The title might come with a whole host of responsibilities for ensuring the positive progression of a football club. But in the end the sporting director will almost always be judged on one facet alone. Recruitment.
Ross Wilson knows that as he prepares for his seventh transfer window at Rangers - and his first with Michael Beale as manager. At Ibrox his role might also take in the progression of the academy, ensuring its philosophies align with the first team, the infrastructure at Ibrox and Auchenhowie and the club’s vast scouting network.
But when all is said and done it’s the players who come in the door and the cash that arrives for those departing Edmiston Drive which will determine how successful the sporting director is at any club. In the three years since he arrived from Southampton Wilson has played his part in delivering a first title in a decade, a first Scottish Cup in 13 years, a stunning run to the Europa League Final and a return to the Champions League group stage.
