In possibly the most surprising transfer story of the window so far, it appears that Glasgow Rangers are closing in on agreeing a part-time playing contract with former Welsh international Robbie Savage.
The story broke last week of the potential signing last week when Savage was quoted as saying “If they are desperate for players, I’ll play for nothing! You think I’m joking, I’m serious. I’ve sent a text to Charles Green to ask Ally (McCoist) if he needs any help.” However he then went on to admit that he wouldn’t be able to appear for the club on Saturday’s with his current media commitments to the BBC.
Nevertheless it appears that progress has been made behind closed doors with Savage yesterday tweeting “Spoke to Charles green again yesterday !! Could I ?”. This was soon followed by a message reading “I’ll be speaking in the morning to ally (McCoist) tweeps !!”.
Savage is not the first former player to have expressed wishes to assist in the predicament Rangers currently find themselves in, with Paul Gascoigne also having offered up his services to Ranger manager McCoist.
It has to be said that there is a higher likelihood of the Savage story coming to fruition than Gascoigne, with the former Man United trainee having hung up his boots only twelve months ago with Derby County. As Paul Scholes proved last season, the absence from the game can be hard to return from but it is possible. Note that I’m not by any means comparing Savage with Scholes, simply comparing their situations.
The stumbling block in any proposed move could prove to be the media commitments factor and the recent signings of central midfield pair Dean Shiels from Kilmarnock and Ian Black from Hearts could prove to be more reliable and consistent alternatives to Savage.
Whilst the club have lost many players as a result of their financial woes and demotion to the fourth tier of Scottish football, a charity they most certainly are not, and building a stable base of players for the clubs future may be prioritised over picking up players with little left in the legs, especially if he cannot commit week in week out. It’s not like Rangers need to publicity either; their experience in Scotland’s lowest tier will be well-documented regardless.
Savage’s punditry skills have split opinion amongst audiences with many admiring the frank and honest views put across. Other viewers and listeners have however complained of the man’s self importance and arrogance. Just like his punditry it appears this transfer story will equally be seen as highly debatable.
images: © Tom Brogan, © lawkeven
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
