6 Rangers heroes who could make Ibrox returns as Defoe headlines possible candidates for Koppen's grand plan

The old guard will be called upon but who will be the ones to help restore Rangers values at Ibrox?

Nils Koppen has been appointed the new technical director, and with it, he wants to bring back some established ex-players. In an response to club media when outlining trying to sort issues within the academy, Koppen said: “One of the things where I'm looking at is maybe adding in some ex-professional Rangers players to increase that level of DNA, that level of detail.

“Players that were in this building, been a part of it and know what it's about. That's something that's going to be key in the years to come.”

So, who comes into that bracket? Who are the club heroes that may be called upon? We look at six candidates.

Lee McCulloch

We’re going to work on the assumption they will take a coaching role behind the scene. McCulloch has been involved with promotional activities at Rangers since leaving his role as Hearts assistant boss. On top of coaching experience at Kilmarnock, he’s won 10 trophies with Rangers, having been with them in the Scottish Premier League and also as part of their journey back from the fourth tier.

Barry Ferguson

An iconic midfielder of the club who would likely be in more than a few peoples best-ever Rangers XI’s. A fierce captain and serial winner as a player at Rangers and young players would learn a thing or two about what it means to play for the Ibrox club working with him. Some concerns would perhaps come from his management career to date. A mixed spell as Clyde boss before winning the Lowland League at Kelty Hearts, and then having a disappointing stint at the Alloa Athletic helm.

Kevin Thomson

The most obvious shout that will be made with this declaration. Was a highly-regarded coach within the Rangers youth system previously but hasn’t been back in at a club since leaving his boss role at Kelty Hearts. Lauded as a forward-thinking coach, expect tips for his return to Govan.

Steven Naismith

Is someone who’s just been manager at Hearts out of reach? Well, the head of academy role is being ran by David McCallum on an interim basis. Having had the title of ‘B’ team boss at Hearts previously, would he be tempted back to youth level if it was a role of this prestige? Has Premier League experience on top of six trophies won as a Rangers player.

Jermain Defoe

Former Tottenham and Sunderland striker has had a career at the top of the UK game, winning the league with Rangers in 2021. Was briefly a coach at Rangers towards the end of his time at Ibrox and has since coached Tottenham’s U18s. Wants to be a boss in his own right and his love of Govan could pull on the heart strings.

Kenny Miller

A reliable goal scorer and trophy winner over multiple spells as a player, Miller has coached at Livingston, Falkirk and Huddersfield Town. Became number two to former Celtic boss Ronny Deila at Abu Dhabi giants Al Wahda, however, you wonder what the response would be if a side he’s played for over three spells came calling.