HITC Sport takes a look at the big issues and topics facing Rangers fans today.
After a convincing 0-2 win away at Motherwell on Saturday, Rangers have enjoyed a good weekend of football, solidifying themselves in second place. But what topics and issues are on Rangers fans’ minds this morning? HITC Sport takes a look at some of the big talking points…
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Rob Kiernan
Joining the Gers from Wigan Athletic in 2015, Rob Kiernan has taken a while to win fans over at Ibrox, and still splits opinion amongst many today. The big centre-back’s distribution still looks to need a lot of improvement, but Kiernan seems to be growing into the role as Rangers’ more mobile defender.
The Loan Market
After a recent interview with Sky Sports, Mark Warburton’s comments on his club’s use of the loan market has sparked a fierce debate amongst many Gers fans. Asked whether his reliance on the loan market compromises the club’s long-term strategy, Warburton told Sky Sports:
“Not at all. The loan players don’t always go back. Sometimes loans are extended. If they do go back you’d like to think sometimes it shows the parent club you can do a good job developing their assets, which being brutally honest is what the players are, as cold as that may sound…You have to show as a club you can send their assets back having increased in value and experience and to perform better for the parent club.”
Many Rangers fans have been incited by these comments, and quite understandably so. Furthering the progress of other club’s players, rather than their own, isn’t a particular attractive prospect for fans, with many Rangers fans more keen to see permanent moves for the kind of young talent Warburton likes to recruit.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton arrives before the game
Clint Hill
Eyebrows were raised when Rangers announced the signing of 38-year-old defender, Clint Hill, from Queens Park Rangers. However, despite a fairly unconvincing debut for the club, Hill has proven himself to be a canny and clever defender, understanding his own limitations and playing to his strengths. Captain material, and wearing his heart on his sleeve, Clint Hill has proven to be just the kind of player Rangers fans want to see at Ibrox.
Rangers’ Clint Hill
Mark Warburton’s Future
Rangers fans still seem torn over whether or not Mark Warburton is the right man to bring the SPL title back to Ibrox, as debate wages on over the Englishman’s future. The former Brentford manager, who guided Rangers back to the top flight last season, has gotten a lot of stick for his transfer policy, as well as his attitude towards Scotland’s cup competitions. However, some Rangers fans believe that Warburton is the man for the job, and would be more successful if handed a big budget.
…and his replacement?
Rangers fans have also been debating possible candidates for the job, should Warburton leave Ibrox in the summer. Some of the names being suggested include Frank de Boer, who had a fairly unsuccessful time at Inter Milan, as well as former boss Alex McLeish, Sean Dyche and Billy Davies.
Former Inter Milan coach Frank de Boer
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