Reasons To Be Cheerful
There were two great travesties of justice in relation to Rangersâ 8-1 drubbing of Clyde. The first is that Lewis Macleod was not given Man of the Match, though few would grudge Kris Boyd the award for his hat-trick performance and now trademark hard work.
The second is that there were not many more fans on hand to see Rangers play like Rangers and give us one of their best displays for several years. You canât say it was only Clyde because, although the defeat was heavy, it was not a reflection so much on how poor the Bully Wee were but on how Rangers clicked as a team at last.
Truth be told, Rangers played well within themselves but dominated the play and put on a fine show. What is encouraging was how disciplined every Gers player was and the team held its shape and moved the ball with pace and intelligence. Some really fine goals were the reward for creative play.
By the time David Templeton came on, Rangers were cruising but his electrifying skills ramped things up and Gers scored a couple more.
I keep saying it â Templeton is easily the best player in the Scottish gameand the team should be built around him.
McCulloch marshaled his midfield well around him and Macleod was outstanding. Aird put in a decent performance and
Boyd was finally rewarded for his great activity in the jersey. Zaliukas is looking more and more assured and McGregor appears to be solid, though still a bit nervy at times.
We have had false dawns before under Ally McCoistâs tenure but the kind of performance Rangers put on last night only underscores that this team is capable of giving anybody a game in Scotland and are good enough to be a Premiership side. If they can play like they did last night more consistently, they will sweep all before them in the Championship. I keep hearing stories of bust-ups and punch-ups in the dressing room, even including manager Ally McCoist. I really hope they are true because I want to know it hurts for the players and coaches to lose. It means they care and many a great side has been built following a good saloon brawl or two!
Traditionally Rangers have always been slow starters in the new season so maybe last nightâs victory was the turning point. More likely it would have been Friday nightâs vital win against Falkirk. That was a dire display by Rangers but a much-needed three points were bagged. Bluenoses everywhere can only hope a corner has been turned. There may be turmoil ahead off the field for Rangers but if Super Ally keeps his focus on matters pitch-side and doesnât have his head turned by boardroom matters, Rangers fans might have good reasons to be cheerful in coming months.
