If Rangers are troubled in any one position right now, it’s centre back. For David Bates to be viewed as the best defender at the club and a big miss gives some idea of the absolute poverty there, with the alternatives being the underwhelming Bruno Alves, the hapless Fabio Cardoso and the uncomfortable Russell Martin.
In short, Rangers’ central defence is almost as bad right now as it was at certain points in the lower leagues. While the CV of the players in there is probably better, football is played on the pitch, and not on a resume, and Rangers have been found wanting desperately.
Which is why new recruits are absolutely critical for that area, and an international with around 30 caps to his name could be a welcome boost. Matthew Spiranovic has done the business many times for his native Australia, and the 29 year old is currently out of contract, having last spent time in the rich lands of the Chinese League One with Hangzhou Greentown.
The 6ft 3 giant has vast experience of a wide range of leagues, not only that of China but the Bundesliga, Japan, his home nation and Qatar, and unlike other ‘experienced defenders’ Rangers have signed is below 30.
The former German Cup winner (at only 18 years of age) was able to choose between the Socceroos and Croatia by way of family links and went with the former, racking up a huge number of caps and being tipped for stardom.
In fairness, it didn’t work out that way for the giant stopper, and his career has been solid if not as good as it should have been – but the ability is clearly there. Hardly helped by injuries (he’s had, quite a few) and circumstance (his time in Japan was derailed by natural disasters), this is a lad with the quality to be better than he currently appears to be, and with everything to prove.
Rangers are desperate for a decent defender and we certainly do not lack Australian predecessors for that position (all rise, Craig Moore and Kevin Muscat).
If Spiranovic could be half as good as Moore was for us, it would be a gamble well worth it.
So he's 29, has been playing in China, Japan and Qatar and is injury prone. Exactly what about this superstar makes you think he will be better than Alves who has over 90 caps for Portugal and Martin who has 29 caps for Scotland?
I agree that in the summer we desperately need to sign an experienced, capable Centreback, Needs to be over 26, under 31, but good. Those two requirements are usually mutually exclusive within our budget. Hence trawling the world for the odd exception.
Good call on finding one example. I am hoping that Mark Allen will find several and secure one, or even two. They could be paired with McCrorie and either Bates if he signs or Aidan Wilson if he doesn't. Play one young and one old for support, rotate regularly so we bring on both the young guys. In 2 years, the young are good enough to work together. Sorted.
Fingers crossed
So an injury prone journeyman who was most recently plying his trade in the Chinese 2nd division is the answer ? It's not April 1st yet.
Wilson McCorie and Mr Allen will get us 2 more.
But not one Rangers man knows what's going on behind the scenes.
Murty what will be his position next season nobody knows for certain, the board need to be on the ball this summer.
Geo VB is leaving his job in the summer.
Martinez is leaving his job after the WC, I'M sure there will be others coming avalibile in the summer also.
Waiting game I'm afraid for us all!!!
Agreed Robbie, there is always work on going behind the scenes that we simply don't know about until the deal is done or nearly done. And yes i would give young Wilson a shout along side Alves (there is no one else) and with all the midfielders we have i can see McCorie starting in defense when he returns.
SJW.
I would like to think a decision has already been made about Murty.
I love the guy to bits and his devotion to the club is exemplary but that last 2 games against tactically better managers has shown his inexperience, (Not his fault thrown in at the deep end)
In saying that I would like to think Mr Allen is in advanced negotiations with our new manager, as U say we can't undermine Murty so we will have to wait till the summer.
In better shape than 12 month ago but improvement required!
You’re joking on this right? Fishing for comments here my man.
Worst suggestion I have heard for several months. Should have kept it for a couple more weeks, Even on April 1st. it would be a sick joke after what we have been through.
Can’t believe you included Kevin Muscat ,known globally as the dirtiest player ever.
Glad your starting to address the problem we have at the back. Our defence has been garbage for years and shamefully, the most neglected.
We desparately need tall, strong, athletic, skilful Centre Halves who can header a ball out of danger, play the offside rule, and be a threat up front.
I would clear out Alves, Bates, Cardoso and Hodgson from the back. If Martin doesn't pull his socks up, he can go as well!
We need a leader. Something we have never had for a long time. I feel Docherty may be one for the future, but right now, we need a very big presence on our park that can not only inspire, but kick backsides when needed and whom all the players would respect.
I'm hoping Mark Allan is on the case for the summers window. Because we need fight, urgency, determination and a bit of steel in our team badly!!
Ask yourself what club *doesn't* need the things you described? It's not unique to rangers to want a ball playing CB who's dominant in the air.
You don't think partick thistle and Ross county fans think that?
The reason those clubs don't go sign one is because those defenders are expensive and they can't afford one.
Rangers made a huge loss last year and will make a bigger one this year. Come up with solutions, not just rubbish.
Why do ibrox noise constantly tout for ridiculous signings. It's almost like you are trying to start rumours with no grounding.
I'll opt to trust our football department, in DOF and scouting team to find the most appropriate targets.
This isn't a real life version of the football manager game.
The ones who brought us Russell Martin and let Danny Wilson go? Fair enough!
Mark, I don't know how long you may have been following Ibrox Noise, but they only suggest players and seek our opinion. You either agree or disagree. By enlarge, they have suggested some cracking players in the past whom I would have loved to see in a Rangers jersey.
I've had many a disagreement with Ibrox Noise and vented my opinion on many matters, still do! But I feel your being a little unfair on suggesting Ibrox Noise are trying to start rumours or being a football managers game. This site give us all a platform to air our views and also suggest what other players would be better in a Rangers jersey.
By all means express your opinion Mark, not have a go mate, we are all bears here!
I just think it's easy journalism to suggest a player not linked with a club and suggest they could be a good fit.
I prefer the stories that look on actual current circumstances. For example a lot of fans and media are talking about Steve Clarke as a potential candidate for our next manager. There is a good article on his statistics and comparison against the rest of the managers in the league. This is better journalism for me. Non biased and relaying facts for fans to consider
A very entertaining post with some equally entertaining comments. I think the only bit you missed is that the lad was recommended by Pedro…….
Part of me says Yes to get this guy
Another part says No
Then I Realise apart from
Tav, McCrorie, A.Wilson, John
and Wallace
…We Need a Whole New Defence 😣👊
Comments are closed.