January report card – how do Rangers’ signings rate?

With Rangers deep into March, and having had well over six weeks for the new players to make some kind of impression, Ibrox Noise runs the rule over all of January’s new recruits.

Let’s see how many you Bears and Bearettes agree with.

The first new signing was Sean Goss. Unheard of in truth, this QPR midfield playmaker’s signature was viewed underwhelmingly and in some places unnecessarily. After all, at the time we had Ryan Jack (his injury’s seriousness was as yet unknown), Ross McCrorie, Jason Holt, Jordan Rossiter et al – fans were a little puzzled as why we appeared to be bringing in another similar player. His performances soon showed why, as the loan player increasingly dazzled and eventually looked indispensible as fans, this site included, pled for a way to sign him in the summer permanently. We accept the past few displays have not lived up to the earlier portion but overall he has done extremely well. 8/10

Next up was Brighton’s Jamie Murphy. Out of favour at his parent club, the former Motherwell winger was a well-known Rangers fan, which is obviously a plus, and keen on the move north. In short, the 28-year old has been excellent – his work in defence has been as valuable as his rampaging runs on the left, and he has formed a decent partnership on that side with Declan John. Like Goss, he has suffered a little in the past few fixtures but overall he’s been stellar. 9/10

Jason Cummings was next to come in, the former Hibs striker coming north after a fruitless spell with Forest. A truly exciting signing, the Scotland cap had done incredible damage to Rangers in the past for the Easter Road outfit, and was top scorer with them. His time back in Scotland has been mixed – the 22-year old just hasn’t had enough time in the first team to really show his talents, but when given chances he’s taken them. A brilliant first touch, hard grafting, and a clinical finish, Cummings has suffered from Alfredo Morelos’ recent form, and found himself benched more often than not. We will score based on what he’s done on the pitch. 9/10

Following Cummings was another import from Norwich, Russell Martin. The 32-year old Scotland international was surplus at Carrow Road, and after a few initial steady displays, we began to see why. Weak in the air, poor leadership skills, and a lack of any positional sense not to mention some dreadful distribution which has cost goals – Martin’s best days are behind him. Defence remains a huge problem, and Martin is, in present form, a symptom of that. 4/10

Last but not least is Greg Docherty. Some supporters wanted Jason Holt to retain his place even with Docherty in the squad. Once the Hamilton signature got his foot in the door he was not letting the chance slip. Rangers’ best player since January overall, Docherty plays every match like it’s his last, and displays tenacity, grit, quality, technical prowess and pace like they’re going out of fashion. His tears at the end of the match yesterday shows what playing for Rangers means to him, and if anyone has worn the jersey with pride, honour and distinction over the past two months, it’s him. 10/10.

NB: Declan John doesn’t count as he was a summer signing, and Glenn Middleton is yet to put on the senior shirt.