Rangers goalkeeper, 41-year-old Allan McGregor, has not ruled out remaining in post beyond the summer, if he is offered a new deal.
Like last season, the offer was on the table for the goalie, but he spent time making the decision with his family before accepting, but having struggling notably this term, fans might not be as keen on him extending his deal within the playing staff.
The problem for Rangers as a club, and the fans, is that regardless of how loved McGregor is, and he is loved, he is evidently past it as a player, and at 41 has nothing much left to offer. His manager Michael Beale has already strongly alluded to his age being a problem.
However, no one can tell McGregor to retire, he has entirely earned the right to step back on his own terms. The only thing Rangers can do is not offer him a new deal, and that one is on the board.
So where do we stand on this?
“To get to 41 and still be here is remarkable to be honest. I don’t know how I’m doing it but I’m glad to be here. I think it is a lot of dedication. I’m in the gym more. I take it game by game. At this age, you need to. I’m not looking that far, I didn’t do it last season so I’m not going to this season. I’ll take it game by game and I’ll see what happens in the summer.”
That’s his take on it, ours is that the club should not offer him a new playing deal – it’s a waste of cash and a jobs for the boys that doesn’t serve the club. We love McGregor and we’re sure he can offer something in another way if that’s deemed suitable, but if the club delivers another playing extension it’s embarrassing now.
He’s a great servant but you have to know when it’s time to bow out, and unlike Davie Weir who only fell away right in the final 6 months of his Rangers career, McGregor has dipped significantly since the start of last season. His best was kept for the run to Sevilla.
But now it’s clear he’s at the end, and needs replaced (ditto McLaugh) but the club can only ‘enforce’ that by not offering a new deal.
Otherwise chances are he’ll probably accept again and we’ll have a 42-year-old goalie who’s well past it leaking goals all over the place next season.
Not ideal for Rangers.
Retire with grace Greegs, you’ve earned it, and it’s time.