If you were Mark Warburton, what would YOU do?

With criticism of Mark Warburton emerging more frequently among Rangers fans now, what would we fans do differently? Ibroxnoise’s Richard Fillingham suggests a few observations and possible solutions to Rangers’ present woes. Do you agree with his comments? What would you do differently?

To begin with, it is imperative that our manager finds an alternative way to play in the Premiership on our first season back. Playing the same way in every match simply makes the tactics predictable, giving our opponents a distinct advantage.

Q. What is Rangers’ greatest weakness?

A. Woeful defending.

Reason: Any two from the three centre backs we have signed, Kiernan, Wilson and Hill, are not good enough to stop teams scoring.

Solutions: Sign a tried and tested tall centre half (Senderos or better player if possible), or play three at the back to reduce the opposition’s penetration chances and to eliminate cross ball danger. A ‘sweeper keeper’ would help with balls over the centre backs’ heads, as preached by Pep Guardiola of Manchester City.

Q. How many goals do we have to score to win a game?

A. At this moment in time, the answer is 2.

Reason: In the four league games, every team has beaten our goalkeeper once, therefore, we have to score twice to win.

Solution: Play a flexible 3–3-1–3 system. This will make Rangers far harder to beat by playing three at the back preventing teams from scoring easy goals. Three in midfield (two wing backs & two holding players), one in the hole (Kranjcar or Windass), and three up front (Forrester or O’Halloran – Dodoo or Garner, McKay or Dodoo).

This line up is not defensive, with Tavernier and Wallace as attacking wing-backs, whilst performing their full back duties. This new system gives four or six defenders and four or six attackers, depending on which team has the ball.

Implementing the so-called ‘plan B’ from this, we could possibly turn a setback into a comeback!

Q. What is Rangers’ remaining weakness?

A. Lack of penetration when they face a packed defence.

Solution:

Pass the ball quicker from back to midfield, from midfield to front, and shoot faster than we are at present. There is little difference between chumps and champs.

Of course it is easy to write and much harder to achieve, remember actions speak louder than coaches!

What do you think? Any of this feasible? What are your suggestions? Or do you trust Warbs to figure it out himself?