STEPHEN ROBINSON remembers how Jim Gillespie stood by him — now he hopes he isn’t the one walking away. SunSport revealed last weekend that the St Mirren vice-chairman is in the frame to become Rangers’ new chief executive. 3 Rangers have been seeking a replacement for James Bisgrove since he quit as CEO at the start of June Credit: Getty 3 Sunsport exclusively revealed Jim Gillespie is front-runner for the Ibrox role Credit: The Sun 3 But St Mirren boss Stephen Robionson is hopeful his club can keep their vice-chairman Credit: Kenny Ramsay Gillespie played a massive role in convincing Robbo to take charge of the Buddies in 2022, then backed him as he struggled in the opening games.
He has become a trusted ally as Robinson has looked to bring in the new signings that have taken Saints into the top six and Europe . Robinson said: “I can’t comment on the stories. I’ve not had that conversation with Jim.
“But I speak to him every day about players and about the football club, and he’s certainly been brilliant for me. Read More on Rangers CEO hunt NEXT MAN UP Rangers' new chief exec REVEALED as Gers to raid rivals to replace Bisgrove BILL LECKIE The Rangers CEO job is one for a masochist - the club is unravelling “Jim’s been a huge driving force behind the club in terms of mentality, and it’s thinking like a European club now. “We push everything to the limit and he’s been a massive driver of that.
I hope the stories aren’t true, but if they are it would be a huge loss. “Our main relationship is on a recruitment basis, he’s the board member in charge of recruitment and overseeing things and saying yes or no. “But he also brought me here.
Jim headhunted me from Morecambe. When I didn’t win for the first six games, he was a big support, as was Tony Fitzpatrick and the rest of the board. Most read in Football 'IT'S MORE SCOTLAND' Philippe Clement hints at real reason Cantwell wants to quit Rangers BLUE PRINT Prem side unveil stunning flythrough video of new £95m stadium with roof terrace TRANSFER TALK Rodgers breaks silence on Kyogo's future and provides Matt O'Riley update GER ON THE MOVE Matondo and Davies prepped to LEAVE as ex-Hoops coach closes in on £3m man “Nobody ever wavered from what they thought would be the right decision.
When you don’t think you can stretch things any further, Jim and the board always find a way. “They have supported me massively so I have nothing but praise for the full board and obviously my working relationship with Jim.” Fresh footage shows latest progress at Ibrox after Rangers took delivery of final batch of delayed steel Celtic arrive in Paisley on Sunday not having lost to Saints in nearly two years.
Matt O’Riley looks destined for Brighton and may have played his last game for the Hoops already, while Manchester City have shown interest in Kyogo Furuhashi . Robinson would love to see both of them leave today, especially as O’Riley has been giving him nightmares since he was bossing Morecambe. He added: “He scored two against me when he was at MK Dons, so I set him on his way! Mind you, at Morecambe we set most people on their way.
"You could tell at that stage of his career what a fantastic footballer O’Riley was. He was an excellent player. It’s been great recruitment from Celtic .
“The bigger clubs are circling around anybody with any kind of talent at that level. You hear about them and you’re aware of them. “Stopping them is a different thing.
He’s done fantastically well for Celtic. I believe with the talent he has O’Riley could go anywhere. “Celtic fans won’t want him to leave, and I’m sure they will hope he stays for a long time.
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Asked if departures from the Hoops makes it more difficult for him to plan for Sunday's game , Robinson said: “It doesn’t, because they will bring in another very good player. “We hope both those deals are done before Sunday — it would be fantastic news for us, to be honest! “They are fantastic footballers . Celtic have got a squad of depth and Brendan has recruited very well as always.
“They will have people to replace them or will be in the process of replacing them.” Robinson completed a loan deal for Crystal Palace’s Irish attacking midfielder Killian Phillips this week, and he could be forced to pitch the 22-year-old straight in because of injuries . He added: “He’s played a couple of pre-season games so he’s not quite up to speed, but he’s coming in looking good.
Read more on the Scottish Sun MORAY MANIA Cops called amid huge queues as fizzy drink re-launch causes chaos MURRAY MAKEOVER Andy Murray hit with fresh warning over renovations at luxury Cromlix hotel “He’s a fit, strong boy. With Mark O’Hara being out for the last few weeks we’ve noticed we need a little bit more athleticism in there, and certainly Killian will provide that. “With our midfield injuries he certainly gives us a boost.
Whether that’s on Sunday or going forward then I’m sure he’ll be a really good signing for us.” Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page.
