Mark Warburton was not afraid to sign highly-rated stars from England’s lower leagues for Rangers; not that they often worked out.
Former Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Mark Warburton may have only lost his job at Ibrox in February but critics may argue that the writing was on all the way back in the summer.
While the signings of over-the-hill has-beens a la Joey Barton and Phillippe Senderos have been transformed into a stick with which to beat his managerial reputation, it is fair to say Warburton’s raft of additions from the English lower leagues did not exactly work out either.
Matt Crooks and Josh Windass both arrived from Accrington Stanley 12 months ago. The former was farmed out to Scunthorpe in January after just one league start while the latter has been little other than a bit-part player thus far.
Josh Windass started only 14 Scottish Premiership games in 2016/17
As has former MK Dons right-back Lee Hodson. And Ben Alnwick, the ex-Port Vale shot-stopper who was supposed to challenge Wes Foderingham for the number one spot, was forced to wait until the final day of the season to make his debut.
Therefore, it appears unlikely that Pedro Caixinha, Warburton’s replacement, will follow in his predecessor’s footsteps.
Bargain buy or another flop?
After all, if Warburton was still at the helm, it would have been no surprise if Rangers were challenging Hibernian for the signature of Liam Sercombe. The Daily Record report that Hibs are ready to meet Oxford United’s £100,000 valuation.
And Sercombe has the potential to be a major bargain. He plundered a career best 17 goals to help Oxford earn promotion to League One last season although a high-profile falling out with manager Michael Appleton means he is almost certain to depart the Kassam Stadium.
Blessed with creativity, excellent dribbling ability and a new-found eye for goal, Sercombe is exactly the style of player a one-paced Rangers midfield is crying out for.
Yet, the inability of Crooks and co to step up from England’s lower leagues in the Ibrox cauldron means they should perhaps be content to stand by as Hibs close in on a potentially inspired addition.
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