Fans have been hugely impressed by new Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland’s media performances. Recently, he appeared in front of an assembled press gathered for the purpose of a specialised interview with the new Rangers forward. Fans were extremely happy with what Shankland had to say. Ibrox Noise was also impressed, not just with what he said, but with the attitude. Some Rangers fans noticed something though….
The right mentality
Shankland, as we have known for a long time, is a canny, canny lad. He worked tirelessly to get his move to Rangers. If ever a lad combined humility and confidence, this is the one. He knows what he can do. He knows how good he is. However, he also knows he has to prove himself and show a whole new level at Rangers. He must succeed in the way fans expect him to. Everyone, including himself, believes he can do that. But he knows the proof will be on the pitch.
Speaking like a Rangers man
The general tone of his interview with the press recently was extremely impressive. The way Rangers men are talking about the club is what fans need to hear. Obviously, the proof will be in the pudding on the pitch at the end of the day. However, what we are hearing is so much more like Rangers men than the absolute claptrap of sludge we have had to put up with for far too long. That came when mercenaries and EFL slop took the stage in the dugout or indeed on the pitch.
Derek McInnes’s comments were all outstanding, albeit Ibrox Noise had one misgiving about one comment. We do stand by that one. We feel he could have worded it better. Aside from that, he was very impressive.
The comment that raised eyebrows
Shankland also shone very, very well indeed. All of his comments were strong, robust, trustworthy and honest. They were truly of the stock of a proper Rangers man.
There was one comment which some Rangers fans noticed and did derive a little confusion from one or two fans. Shankland said he was hoping to shine well at this club so that when he left he would be remembered. Of course, this is a curious statement to make. Even Ibrox Noise was a little taken aback by his choice of thinking about his future after Rangers already. He has only just got here and he is already thinking about leaving. That does seem a little premature.
We say that with slight mirth because, of course, the last thing he ever wants to do is leave Rangers. But he did mention it and it may have been slightly misinterpreted.
Looking to the future
One day, Lawrence Shankland will indeed leave Rangers. We hope it is not for a long time. We hope it comes after a glittering Ibrox career. But he will want to be remembered in the way so many other illustrious Rangers players have been. Those who are in the Hall of Fame, those who have shone for the club, scored many goals, or been colossal defenders or titanic midfielders. Some Rangers fans noticed this.
This is how all Rangers players want to be remembered. They want to be remembered for the great things they did and for their time at the club being standout. They do not want to leave through the back door in ignominy. This is all that Shankland was really saying. He wants to impress during his time at Rangers and is not thinking about leaving. Lawrence is simply pointing out that one day it will happen. And he wants to be remembered for being a great Rangers player. That is indeed what every Rangers player should want.
No issue
So we do not have an issue with that comment. We were surprised that he chose to go there already. Nevertheless, his comments are good. He is showing the desire, the hunger and the right mentality for the job. Shankland clearly wants to succeed. He clearly wants to win things. The striker has gone about getting to Rangers the toughest way possible.
He has, of course, as mentioned, revealed the truth about the clause in his contract, which we already kind of knew. But now that is all ancient history. Rangers is his club. It is where he has always wanted to be and where he always wanted to come. He is here now, at long, long last.