It’s here. What football fans all over Europe have been waiting for, the January transfer window.
Its that time of year when you hope your side can capture the signature of that one player who will make all the difference, we Rangers supporters are no different.
So to get you all in the transfer mood I have picked out the best of Rangers winter transfer business, and over the next two days I will present them to you.
Enjoy the links at the end.
KEVIN THOMSON: JANUARY 2007
It’s been said every team needs a enforcer, and when Walter Smith came back to Rangers in 2007, he only had to look down the M8 for the one.
Thomson, made his name at his boyhood team Hibernian coming through the ranks with a host of other highly talented players, making his first team debut during the 2003-04 season.
After a serious cruciate ligament injury the following season kept the promising midfielder out for the majority of the next season, the player displayed the kind of will and determination that he would gain fame and notoriety for, establishing himself as of Hibernians most important players in season 2005-06.
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His form and leadership skills were rewarded in March of 2006 when he was named Hibernian captain.
Speculation was rife at the time about Thomsons long term future with many a interested party lining up with bids. Both Bolton and Charlton Athletic respectively had bids rejected by the Hibs board, but ill feeling between Hibs boss John Collins, and the player made it clear one or the other would have to go.
Despite the rumour mill of Glasgow being like wildfire at the time with stories that Thomson was set for Celtic, it was the world’s most successful club that captured the players signature. Signing on at Ibrox on the 30th January 2007 for a bargain fee of £2 million.
Thomson made his Rangers debut on February 11th in a 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock, his euphoria was short lived however, being substituted at half time due to a hamstring injury.
After a relatively quiet but effective start to his Rangers career, Thomson went about establishing himself has a fan favourite. Taking no prisoners and never shying away or out a challenge the fans warmed to his style of play.
His first goal for Rangers was not a bad one either, scoring at Ibrox in a old firm victory over Celtic.
It is perhaps his challenges in the clashes with Celtic that Kevin Thomson is best remembered by the Ibrox faithful, none more so than the fair but solid tackles he cemented Robbie Keane with, forcing the Celtic forward to run look constantly over his shoulder for remainder of the game.
He will also be remembered for his place at the centre of midfield during the club’s historic UEFA cup run in 2008, even playing through the pain of a injury in the final.
On a personal note I was gutted when Kevin left for Middlesbourgh, and for such a paltry fee for a player of his ability. He was surely future Rangers captain material, in my eyes.
Another Kevin Thomson this window would do just fine for me.
Let me know your thoughts.
@steven_harrigan @rangersnewsuk