- Former Rangers defender Maruce Ross recalls Dick Advocaat as “terrifying” but an “absolute winner” during Ibrox spell.
- Advocaat praised for ruthless, defensive structure expected to shape Curacao approach against Scotland at Hampden.
- Ex-Gers full-back highlights manager’s elite mentality and lasting influence ahead of international clash.
Former Rangers right-back Maurice Ross has admitted he was “terrified” of Dick Advocaat during his time at Ibrox, as he offered a revealing insight into the Dutchman’s demanding methods.
The former Cowdenbeath manager also warning Scotland to expect a brutally organised Curacao side under the veteran coach.
Ross, who made his Rangers debut at just 19 under Advocaat in February 2000. Featuring 108 times for the Gers before departing in 2005.
Maurice Ross reflects on Dick Advocaat at Rangers
This came during a period when the Dutchman reshaped Ibrox with a hard-edged, trophy-winning structure. Looking back more than two decades later, Ross says the then-manager’s aura left a lasting impression.
“I’m looking at him now as a 45-year-old man, but when I was 20 and Advocaat came into the building, he was terrifying,” he said on ‘The Little General.’
“For someone that isn’t so tall, what a presence he has. He is an absolute winner.”
Dick Advocaat set for World Cup record
Advocaat, now 78, is currently in charge of Curacao and is set to become the oldest coach in World Cup history this summer.
In what is a remarkable late-career chapter for a manager still defined by intensity and control.
Ross believes that same philosophy will shape Curacao’s approach, particularly in their upcoming international fixtures, including a meeting with Scotland at Hampden.
“Curacao will not be going into this thinking they are going on a holiday,” he said.
“The standout line for me from his press conferences is ‘make it as difficult as possible’.
“There will be a solid defensive structure, more so than when he was at Rangers. They will sit in and hit on the counter hoping to score from set-plays.”
Rangers stars set for Scotland test
Scotland, managed by Steve Clarke, are set to face Advocaat’s side tomorrow at Hampden, with several current Rangers stars involved in the national squad. Including John Souttar, Liam Kelly, Findlay Curtis and recent signing Lawrence Shankland.
Ross also reflected on the contrasting sides of Advocaat’s personality. The defender recalling both his emotional distance as a young player and his warmth in later encounters.
“He doesn’t get beaten often at Hampden, my old gaffer, so we need to be careful,” he said.
“I would see him with Arthur Numan and he’d be lovely and kind and gentle but with me, he didn’t give me any time. I hadn’t earned that level of relationship.
“Off the back of a result, nobody goes near him but the majority of elite leaders are like that.”
Readrangers.com analysis – Jack Cranmer
Despite the fearsome reputation he held during his playing days, Ross insists time has softened that perception, describing a far more personable figure when they eventually crossed paths again.
“I have seen him once since he left and he couldn’t have been nicer,” he said.
“A gentleman, a proper football man and somebody I’ll be incredibly grateful to.”
As Scotland prepare for a testing Hampden encounter, Ross’s reflections serve as a reminder of the tactical discipline and psychological edge Advocaat has carried across decades. From the dressing rooms of Ibrox to the global stage with Curacao.
