Giovanni van Bronckhorst often left fans frustrated at his lack of substitutions during games.
But the Rangers gaffer’s changes are now having a huge impact as he shows his managerial class.
With his team toiling on Tayside as they trailed Dundee 1-0 on Sunday, the Dutchman introduced Fashion Sakala and Joe Aribo.
And his instruction to send Connor Goldson up late on paid off big style as the defender grabbed the winner after Aaron Ramsey, moved into a central role where he was more effective, had equalised.
Former Dundee boss Jim Duffy described it as a “tactical masterclass” while working at the game for BBC Scotland.
It comes after Van Bronckhorst also switched things at half-time against Borussia Dortmund, hooking Borna Barisic and switching to five at the back.
But there was a time when a lack of subs was a major concern for a section of the Gers support.
And former Light Blues striker Andy Little told Sky Sports: “There was a wee bit of disappointment from the fans with some substitutions or lack of substitutions.
“But we seen against Aberdeen where Kemar Roofe came on and got the winner that he’s certainly not been shy of making substitutions early in games recently.
“And he really threw caution to the wind and it paid off (against Dundee). An 86th minute winner from centre half Connor Goldson who, credit to the manager, had just put him up front to try and get that winning goal.
“Dundee started the brighter but they just tired and a couple of really attack-minded substitutions at half time from manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst - Joe Aribo and Fashion Sakala came on - helped them get the equaliser and it was brilliant to see Aaron Ramsey get 84 minutes under his belt.
“And it was a masterstroke of a decision to put the centre half up front and Rangers got the three points.
“You had that feeling (that they wouldn’t get the job done) certainly Dundee were very impressive first half and went at Rangers after a poor performance the previous Sunday.
“It’s heating up in Glasgow - not just the sunshine but the title race is right on.”
James Tavernier squandered a penalty chance after Bobby Madden pointed to the spot for a tug on Alfredo Morelos but Little admitted it was soft.
He said: “Rangers dominated possession - they had 76 per cent of the ball - and when you dominate a game like that you’re going to have opportunities and create chances.
“They had 19 shots on target and the penalty was a little bit on the soft side but the more you fire balls into the box and put centre halves under pressure the more you ask questions of the referee to give penalties and it went in their favour.”
The game was held up on three occasion due to visiting fans throwing toilet rolls and tennis balls on the pitch in protest at the planned friendly against Celtic in Australia.
Goalkeeper Allan McGregor was caught on camera muttering f****** a******** and Little said: “At 1-0 down at half time the manager said his piece after the game and a few of you would have noticed Allan McGregor said his piece on the pitch.
“The players were disappointed, they don’t want to be disrupted at the start of the second half when they’re trying to get back into the game and a bit of momentum.
“I understand the fans want to make their opinions heard but there’s a time and a place.”
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