomises the whole-hearted approach of the plan

• Most of all, players will come off the park knowing that they have done their best.

• Players will know that if they have not shown the dedication, commitment and attitude that is required of a Rangers player, then they will not be here. They will be motivated at all times.

• Players will happily commit time to charity events, fans events, media, and most importantly the youth development. They will be role models.

• Rangers will look after their players by providing life coaching, financial advice and other support that will help them in their personal life.

The director of football would have the final decision on which players we sign, and would need to work within the budgets and policy set by the CEO/Board. The first team coach would of course have a lot of involvement in who we wish to buy or sell, however the director of football would have ultimate control.

Some policies on signing:

• In most cases, only sign players aged 25 or under.

• Do not sign 'troublesome stars'. Stick to team players who are level-headed.

• Bring in players with the potential to grow.

Continue reading the main story

“

We need to lose the reputation that we are an institution that can afford high wages.

”

• Recruit players with the right attitude and hunger (you can give them the skills, but it's difficult to change attitude).

• Strict wage structure with a basic salary and attractive bonuses.

• Bonuses could be based on number of performances, disciplinary, results, greater than three-goal victories.

• Tiered wage structure based on which league we play in.

• All players need to be incentivised to play well, behave themselves, and only be rewarded for their efforts (not by a large basic salary just for turning up).

• If players do not accept the policy then they are not fit to play for Rangers. It may mean we lose out on players, but we would benefit more by having a 'fair' system for all players.

• Stick to our policy on agency fees, and give the message that we are not prepared to pay over the odds. We need to lose the reputation that we are an institution that can afford high wages. Look what happened to the old regime who thought it was good to speculate on big transfers.

How we reward our people

Rather than pay high salaries to people, we will incentivise our people. If the club does well, our people will do well.

Players will be rewarded for winning trophies and maintaining the consistent style of football.

Continue reading the main story

“

Coaches would be rewarded by winning trophies, but the largest reward would come in the form of a percentage of the profit made by selling star players.

”

We could set targets in terms of the number of goals scored in a season, minimal goals conceded, and also the number of 'assists' or possession. The players should be incentivised to work as a team rather than try to make a name individually.

Coaches would be rewarded by winning trophies, but the largest reward would come in the form of a percentage of the profit made by selling star players.

This would then give the coaches a clear objective of player development knowing that they can benefit from a player who 'makes it'.

It would also soften the blow of losing star players from the squad, but ultimately our system would allow for someone else to step into the team and take their place.

A comprehensive financial model shall be produced that shows the connection between the selling of players, and the bonuses available to staff.

This approach should also be introduced to all employees of Rangers.

If the club has a successful period and has the funds available, then bonuses would be paid to all staff.

The plan ruled out a return of the high wages of the Dick Advocaat era

All employees would be performance-managed and be set clear objectives. They would be made accountable for their respective roles, and be expected to work efficiently. We cannot carry people.

Again, we will not pay over-inflated salaries, but will offer rewards based on good performance. This keeps people incentivised and only rewards those who deserve it.

There will be an optimistic 'buzz' around the place, with people having clear objectives and knowing exactly what their role is, and how they are helping Rangers to achieve the goal. People will be rewarded.

New people will come in and some will move on, and we will have a pro-active team of people providing a cost effective solution in all areas. We will be good to our people.

Our fans

With the events of 2012, the Rangers family are more bonded than ever. They have displayed overwhelming support and confidence in the club during the most difficult circumstances.

They are passionate in the redevelopment of their club, and they want nothing more than to see Rangers back at the very top and be able to look down with a wry smile at the people who tried so hard to hurt our club.

Continue reading the main story

“

Fans will only pay if they are happy with the on-field activities, and right now the majority of fans are not happy.

”

The Rangers fans will stick by the club and support us in their thousands, but only if they can see that there is progression.

Right now, many questions are being asked about what is really happening at the club, and the biggest concern seems to be the style of football and coaching theory.

With the fans on board, and a transparent policy of how their cash is being re-invested into player development, they will continue to pay.

Rangers have an amazing opportunity to use the huge fan base and ask them to spend on products and services that will ultimately benefit Rangers.

However, fans will only pay if they are happy with the on-field activities, and right now the majority of fans are not happy.

There is a big risk that if the current coaching regime remains, then fans will stop coming and we will see half of the season ticket sales we had this season.

Change is required.............and this starts with a big decision.

"Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision." Peter F. Drucker

This is the full document leaked to Pacific Quay.

[Allanger 625]

If the ideas to take the club forward have been shelved, then should we not be asking why and what exactly anyone disagrees with.

But who do we ask the questions to mate?

[Marco Negri's Beard 1,423]

I was very much a Green fan and still think we were hasty to get rid of him

However, lets take this document as it is, a list of ideas. All very well saying this stuff but would it have been implemented? Who knows? Wouldn't surprise me if Green or Ahmed gave it to the BBC - an easy bit of good press

Does sound like the right ideas though, everything we've been after. Shame we won't find out if Green could have implemented some of it

[debear 603]

Wee Imran must have written that after a morning on here.

[OLE SUPER WILBERT 2,475]

Thank fuck this lunatic's gone.

Win a European trophy by 2020?!

[True Azure 1,414]

I'm betting that this document will not be implemented in any way shape or form. It will gather dust in somebody's office while we proceed as before.

[Turnberry18 3,204]

It's a pity that Charles Green has left. If Mr Green is dispensable, then Ally McCoist is dispensable too. If we don't play better next season then questions will have to be asked about the management of the team.

[Edmiston Drive 3,846]

I despair if this document is true, really despair!

It sums up what I see fans talk about on here, hear them say at work, in pubs, and around the stadium.

Just getting trumpet out.....I said that every team should be set up to lay the exact same system , so any lad coming in will feel at ease with the system he would be asked to playing in........common sense and players should be geared towards bonus systems long with management.

[Senna 735]

i see no indication ST sales will be effected if ally remains, bollocks.

I can't justify renewing for those performances next season. I'll pick and choose games in the coming season.

[Marco Negri's Beard 1,423]

With a quick scan over it it's all....well a bit idealistic. Nothing wrong with that per we but people should take it as it is. Just because this stuff was written down, doesn't mean there was any guarantees that that's what would have happened

[Crespie6 334]

http://www.bbc.co.uk...otball/22402871

Interesting reading. Can't disagree with the standards of coaching points or the potential effect on ST sales.

you put this here to wind me up, didnt you?!?!?

[1st_Jan_1994 4,868]

i see no indication ST sales will be effected if ally remains, bollocks.

You sure about that?

Season ticket sales will drop and it will be blamed on the "off the field turmoil"

The document itself, absolutely spot-on, 100%

I had a feeling big changes were afloat before Green resigned. Hopefully Mather see's them through - or has the balls to.

[haudthebus 49]

Fuck another mole or a labour of them.