Is it time to give Kenny Miller a rest?
While some agreed with our assessment of the situation, many misinterpreted the article as an outright attack on the man, which it was not, and accused us of slandering a good Rangers stalwart.
And he is. Kenny Miller is a good Rangers man and no one will ever question his commitment, professionalism and dedication to Rangers’ cause.
His contribution has been undeniable and any criticism any Bear makes of his performances should be done so with a heavy heart.
He did not have to come back to a backwater league like League 2 when he had a well-paid cushy gig in the MLS for the Whitecaps. He did not have to come to the wind and rain of Govan when he could stay in the plush cool sun of Canada.
But he did. He gave up a lot. And anyone who smears his ability or attitude can answer to the fanbase and sites like ours for their opinion.
However, sometimes you have to try to remove the sentiment for the best interests of the club and the situation, and while last time we got a tonne of criticism for airing a few of Miller’s weaknesses, it seems to us that more and more supporters are in favour of resting him and using his services more sparingly.
At the age of 37 and fast approaching 38, Kenny Miller cannot be used as a player for the future, to build the attack around. Doing so is unwise for obvious reasons. With guys like Pena and Herrera waiting in the wings, Rangers do have solutions for the number 9 slot Pedro likes using.
Furthermore, with heavy interest still linking Motherwell’s Louis Moult with that position, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is one eye on the evolution of Miller’s role, with his giving way to a younger protégé.
But fans are increasingly vocal about wanting him benched sooner rather than later. Every time his name is included in the XI these days, the reaction from the majority is “Miller eff eff ess”.
Whether this is fair or not is not necessarily for me to judge, but it is sad to see a guy who has given so much being lambasted, even only mildly. And if we are to be honest, his displays on the pitch are of someone who is now creaking past his best.
He was exceptional last season – a major reason we managed to clinch third place so comfortably – he was the main man in the Old Firm exchanges and represented the club with the class and dignity he always has.
But there does come a point where one has to consider what is best for the team. Maybe Pedro is right – maybe Miller starting is in the team’s best interests. We are winning right now, after all.
But there will come a point when it definitely is not and his modest form may just deteriorate further.
We assert – this is NOT a slight on Miller. Few appraise him as highly as us – we have enormous respect for the man.
But there comes a time when it is time to call it at least a half day.