Thinking back to school days we all received a report and in my day the reports were pretty blunt unlike kids reports nowadays. I thought I would do a report on my own thoughts on the Rangers squad. GOALKEEPING DEPT - Satisfactory Kenny, Cerny, Murphy and Putnins have all played their part and for this season I see no reason to change them. However next year if we are still in the Premiership, we should consider looking for better. DEFENCE - Poor and poorly trained If we are honest and are looking to be a mid-table team, only Young, Ferdinand and Traore fit the bill and Traore only due to his versatility. We urgently need 3 new defenders and retain Gabbidon, Hill and Orr as squad players. The rest - get rid MIDFIELD - Poor, lacks creativity We have yet to see the best of SWP and Barton as they are too involved in defensive duties. We all know what they can do but they are not being released to venture forward enough. We need two new creative midfielders and these can be supported by Derry and Faurlin. I expect Tarrabt to go which will help the transfer kitty. As regards Buzsaky, Ephraim, Puncheon - not good enough ATTACK - Showing Improvement When I talk about the attack I can mention only two players who are worth their salt. These being Helguson and Mackie. Quite honestly Bothroyd and Campbell were poor buys. I like Smith but see him only as a squad player. Therefore the need for two new goal scorers. BACKROOM STAFF - How good are they? Obviously Warnock is a great motivator and knows his stuff but how good is Jones and Curle. From recent displays, there seems to be something lacking on the training ground. OVERALL - January buys We all know that the first thing to get right is the defence and then work forward. I therefore see the need to have 7 new players in place by the end of the transfer window and given our budget a good deal will have to be loans. AS to who we want and who we get - thats another debate.
Agree with some of this, I would say we perhaps need a defensive centre mid and one creative mid rather than 2 creative midfielders, by all accounts from the Newcastle fans Barton likes to play a little higher up as you imply, so someone just to sit with Faurlin would be great (Derry, love the guy but think he'll be a squad player from now on). Also I agree that Bothroyd's been very much below par so far this campaign, but I wouldn't lump Campbell in there with him - he was unfortunate with injury early on and has hardly played yet. We all saw what he did for Blackpool last season and when he's come on for us he's looked sharp and provides that much needed pace up front. He's just a little rusty at the moment, hence his miss against United from Taarabt's cross. He just needs game time (a start up top with Helguson against Swansea would be great and show some intent from Neil in my opinion) and he'll come good for us, I'm sure.
Agree with most things Lincoln exept campbell the guy has hardly played this season due to injuries i think your being a bit harsh,if we can keep him fit i think he will score goals.
I also think lady luck has not been kind to us in the prem. I feel that Browns' goal came of of his hand not his head, DJ against Man U was unlucky, injuries have played their part, we have never had a settled back four (just look at Newcastle, storming along.....lose two CBs and they have started losing)etc. etc. etc. Yes we need an infusion of pace and creativity, but please Lady Luck shine a bit brighter in the second half of the season.
Our injuries are nothing compared to some other teams. Young, Ferdinand, Traore, Faurlin, Barton, SWP, HH have played practically every game. They missed what...five games between them in half a season? Only DJ has been a long term casualty. Sick of hearing that bullsh** excuse. Throw in Kenny, Tarbs and Mackie, with the right tactics and management, we should be closer to 10th than 20th. Look at the 11 players I've named for ffs. Our team is not that bad AND they are all available for selection.