Put simply: I get where folks are coming from who feel uneasy about women stepping into the hot-seat as head coach of a top men's team. This isn't about disrespecting anybody, it's about what people think works in a high-pressure dressing room and how broadcasters pick pundits. I want to set out my view without being daft about it.

Respect, dressing rooms and reality

To be fair, the dressing-room dynamic at elite clubs is its own animal. The Old Firm, Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga — they all have enormous egos, big personalities and a media spotlight that never lets up. People argue that a head coach needs absolute authority and the players' buy-in from day one. Some fans believe a female head coach would struggle to command that respect in a men's environment, and they find that prospect hard to accept.

Now, that is an opinion, not a fact. Plenty of women are brilliant coaches and tactically sharp. My point is about perceived feasibility and human nature in elite men's football, not a blanket statement about ability.

Roles where it does make sense

I’m much more comfortable with women in coaching teams — on the training ground, as specialists, as part of the backroom staff. That's where their expertise can shine without the same level of boardroom and dressing-room politics that come with the top job. Coaching is a team endeavour and diverse perspectives can lift everyone.

And when it comes to the women’s game, absolutely — women should be central. Men and women coaching their respective teams is sensible because the games do have different dynamics and pathways, and experience in one doesn’t automatically translate to instant success in the other.

Broadcasting, inclusivity and standards

There’s a bit of a gripe among fans about broadcasters prioritising diversity over experience at times. I’m fine with more voices being heard — to be honest, I like Alex Scott on screen — but there’s a worry that some appointments feel tokenistic or driven by optics rather than genuine expertise. That breeds resentment and it’s not good for the game.

Truth is, clubs and media should pick the best person for the job. If the best person happens to be female, great. If someone is on merit, people will accept them quicker. The debate shouldn’t be binary; it should be about competence, fit and trust. As a Rangers supporter, I want decisions that make the team stronger and the coverage sharper, not culture points scored for appearance’s sake.

Rangers News Views or no, these are sensible questions fans are asking and they’re worth having properly, without shouting or shutting down the conversation.

Written by Stevie_G_new: 8 June 2026

Tags: tactics