Have Rangers unearthed a gem?

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Have Rangers unearthed a gem?


In recent weeks a touch of small debate over captain Jason Holt had most definitely started up. While admirers of his fire, commitment and willing to get stuck in, not to mention his uncanny ability to win free kicks, we had been less enthusiastic about his technical quality, passing and tackling.

We feared a bit of a problem when the ‘better’ players were on the outside looking in and Holt took their place, but many replies to the articles defended Holt and suggested not only was he a stand out performer, but a justified selection.

We would like to think yesterday’s display from new signing Greg Docherty has ended the debate once and for all.

The lad from Hamilton finally began in the partnership with Sean Goss (sort of) we had been advocating, and while the midfield did take a little while to get going, once it did Docherty looked every inch the player we thought we had signed.

Sure, ‘it was only Ayr’ (who just happen to be soaring in League One and Britain’s highest scoring domestic side) but once he adjusted to the formation and his position (technically the right of a diamond with Jamie Murphy opposite and Goss behind), Docherty lived up to many expectations of a strong, committed, combustible, combative midfielder with plenty of technical ability and an eye for a pass.

The lad is tough, not afraid to get involved, and while maybe the one thing missing from his game is pace, in his position it is not really that critical.

Naturally he was shunted out on the right – we are not exactly sure just how much that took from his organic game, with an unexpected demand on him to be creative, but he was still extremely impressive and we cannot see any reason for him to lose his place from here on in.

It is a touch harsh on Holt on a ‘man management’ level – he has been an honourable performer with his heart on his sleeve and he has clearly revelled in being captain. But the best players we have should be on the pitch, and in most cases they were yesterday, which is the right way of things.

Rangers fans should have only limited room for sentiment – and in one solid display Docherty has already proven himself. Of course tougher challenges await in the SPL, but if the midfielder’s display in Ayr was anything to go by, he will be able to handle them.

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7 COMMENTS

  1. I thought Docherty was very good in the 2nd half when he settled more and got on the ball I like his drive and fitness he didn't stop . He needs to adapt to being a Ranger and get his head up wee bit more. I think he should get a starting berth now with Holt retained for the squad . Goss is loving it as a Rangers player he sees a pass with great accuracy and that left foot is something special. I hope we can try and do some business with QPR as he could be a real great ..unfortunately I think they will see the potential and keep him he is a modern type midfielder .

  2. I have sung the praises on Jason Holt many times on his commitment, attitude and energy every time he pulls on the Rangers shirt, maybe the two important factors he is let down by is his physicality and skill. I do believe however he is an important squad player and there are times when his energy and determination is required and we must not forget he is capable in filling defensive, centre mid and box-to-box positions, so provides excellent back-up.
    Docherty has been signed, in my opinion to be a first team player, not someone who has to be nurtured in the youth set up at Ibrox, but he has to be eased into the team, especially as he has new team mates and other new recruits to work with.
    As the article states, this was against lower league opposition, but I got a real sense yesterday of Rangers teams of old, not counting chickens, but we overrun Ayr and had our keeper not been so stupid, it was going to be one-way traffic all game. Yesterday we could have scored double figures easily, but we have to get back to where it is important, playing in the league, next game at Hamilton, then Motherwell both away from home and Hearts at Ibrox. If we can collect nine points from these games, using the players involved yesterday we are on the right road.
    I am sure Jason Holt, Greg Docherty, et al will be happy, irrespective of who plays the full 90 minutes, just to be in the squad on the day with the desire to win.

  3. I agree he will become an important player for us but I'm surprised you question his pace. Don't get me wrong he's not lightning quick but the one thing that stood out from his Hamilton clips on YouTube was his burst of acceleration and driving runs. He may need to improve his delivery but I can see him playing wide right as much as centrally.

  4. Docherty =
    Quality Signing 👌
    Quality Against Ayr

    …Just a Class Young Player with Bags of Potential!

  5. well done to james taveiner being captain yesterday an a good win the the lads lets show celtic what we r all about an will some silver wear an the build on that for next season so we can stop the tims from getting ten in a row we can do it an we will nice to see us get a good result after a hard game well done to the light blues

  6. I am honestly fed hearing about "bedding" players in.
    If they were good enough against us they're good enough for us NOW

    Docherty etc are Damned fine players.
    I agree, kind of, about Holt. But if Holt if to be sacrificed AT ALL the replacement better be damn good.

    On another issue. I would be horrified if Wallace, Rossitter, Alves or anybody else were to be given any preference before any of the current first team squad.
    That includes Jack and Dorrans.

    We have the very privileged position of a fine squad

    Congratulations in my own view to:-
    The Board
    Mike Allen
    Most of all Graeme Murty and JImmy Nichol

    But also, The Scouting Team. We haven't had a real one for yonks

    I would ask however, Bomber and Co. Go get us a Goalkeeper who doesn't gamble with points or cup games.
    THAT DISGRACE against Ayr was miles worse than anything Van Vossen ever did.

    He's NOT Rangers standard

  7. I am honestly fed hearing about "bedding" players in.
    If they were good enough against us they're good enough for us NOW

    Docherty etc are Damned fine players.
    I agree, kind of, about Holt. But if Holt if to be sacrificed AT ALL the replacement better be damn good.

    On another issue. I would be horrified if Wallace, Rossitter, Alves or anybody else were to be given any preference before any of the current first team squad.
    That includes Jack and Dorrans.

    We have the very privileged position of a fine squad

    Congratulations in my own view to:-
    The Board
    Mike Allen
    Most of all Graeme Murty and JImmy Nichol

    But also, The Scouting Team. We haven't had a real one for yonks

    I would ask however, Bomber and Co. Go get us a Goalkeeper who doesn't gamble with points or cup games.
    THAT DISGRACE against Ayr was miles worse than anything Van Vossen ever did.

    He's NOT Rangers standard

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