Rangers nine-in-a-row hero makes latest Ibrox return in familiar role as he delivers Clement vote of confidence
The Englishman has detailed how long he would personally give manager Philippe Clement to turn the club’s fortunes around.
A Rangers nine-in-a-row hero has announced he has returned to Ibrox for a FIFTH time in an ambassadorial role - two years after receiving a short phone call that ended his association with the club.
Legendary former striker Mark Hateley - who led the line for the Light Blues alongside Ally McCoist between 1990 and 1995 - enjoyed two seperate spells in Govan during his playing career and became a real fan favourite. He also had two stints working as an official representative of the club.
He would make a brief comeback under Walter Smith in 1997 when the Gers were short of attacking options before helping them clinch their ninth league title in a row. And the 62-year-old has confirmed he’s now back working at Ibrox in a similar ambassadorial capacity.
Speaking on the first episode of the Let Me Be Frank podcast with former Scottish Sun journalist Simon Houston and Celtic great Frank McAvennie, the Englishman said: “It's always a big summer for either of the Old Firm. I'm back in at Rangers now, as an ambassador. I'm dealing with all sorts of different things. I'm looking forward to getting back in for next season.”
As manager Philippe Clement continues to carry out his summer squad overhaul with the help of recruitment chief Nils Koppen, Hateley is hopeful the Belgian is capable of transforming the club’s fortunes next season after failing to oust Celtic from finishing top of the Scottish Premiership last term. He also reckons the player exodus is far from over after five departures were announced last month.
“It's a really interesting pre-season for Philippe,” Hateley admitted. “This is the time to invest in the manager, which Rangers have done. What he's done so far with a group of players who aren't his has been pretty special. He's realised who he needs and who he doesn't need.
“We've already seen five players go out the door and I think there will be a few more before the season starts again. This is where we are now. When you invest in a manager, you've got to give him three windows. Let him get the group he wants, and everything else behind the scenes with the academy and the head of recruitment.”