The January window; who stays and who goes?

Despite famously discussing the difficulty of the January transfer window, there is no denying Mark Warburton is going to be busy this upcoming incarnation. Looking back to last winter’s, and Rangers worked exceptionally hard to bring in both St Johnstone’s Michael O’Halloran and Doncaster’s Harry Forrester, as well as letting the disappointing Nathan Oduwa return to Tottenham.

Hence with Rangers’ exceptionally inconsistent at best start to life back in the Premiership, IbroxNoise thought it a worthwhile moment to look ahead to next year and see who of the current squad is most vulnerable to departure come the new calendar.

Martyn Waghorn:

This is the player on everyone’s lips. Reasons for his disappearance from the first team appear to vary from his other half not settling in Scotland (not a problem last season, funnily enough), to a fall out with the manager, to a loss of form caused by the failure to extend his contract; whatever the true catalyst, a host of English sides smell blood and if the right offer comes in, one suspects he will be the highest profile departure from the club. Verdict: High risk

Joe Dodoo:

He has only just joined but following the fanfare surrounding his arrival, Dodoo has not affirmed himself at Ibrox at all. Whether Warburton just does not fancy him, or the player has not settled; he would have expected to have featured more than he has. It is unlikely he will leave but if an interesting offer is made, the board might be tempted. Verdict: Small

Matt Crooks:

Just is not getting a look in under Mark Warburton. Despite being match fit for months now Crooks, as Rangers’ only fit and dedicated defensive midfielder would have expected Jordan Rossiter’s injury and Joey Barton’s departure to have spelled the start of his career at Ibrox, but instead Andy Halliday remains lodged in the DM slot and Crooks must be wondering why. Verdict: Possible if not probable

Lee Hodson:

It is really tough to justify having a full internationalist on your bench every match, but save a couple of starts here and there, that is exactly what Rangers are doing with Hodson. Despite his impressive displays when used, Hodson simply is not a Warburton favourite and it is hard to see if he will want to stick around at Ibrox when he could be getting first team football elsewhere. Verdict: Quite possible

Michael O’Halloran:

Finally given a first team slot but he has had to wait 11 months for that. And while he has mostly impressed, one suspects he still is not truly part of Warburton’s long-term favoured plans for the team and it will only take a couple of bad displays for him to lose favour again. Verdict: Realistic

Harry Forrester:

Had a bright start to life in the SPL, indeed arguably excelling more than any other outfield player, but found himself unceremoniously dropped without any explanation. Has been in and out ever since and has suffered a consequent loss of form. Posted a cryptic photo on a social media account regarding a trip down south. Signed a three year deal in April. Verdict: Uncertain

Equally important to the above is who Rangers will seek to acquire come January. The current squad has shown little sign of adapting to the Premiership, and with last summer’s dealings overall not truly working out, big work needs done to cement a squad that will deliver the results Rangers fans expect.

Feel free to add your own thoughts in the usual place folks. What ones do you agree with? Which ones have I forgotten?

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