Jamie Morrison assesses the potential transfer activity for the blue half of Glasgow this summer.
It has been a well known fact since the first training session after the NewCo was formed that Rangers team was weak, inexperienced and needed vast improvement.
Since that moment there has been speculation from all media outlets as to who Rangers will target, some rumours have been a bit more wild and unbelievable whilst others have now become a reality.
Recent events have unveiled goalkeeper Cameron Bell from Kilmarnock FC and versatile centre back/striker Jon Daly from Dundee United as Rangers newest additions although they are not available to be registered until September 1st.
Other players linked with a summer move to Ibrox are the likes of Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller, Nicky Clark, Christophe Berra, Nicky Law etc. and I’ll give my view on there potential impact within the Rangers team and other players I feel we could target.
Kris Boyd
I feel really strongly that the Rangers team would not benefit from signing Kris Boyd in any way. Yes he would bring experience into the current team and he scored 101 goals in 143 appearances but I feel as if it would be a step back.
Kenny Miller
Kenny Miller was a great player during his last spell at Ibrox but I feel we need to move forward and build for the future and Kenny Miller would be a step in the wrong direction in my opinion. The work rate and goals he scored for Rangers were very much appreciated but I feel he isn’t included in any of our future plans.
Nicky Clark
21 year old son of former Rangers player Sandy Clark has already been at Ibrox and been shown around by Ally McCoist. He has revealed it would be a dream come true to sign for Rangers and is due back at Ibrox next week to talk over a possible deal. The striker who won 12-13 PFA Scottish Division 2 player of the year scored 41 goals in all competitions and has proved at such a young age he is very able to score goals. His attacking positioning and reading of the game are extremely impressive and he would a great deal to the Rangers teams strike force.
Christophe Berra
28 year old Scotland internationalist currently plays for English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers and is an experienced central defender. He would bring a huge physical presence and good leadership qualities, I feel he would prove to be a great addition although his wage expectation may be a little bit excessive for the Scottish Second Division.
Nicky Law
Motherwell FC player has also been linked with a move to Ibrox this summer, 25 year old English midfielder has been in superb form this season and has gained interest from the Premiership. Has stood out in umpteen performances this season and has shown he has superb attacking qualities,isn’t afraid to take players on and has superb vision to play a killer pass. Nicky Law would be a great addition to the current Rangers midfield as they are missing the sort of attacking play he could provide.
Well those are just some of the names the media have chosen to link with moves to Ibrox over the course of this summer, now I will provide some players I have hand picked who I think could have a positive impact on the current team.
Murray Davidson
The central midfielder currently playing in the SPL for St Johnstone has been a stand out this season after several impressive performances. His impressive performances this season have led to several clubs showing an interest including Rangers, who have previously had a bid turned down for the 25 year old. He would be the perfect addition to the Rangers midfield as he can hold the ball well and is confident when attacking.
Tom Hateley
Right-sided Motherwell defender is an ideal candidate for a summer move to Ibrox. I feel Rangers are weak on the right and Tom is a perfect for the role. He is extremely confident at going forward and very reliable when called apon in defence. Son of ex-Ranger Mark Hateley would be keen on a move to Rangers if the offer was on the table in my opinion.
Micheal Higdon
2012-13 PFA SPL player of the year and Motherwell’s top goal scorer this season would add strength, experience and a sure goal threat to the current team. Puts in a great deal of effort and a superb team player, also comfortable tracking back when necessary. Higdon hasn’t confirmed wether he will extend his current contract at Fir Park but an offer from Rangers would perhaps make him stall.
Well the names I have provided are those I feel would be ideal signings to improve the current squad and almost guarantee another championship season. If you feel there are any candidates I have missed out that you feel would add a certain dimension to the current squad please don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
Check out Jamie’s ace blog here – http://topsports2013.wordpress.com/
What about the boy from st mitten who got goal if the season he has been realeased his name escapes me
agree about boyd and miller, that’s a step back when you want to go forward, we should bring in the likes of clark, hateley, Davidson and a centre half and build a team good enough for now and the future!
Boyd, Miller etc. would only be a “step back” if we were in the SPL! However, we are not!
In Scottish Division 2 they would do nicely!
How are The Rangers going to pay for all these players and improved squad? Queen of The South romped this division at a fraction of the player costs used by The Rangers to win the 3rd division. Do Rangers need a team of internationalist or fringe internationalists to win the SFL lower leagues? Alexander, Wallace, Black, McCulloch, Shiels and Little are already full international players. Teempleton would be one by now if he had stayed at Hearts. There are several Scottish and N. Ireland u-21 internationals on the book plus Argyriou, Greek u-21, and Cribari with Serie A experience.
Yet the cry is for more aged Internationals like Boyd or Miller to come back at mature wages with no sell on value. Have the management learned nothing from our recent history. The Rangers need to pay their own way and only pay players they can afford with current income.
Don’t get me wrong; Cammy Bell is a good buy but he is wasting his potential in Div. 2 and he should not be needed by a competent squad and management to get out of Div. 2.
i know he has had injury problems but a good season with hibs should have Kevin Thompson fit enough for us! a good tough tackler an passer