Danny Rohl pledged to do all he can to turn Rangers’ season around after being confirmed as the club’s next manager.
The 36-year-old German has signed a deal through to 2028 and becomes the 21st permanent boss in the Ibrox club’s history.
The agreement signals the end of a bewildering recruitment process which saw the former Sheffield Wednesday manager interviewed by the club’s American owners for a second time after their initial interest in him in June.
Fearing he was out of the picture after Rangers opened talks with Steven Gerrard then Kevin Muscat, Rohl stepped back last week only for negotiations to start again when discussions with the Australian collapsed on Sunday.
But with the deal now confirmed, Rohl set his sights on quickly turning around the side’s fortunes starting with Thursday’s Europa League clash away to Norwegian side SK Brann CC
‘It is a huge privilege to be taking on the role of head coach at such an incredible club, recognised around the world,’ he said.
Danny Rohl won’t have long to get used to the Rangers squad ahead of European action
Rohl’s only other experience as a manager was at Sheffield Wednesday
‘I know it has been a difficult start to the season, but there is still so much to play for in four competitions, and my staff and I will give it everything to reward the supporters and the club.
‘The expectations here are clear. The fans want to see results now – my mentality and experience is to think in exactly the same way and I have belief in the players that we can achieve this.
‘We have no time to waste, we start straight away. I respect that trust is earned and understand we have to give the supporters confidence in what we are doing by showing it on the pitch from the start.
‘The expectations are huge and I love this challenge because I set high standards for myself and the team too. Rangers is built on a tradition of hard work, unity and success – that is exactly what you will get from me and what I want my team to represent for all of you.
‘I’m looking forward to meeting the squad and getting down to work ahead of Thursday’s game away to Brann.’
It’s understood that Rohl will look to being in coaches with experience of Rangers. The club’s former midfielder Steven Davis is believed to be under consideration.
Rohl’s coaching career began at RB Leipzig. He moved to Southampton then back to Germany with Bayern Munich and went on to become assistant boss under Hansi Flick at the national team.
His one and only experience of management came at Sheffield Wednesday two years ago. Having taken over a side which was rooted at the foot of the Championship, he guided then to safety.
The Owls finished 12th in his one full season before he left by mutual agreement amid ongoing financial difficulties at the club.
Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart will be hoping this appointment fares better than the last
He takes over a Rangers side that’s recorded just win from eight Premiership matches and has lost its two Europa League after tumbling out of the Champions League at the hands of Club Brugge.
The dismal start saw Russell Martin sacked after just 123 days in charge with youth coach Steven Smith put in charge for weekend draw with Dundee United.
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell believes Rohl has all the credentials to succeed in Glasgow.
‘Danny has the qualities required to succeed here, allied with being an exceptional coach,’ he said.
‘He has worked in some of the most demanding football environments in the world, where winning is the only expectation, and we believe that background has prepared him for Rangers.
‘His job will be to get the best out of the players and build a team that, first and foremost, wins, as we all target success this season.’
