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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Iconic BBC presenter Dougie Donnelly recalls major Rangers job offer

Dougie Donnelly has revealed he was sounded out for major roles at both Rangers and the Scottish FA.

The iconic presenter has lifted the lid on approaches to see him take up positions at Ibrox or Hampden while he was leading BBC sports coverage.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, the veteran broadcaster has explained initial discussions took place over the role of Rangers head of media and also the chief executive post at the Scottish FA.

However, Donnelly has insisted neither job hugely piqued his interest as it would have meant giving up his other responsibilities for demanding posts.

Recalling the Rangers approach in 2000, Donnelly admitted he was warned over manager Dick Advocaat potentially making the position a difficult one.

"I never thought about either job too hard," he said. "The Rangers approach came in a telephone call in about 2000.


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"It was a sort of, 'would you be interested?' question. I was told by someone in the know that Dick Advocaat, the manager then, would have made it a difficult job. But I had no compelling interest.

"I have spent most of my career protesting that I am a Clyde fan with people asking if I am a Rangers Clyde fan or a Celtic Clyde fan. I wasn’t really tempted."

Explaining the tentative talks over becoming Scottish FA chief executive, he added: "It was just a sounding out. Why would I put myself in the line of fire to take either of the two hardest jobs in Scottish football?

"I would have had to have given up everything else and frankly I did not have the skill set for either job.

"I would like to think I could have identified some problems and addressed them."

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