Rangers have some serious work to do in the summer if they are to have realistic title ambitions next season.
New Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha will have a busy summer ahead
Rangers supporters will not need reminding that Celtic have already wrapped up the Scottish title and 35 points is the gap between them and their bitter rivals. With even a runners-up spot almost out of the question, the pressure is on new Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha to provide a vast improvement.
Supporters will be demanding that their side is challenging for the Scottish Premiership title next campaign. Here is a five point plan for the summer transfer window ahead that should get them well on their way to challenging Celtic for next year’s title.
1. A new centre back
Rangers’ fist choice pairing of Rob Kiernan and Clint Hill in the centre of defence is not one that will strike fear into opposition centre forwards.
Kiernan has had a hit and miss season at Ibrox after playing a key figure in their promotion campaign, he has struggled to make the same impact in Scotland’s top tier. Hill has made more of an impact on the side but he turns 39 in October. Danny Wilson has struggled with injuries and Phillipe Senderos is likely to leave in the summer.
A centre back of higher quality will be required if Rangers are to make a bid for the title and as the old saying goes, the most successful teams are built back from the back. Rangers have conceded 34 goals so far this season, not bad, but when compared to Celtic’s 18, there is room for improvement.
2. Sign a replacement for Kenny Miller
Miller has admitted that his time at Rangers seems to be up (Scottish Sun) after not being offered a new deal, his deal is due to expire in the summer and it looks likely that the 37-year-old will not be in Caixinha’s plans.
The former Scotland international has played predominantly as a centre forward, supporting Martyn Waghorn and has scored six goals as well as claiming the same number of assists. His ability to play on both the wing and a central position has made him a useful player to have in the ranks.
Miller’s departure will leave a void in the team and a new signing in the central forward role will be key to their success.
Rangers’ Kenny Miller is likely to be released at the end of the season
3. Strengthening central midfield
Caixinha played a 4-2-3-1 formation in his first game in charge and if he is to persist with these tactics then the central midfield area will need upgrading.
Jon Toral and Emerson Hyndman are likely to return to their parent clubs when the season ends, this would leave limited options in this area. Andy Halliday and Jason Holt will be two players left in the squad that have played in the central midfield role this season.
It is highly unlikely that Caixinha will rely heavily on Jordan Rossiter off the back of a season with persistent injuries. A signing or two in this area of the team will be likely in the summer.
4. A new winger
Rangers have options in the wide areas but it would be fair to say that nobody has made a big impression on the flanks this season.
22-year-old Barrie McKay has been their best performer on the wing but has been inconsistent, which is natural for a player of his age. He still has plenty of time to pull together more consistent performances in a Rangers shirt. The same can’t be said for Harry Forrester and Michael O’Halloran who have both had disappointing campaigns.
A new winger will add some much needed flair to this Rangers side. If Caixhina is able to find a player that can score goals and provide assists in equal measure then that will be a boost to their title ambitions.
5. More competition for star man Martyn Waghorn
Martyn Waghorn is Rangers’ top goalscorer with 15 goals in all competitions this season. He has been played predominantly as a lone striker and is constantly improving in the role.
However, Waghorn only has six league goals to his name and will need to score a lot more next season if he is to help push his side further up the table next season. The former Sunderland trainee will be looking for a better return of goals and a new centre forward could help him up his name.
Waghorn currently has Joe Garner as competition but his return of eight goals so far has done little to trouble Waghorn’s starting place in the side.
Rangers’ Martin Waghorn in action with Celtic’s Erik Sviatchenko
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