STEWART ROBERTSON is confident Ross Wilson can help Rangers become the “dominant force in Scottish football” after moving from Southampton.

The 36-year-old has been appointed as sporting director at Ibrox and fills the vacancy left by Mark Allen after he stepped down from his position as director of football last month.

Wilson was close to joining Rangers before Allen was installed in 2017 but chose to remain with Southampton and continue his work off the field at St Mary’s.

But he has now decided the time is right to return to Scotland, where he started his career with Falkirk.

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Wilson spent over a year working with Watford before he was appointed as Executive Director and head of football operations at Huddersfield Town. He has spent the last four and a half years with Southampton and worked alongside the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and current boss Ralph Hasenhüttl.

Wilson will now oversee Rangers’ football operations and managing director Robertson is delighted to have his man at Ibrox.

Robertson said: “We have been aware of the capabilities and expertise of Ross for a long time and when we found we had to move for someone to fill the role left vacant by the departure of Mark Allen, we had no hesitation in looking again to Ross, who is highly regarded within the game.

“He has a terrific track record and he shares our view of what is required to restore Rangers as the dominant force in Scottish football. Ross also shares our vision, and that of our manager Steven Gerrard, of where we want to position this Club in the years ahead. We are delighted Ross has chosen to join us to guide and add greater momentum to the progress already made and I look forward to working with him.”