Tuesday 7 June 2011

A new era at Ibrox



It has been a whirlwind few months for the blue side of Glasgow.

Craig Whyte’s takeover, a third successive league title, Walter Smith leaving and Ally McCoist taking over. There has been a lot to take in for the fans but they are not complaining!

Craig Whyte’s takeover seems to have ended years of financial uncertainty at Ibrox. With the bank in control money was tight as Rangers were repaying debts but now there is hope that the club will steer clear of financial troubles and stop having to keep the wallet closed. Whyte has promised to clear the debt and finance Ally McCoist so the future seems bright.

Walter Smith’s left Ibrox with another league title and as one of the clubs most successful managers and has handed the reigns to his assistant and Rangers legend Ally McCoist.

McCoist will have money to spend and the small squad he has needs at least five additions. Two central defenders, a central midfielder, a wide midfielder and a striker.

The Rangers defence needs some new faces. Club captain David Weir is 41 and if he does sign a contract it will likely only be short term and McCoist will be looking to find a defence he can base his team on. Madjid Bougherra will not be part of that defence.

If the rumours are true Bougherra wants away from Ibrox then McCoist should let him go. His replacement will be top of McCoist’s spending list. Danny Wilson or Kyle Bartley returning on loan would be a good short term signing but full time signings should be the priority.

The rumours about Carlos Cuellar are a promising start as Cuellar was key when first at the club and led them to the 2008 UEFA cup final. His return would be a crowd pleasing move.

 The midfield  needs a few additions urgently. A wide player is needed. Steven Naismith and Greig Wylde have done great but cover is needed or a winger to start as Wylde is still young so should not be under pressure and Naismith was originally a striker. 

Steven Davis in the centre of the midfield is one of the key players in the Rangers team. He needs a central midfielder to help him out as Maurice Edu and Lee Mculloch don’t seem to work with him and when Davis is not in the team Rangers are not the same.

As the season finished Kyle Lafferty and Nikica Jelavic were on fire. Jelavic has been great for Rangers since he signed and is paying back his heavy price tag of four million pounds.

Lafferty has had three up and down seasons for Rangers. When on form he has been great but at times his stupid actions have held him back. A striker to cover these two would be beneficial to Rangers as they lack cover up front. The rumours of David Goodwillie signing would be good news for Rangers as he is a talented player and McCoist is a known long time admirer of him.

McCoist could not have taken over at a better time at Ibrox. New owner, money to spend, McCoist and his familiar coaching team will have more at their disposal than Walter Smith had and if their results are the same then the Rangers fans will be very happy and it will lead to McCoist to be a successful manager as well as player.