After the excellent performance of Rangers at Ibrox last Saturday, perhaps the international break has come a little too soon into the reign of new manager Pedro Caixinha. After the fast paced and professional display against Hamilton, more games would’ve been preferred before a lay off. That being said, it was business as usual this week at Murray Park. So much so in fact that the new manager has ordered his inherited squad to cancel any pre-booked holidays they may have had while the world’s major leagues take a break for World Cup Qualifiers.
Only Rangers captain Lee Wallace finds himself picked for Scotland duty, leaving his team mates to slog it out and further educate themselves in all things Pedro. Not a bad thing at all as far as this Bear is concerned. The more time on the training pitch, the more they can utilise their manager’s ethos in the SPL and Scottish Cup. A closed doors friendly match will see Graeme Murty pit his under 20’s against Caixinha’s top team. Hopefully an injury free exercise with some good performances, and perhaps an opportunity for our new manager to see up close the potential in our youth ranks, with Burt and Gibson at the forefront of his attentions.
Former boss Mark Warburton took charge at Nottingham Forest, and it’s muted that he will be sounding out the possibility of taking current Rangers first team players James Tavernier and Martyn Waghorn down to the City Stadium. Weather this is indeed true or not, only time will tell obviously, but Warburton does have his favourites he likes to bring to each club he manages. Forrester, Kiernan, Hyndman, Toral to name a few. But if Pedro can get the potential out of this squad then their stock, and desire to challenge for honours, will only rise with each passing week. A win win scenario for Rangers either way, whether it’s a top transfer fee, or a player at the peak of his powers wanting to stay and win medals.
The ‘number 3’ speculation still rumbles on. Former Ibrox hero Derek Johnstone claims that a Scottish/Rangers man take up this mantle, something he wanted prior to signing. Former captain and Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson is the popular choice with the supporters, and reports suggest he is up for the challenge. Only a few Bears have publicly voiced displeasure on the phone ins stating that “He got Le Guen the sack!”, but history will show that results played the bigger part in the former French managers exit. For me, Barry wouldn’t except this role without doing his homework and/or having lengthy discussions first with Caixinha, and if appointed I think it would only be a good thing for Rangers.
So, still lots to look forward to over the next week or so, and hopefully more good things and exciting appointments are on the horizon. Motherwell at Ibrox on the 1st of April feels like a long ways away that’s for sure…..in the meantime, it’s over to FIFA for the weekend. Think I’ll see what the Scottish lower leagues have to offer…….