Russell Martin can transform Rangers as ex-owner loves him
Winkelman gave the Rangers managerial candidate his big break in management in the English lower leagues. The 39-year-old had the Dons playing free-flowing football and quickly attracted the attentions of Swansea.
But it wasn't just what he delivered on the pitch. His old boss says he brought the whole club together as his impact went beyond just the training pitch and a game on a Saturday.
Winkelman told the Scottish Sun: "I love the man. I wish him every success.
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'He will bring a hell of a lot to Rangers. It won't just be a little tweak here or there to what happens on the pitch.
'Throughout the club, he'll get everyone together.
'Russ has an understanding of the whole club, and great knowledge of how all the parts come together.
'It's not just about coaching for him, he understands how the club all fits.
'This is probably the kind of talk that impressed the Rangers bosses in his interview.
'You need that understanding if you're competing at the top of the Premiership. It's as tough as it can be.
'I'll be thrilled for him if he gets the job. I'll be excited to see what he can do.
'Rangers will certainly be an attractive team to watch if Russ gets the job.
'I'll be watching for Rangers' results now. You tend to do that with people you really like.'
Winkelman once appointed Roberto Di Matteo, who went onto win the Champions League with Chelsea, and former Liverpool and Manchester United star Paul Ince.
He holds Martin in similar regard, adding: 'Russ was one of the best appointments I made, and I like to think I made a few.
'I gave Roberto Di Matteo his first job, and he ended up winning the Champions League with Chelsea.
'I gave Paul Ince his second job in management and that went well, too.
'I'm quite pleased with my track record in appointing managers.
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