While it is extremely clear new
manager Mark Warburton is going to ring serious changes on the personnel front,
he will not be able to sign an entirely new squad, as much as we would like him
to.
It is abundantly clear that
financial constraints limit him to bringing in the 7-10 players he (and the
club) have preached so this evidently forces the conclusion that some of the
existing squad will remain first-team material.
The question is who? Let us take
a blow-by-blow look at each remaining player and assess whether or not they
will be good enough for Mark Warburton’s Rangers Revolution:
Cammy Bell.
He has been an underwhelming signing; hopes were high for him such was his
impressive time at Kilmarnock but he has failed to make a single truly defining
save at Ibrox and his mistake at Fir
Park highlighted his
inadequacy.
Verdict: Squad member at best
Lee Wallace. Despite his form being patchy there is a real feeling
Wallace has a lot more to offer than he has shown in recent years. With several
Scotland
caps to his name and experience at high levels, it is likely he will play a role
in the new era.
Verdict: First team beckons
Marius Zaliukas. One of the better performers in the playoffs,
Zaliukas has nevertheless never really connected with the Rangers support, nor
has he produced a level of consistency which earned him a run in the team.
Patchy.
Verdict: Unlikely to be more than
squad
Darren McGregor. Poor in the playoffs and generally lacked against
stronger teams, but he was overall the best player last season (no great honour
in truth). Whether he is good enough for Warburton remains to be seen.
Verdict: Squad/first team
Luca Gasparotto. Never had a chance at Ibrox, but Warburton’s
emphasis on youth suggests there is a place for a young Canadian international
under him.
Verdict: Could play a role
Andy Murdoch. Despite looking a touch out of his depth at times in
the playoffs, Murdoch was probably Rangers’ second-best player this calendar
year. Definitely worthy of a place.
Verdict: First team beckons
Robbie Crawford: A reasonably utility man, he did well at RB and is
reliable in the middle. Nothing flashy, but decent for the squad.
Verdict: Squad
Nicky Law. Just poor all round. Hopefully will be sold as
speculation suggests.
Verdict: Just leave
David Templeton. Rumoured to have been asked to leave, but denies
it; Temps is a complete disappointment and if any offer comes in, it should be
snatched.
Verdict: See above
Dean Shiels: Would have been released if out of contract – had a
bit of life under McCall but it is unlikely he will be a big player in the new
regime.
Verdict: Squad
Nicky Clark: Mediocre striker out
of his depth at Ibrox. Will score a few but has the first touch of an elephant
and runs around like a headless chicken. Very little quality on show at this
level.
Verdict: Squad unless sold
Fraser Aird: Under the right
management we could see a lot more from Aird, more like what we saw when he
first appeared. The kid has potential, but he has been badly mismanaged.
Verdict: Could feature
Kenny Miller: Showed the passion through the playoffs needed at
Rangers and some of his goals have been big. He genuinely cares about this club
and while past his best, still has something to offer.
Verdict: Squad/first team
Barrie McKay: Another youth not given a fair
crack; hopefully that will change under Warburton.
Verdict: Squad/first team
Tom Walsh: Yet more promising youth
who looked inspired and aggressive when used by McCall.
Verdict: Squad/first team
Ryan Hardie: Pretty much the same summary as Walsh.
Verdict: Squad/first team
Calum Gallagher: Another one who deserves a shot, and will likely
get one under Warburton.
Verdict: Squad/first team
In conclusion:
Of the ‘established’ first team
only Wallace and Murdoch are nigh-on certs to remain there. The likes of
McGregor, Miller, and a lot of the youth will swill around the squad and flirt
with the first team, as Warburton has promised. His approach is rotational and
he wants everyone to taste the starting XI – he wants them all to aim for it
and to know they will be rewarded with it.
It certainly beats the Old Pals Act.