It is abundantly clear that Rangers are going for more Rangers. This may sound like a bit of a paradox and a borderline tautology. But at the same time, the signings that are taking place and the speculation that has manifested similarly do indicate a change in philosophy at long last down Ibrox way. For far too long, Rangers were filled with nothing but mercenaries. Foreigners. And indeed the occasional Scot who did not know anything or grasp anything about the famous Glasgow Rangers. This summer is seeing a distinct change. That is to say, not only do we have the sight of the wonderful Lawrence Shankland arriving at Ibrox. But similarly, we are being linked with many more players now that understand not only Rangers, but are Rangers. Rangers are FINALLY starting to remember who we are.
Proper Rangers Men Returning
James Penrice of AEK Athens is a boyhood Rangers man. He is a Rangers fan through and through and would love the chance to join Rangers. We also now have a fair number of squad players who do appear to be Rangers way inclined. Not to mention Steven Smith on the staff, which is a positive sign for influence at that level.
However, the biggest change probably took place a couple of months ago. This was a massive appointment which has gone quietly unnoticed by most fans. Jim Gillespie CEO has arrived in Govan, a Rangers man through and through. He is the first time that Rangers have ever had a proper Rangers-supporting CEO.
He may have come with some past controversies back in the day, but at the same time, Jim Gillespie is one of us. Gillespie knows what Rangers are and what it takes. We have information that Lawrence Shankland was one of his men. Can we really see Danny Rohl signing Rangers men? This does not strike us as Rohl behaviour.
A Distinct Shift In Philosophy
We do not think that James Penrice is a Rohl type of signing either. January saw three or four players come in, none of whom were Rangers men. Only one of whom was a success. That of course was the outstanding Tuur Rommens.
But this summer is seeing a distinct paradigm shift. We are seeing a lot more blue blood being linked with the club and coming into the club. These are players and indeed staff that appear to be much more inclined towards what makes Rangers Rangers.
This isn’t that we appoint any old slop just because they happen to support the red, white and blue. This means that we still want high standards. But there is no question that those standards are being met if the likes of Shankland are the level that Rangers are going to start bringing in.
The Influence Of Jim Gillespie
Jim Gillespie appears to be an extremely positive influence to this effect. As a Rangers man himself, he knows what it takes. He is of the age that knows and has experienced Rangers winning and the must win mentality that is Ibrox.
And he has a distinct amount of influence. He is the day to day boss of the club. Andrew Cavenagh is being well advised by Jim Gillespie in the ways of what is Rangers.
This is not to say that we’re all born under a Union Flag and playing the sash 24/7. What we mean is understanding what it is to win. The Walter Smith school of Rangers. This is what Jim Gillespie is part of.
He obviously was not part of Rangers during the Walter Smith era. But he was very much a fan and he knows what it takes. Seeing this blue blood arriving in Rangers and being what we need in the club can only serve us well going forward.
Bringing Back The Soul
It is about time we started paying attention to where the soul lies in our club. We have lost the likes of Walter Smith, Jimmy Bell, Sandy Jardine and so many more who were the complete core of the club.
We saw Steve Walker leaving the club because, quite frankly, the soul was not there. But Jim Gillespie may be a big part of Rangers are FINALLY starting it back, and we want to see more.
It is a good start.