Ibrox Noise is aware that a lot of Rangers fans have massive misgivings of Jack Butland this season. Despite the England cap bailing Danny Rohl’s side out on multiple occasions, a number of notable errors have blighted his season as well, leading to Jack Butland’s errors being criticised.
Ibrox Noise is not on board with this criticism. We, for our part, have been heavily critical ourselves of the ex-Palace stopper, particularly his aggressive form dip from March 24 till as recently as last summer.
Comments
During this time he offered a few comments in the press we were also not keen on, such as holding the club and board to ransom over standards he expected from it. His tone felt extremely self-important given his poor form during that period.
But this season Butland is probably the main reason Rangers are back in the title race.
His heroic display at Parkhead won the three points, and he has many times bailed the side out.
His critical saves are estimated to be worth 10 points to Danny Rohl’s men, and it’s heavily thanks to Butland that Rohl is being exalted. He was also the one player who was holding his head high during the dire Russell Martin era, and being widely praised at the time.
But today there’s a split over him.
Funnily enough, readers will be perceiving Ibrox Noise is also split. Between the horrible form of 24/25 and his poor attitude too, compared with his strong season this campaign.
Let’s look at the numbers:
He ranks 4th in the SPL for saves, with 92. Clean sheets he’s third with 12. Penalties saved he is alone at number one with 4. Saves inside the box he’s second with 67 and runs out he comes second with 23.
He’s 7th for high claims, and is bang middle for goals conceded inside and outside the box.
How many goals has Butland cost? 3. That has been his big achilles heel and the stick many beat him with.
In short, he’s had a good season. World class? No. And yes, he has made those few gaffes for sure.
But we’re not joining the slaughtering of the man. He’s had a better season than many give him credit for, whatever we think of his personality and some of his past form. Jack Butland’s errors are highlighted too much.
If it wasn’t for Butland, we wouldn’t even be in this title race and Wilfried Nancy would have beaten us.
The ignominy.