Weeks of speculation regarding the assistant managers role at Loftus Road can finally be put to bed following the news that John Gorman is to be instated as Jim Magiltons no.2 for the forthcoming Championship season.
Gorman's arrival will see the 59 year old once again team up with new R's boss Jim Magilton, just months after the pair were shown the exit door at Ipswich Town. Gorman has penned a two year deal at Loftus road which runs until the end of the 2010/11 campaign.
Gorman started his coaching career in 1993 working alongside friend Glenn Hoddle at Swindon Town. He has worked with Hoddle at three other clubs including England, Spurs and Southampton. He has also had two mediocre attempts at management with spells at Wycombe and Northampton Town.
Gorman's appointment seems to be a sensible choice amongst rangers fans. The big scot is a much liked character within football circles who brings with him a wealth of experience and football know-how to a club which has lacked direction in previous seasons. Hopefully the players will be happy with the new management team, and quickly build a good working relationship with the pair.
The fact that Magilton and Gorman have been instated as 'first team manager' and 'assistant manager' respectively, seems to indicate a fundamental shift in the hierarchal organisation at Loftus Road. In the time under Briatore's chairmanship, the likes of Di Canio, Dowie and Sousa have worked as first team coaches only, with apparently no jurisdiction over player transfers, starting line up or formation.
It would appear then that Briatore and co have heeded the criticism and concern of players and supporters alike, and reverted to a more conventional method of running a Championship football club. That is to let a manager, who I would hope knows more about football than Mr. Briatore, actually 'manage' the football team without disruption, and be allowed to get on with the task of getting us promoted.
If Briatore has any sense at all he will have learnt from his previous errors, and realise that Magilton will need to be given time in order to succeed at the club. I think that if Magilton is allowed to do things his way, rangers will be much improved on last season. Whether or not Briatore can keep his meddling hands to himself is another matter, but in the meantime I feel the club is beginning to head in the right direction. A few good additions (strikers!) here and there could see us become a real force in this division, and hopefully the 2009/10 campaign will provide us supporters with plenty to cheer.
The best of luck to both Jim Magilton and John Gorman...I am sure they will need it!