🔗 Share this article

Exactly four and a half months after the previous coach's initial media briefing as the club's manager, successor Danny Rohl faced reporters at Rangers' stadium for the first time.

The magnitude of the task ahead of him is well known, given his predecessor's turbulent and unsuccessful 123-day tenure.

The ex- Wednesday boss was joined by chairman the chairman, along with the frequently questioned duo of sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Stewart.

But what precisely did we learn from the 36-year-old German's first public appearance as Rangers boss?

The Manager's Primary Focus - Victory Comes First

One thing came through clearly from the new coach's initial presentation before the Scottish media - he recognizes the need to secure victories, and do so rapidly.

His predecessor Martin managed just 17 games and four months in charge, so the question emerged about what timeframe the new man believes is reasonable to turn around the struggling team.

Although deftly avoiding a direct answer that could bring later expectations, the coach's message was very evident.

"Hopefully as soon as possible," he said. "That is essential.

"In football you have not much time. One can talk about long-term vision but it's understood it concerns the short-term and the short-term involves securing victories. That is what I demand.

"One thing is also obvious - I need all players to understand how we want to perform. I come back to my primary message: victory comes first, entertaining football and it's together. By following this order, I believe that I'll stay for years here."

Pressure is Normal

Martin required a police escort to leave the stadium after his final game in charge.

We've witnessed how hostile situations can become at football clubs when performances are poor. Demonstrations have almost become a regular part of game day atmosphere on both sides of the city currently.

As Rangers' youngest ever head coach, the inquiry asked about which attributes the coach thinks he has that would allow him to handle, never mind excel, in one of the most pressurized roles in UK soccer?

"In my opinion expectations in football are standard," he stated. "One needs to understand that very quickly.

"I believe certain individuals might mention my youth but I have been 16 years on this path. I experienced a great chance to be at the German club and be just the assistant manager, but I felt the reality to manage a team and the demands you face.

"You begin winning games and then some critics claim you must produce entertaining soccer. That's the next stage but precisely what I want. I relish that challenge and I'm excited about what's ahead."

The Sporting Director Explains Striker Acquisition & Appointing Family Member

There were numerous questions from journalists directed at Thelwell.

Much discussion has focused on the appointment of Robbie Thelwell as recruitment chief, with supporters skeptical about his credentials for the position.

However, he justified and explained the decision to recruit Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.

"It remains uncomfortable to hear and in appearance I believe we all agreed when we made this step to hire him that he'd be seen negatively," Thelwell stated.

"The truth of the situation is that we aim to bring the top players here.

"My view on Robbie's career and situation is he required no my assistance in football.

"He served at Aston Villa as head scout, he then moved to Norwich as scouting chief and then got promoted to development role.

"Before we hiring him, multiple top division clubs wanted to acquire him. Our approach right at the beginning of proceedings was discuss with the CEO, the chairman and deputy chairman Marathe about this situation.

"I remained highly open and I believe he likely underwent a stricter process than any other who's employed by the team.

"I'm certain is that he will work 25/8 to be successful for Rangers and I'm looking forward to him demonstrating that he'll become a valuable staff member for Rangers."

Additionally, Thelwell supported the signing of forward Youssef Chermiti, who joined Rangers for an alleged first payment of £8m, after failing to find the net in 24 appearances for his previous club.

The sporting director who brought the Portuguese youth international to Merseyside from Sporting - once more for significant money in a fifteen million pound deal.

He was asked if he supports his multi-million pound purchase, who hasn't yet score in seven outings for the club.

"Absolutely, very much so," Thelwell responded. "I believe the striker represents who's got great ability.

"I've never doubted him in any way. Again, I believe the manager will help to maximize the potential out of Youssef.

"These are initial stages for the young player, he's a young talent and naturally with inexperienced players they occasionally require patience.

"However, I'm convinced throughout of his career here he's going to prove that he is highly capable player."

Stewart Understands Fan Disappointment and Anger

The chief executive was in the media firing line, given the vitriol that has been directed his way by some of the club's fans.

Additionally, there was a banner in the stadium during the recent tie with United suggesting him - and Thelwell - to depart before they were packed for them.

Like his sporting director, the CEO did not evade the issue.

"I totally understand the frustration and hurt that fans are experiencing because results this season haven't met good enough and no one is happy with them," he said.

"The pain and disappointment fans experience is mirrored inside the boardroom.

"Recognize that there must exist an outlet for those frustrations and in my role, I'm responsible.

"I'm a focal point for those and my responsibility as a