🔗 Share this article

Nearly four and a half months after Russell Martin's first press conference as the club's head coach, successor Danny Rohl met with reporters at Rangers' stadium for the initial occasion.

The scale of the challenge facing him is well known, given Martin's turbulent and unsuccessful 123-day spell.

The former Wednesday boss was accompanied by chairman the chairman, along with the much-criticized pair of sporting director Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.

However, what exactly was revealed from the 36-year-old coach's maiden media outing as the club's manager?

Rohl's Primary Focus - Winning Comes First

One thing came through clearly from Rohl's initial presentation in front of the local press - he understands the need to secure victories, and achieve this rapidly.

His predecessor Russell Martin managed just 17 matches and four months as manager, so the question arose about how long Rohl thinks is realistic to turn around the struggling squad.

Although deftly sidestepping a specific response that might create future pressure, Rohl's message was very evident.

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

"In this business you have not much time. You can discuss long-term vision but it's understood it concerns the short-term and the short-term is about winning games. That is my requirement.

"One thing is also clear - I require every squad member to understand our intended to perform. I come back to my primary theme: victory comes first, entertaining football and unity. By following this sequence, I believe that I'll stay very long here."

Pressure is Standard

The previous manager needed security protection to leave the Falkirk Stadium after his last game in charge.

We've witnessed how hostile environments can become at football clubs when performances are poor. Demonstrations have nearly become an expected aspect of game day atmosphere on each part of the city currently.

As Rangers' youngest manager in history, the question was posed about which attributes Rohl believes he has that would enable him to handle, let alone excel, in one of the highest-pressure positions in UK soccer?

"I think pressure in this business is normal," he commented. "You must learn that very quickly.

"I believe certain individuals could reference my youth but I have been 16 years on this path. I experienced an excellent chance to work with Bayern Munich and be just the assistant coach, but I experienced what it means to manage a team and the pressure you face.

"When you start getting results and then certain people will say you must produce entertaining soccer. That becomes the phase but that's exactly my intention. I relish that challenge and I'm excited for the future."

The Sporting Director Defends Striker Acquisition & Appointing His Son

The media pack had plenty of inquiries from journalists for Thelwell.

Much discussion has focused on the appointment of Robbie Thelwell as head of recruitment, with fans unconvinced about his credentials for the position.

However, he defended and explained the decision to recruit his son to Ibrox.

"It's always awkward to hear and optically I think we all agreed when we made this step to hire Robbie that he would be seen negatively," Thelwell said.

"The reality of the situation is that we aim to bring the top talent here.

"My perspective on his professional path and situation is he required no my assistance in soccer.

"He's worked at Villa as a senior scout, he then moved to Norwich City as head of scouting and then was elevated to player pathways manager.

"Before we recruited him, two top division clubs sought to sign him. What we did from the start of proceedings was discuss with Patrick, the chairman and deputy chairman Paraag Marathe about this situation.

"I was extremely transparent and I believe he likely experienced a more rigorous process than anybody else who's employed by the team.

"What I do know is that he'll labor 25/8 to be successful for this football club and I'm looking forward seeing him demonstrating that he's going to be an excellent employee for the club."

Additionally, Thelwell supported the acquisition of forward Chermiti, who arrived at Rangers for an alleged first payment of eight million pounds, after failing to find the net in 24 appearances for his previous club.

It was Thelwell who transferred the Portuguese youth international to Merseyside from Sporting Lisbon - again for significant money in a fifteen million pound transfer.

The question came if he stands by his multi-million pound signing, who hasn't yet score in seven outings for the club.

"Yes, very much so," Thelwell answered. "I believe Youssef Chermiti is a player who's got huge potential.

"I haven't questioned him whatsoever. Similarly, I think Danny will assist in get the best out of Youssef.

"These are initial stages for him, he's a promising prospect and of course with inexperienced players they sometimes require patience.

"But I'm certain over the course of his career here he'll demonstrate that he is very, very good footballer."

Stewart Acknowledges Fan Disappointment and Hurt

The chief executive was in the media scrutiny, considering the criticism that has been directed his way by certain of the club's own supporters.

Additionally, there was a banner in the Sandy Jardine stand during the recent draw with Dundee United inviting Stewart - and the sporting director - to pack his bags before being removed for them.

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

"I totally understand the disappointment and anger that fans are experiencing because performances recently haven't met good enough and no one is happy with those," he said.

"The hurt and frustration they feel is matched inside the boardroom.

"Recognize that there has to be a channel for that dissatisfaction and in my role, I'm responsible.

"I'm a lightning rod for such issues and my role as a