Rangers duo Ross McCrorie and Jamie Murphy might be heading out of Ibrox, but they could still have a role to play for the club this season.
Both players are very highly regarded in the Scottish game but for one reason or another, things never quite happened for them at Rangers.
Defender-turned-midfielder McCrorie heads to fierce rivals Aberdeen, a move which drew understanding from some Rangers fans but ire from others.
Forward player Murphy would then move to McCrorie’s other Scottish Premiership suitors Hibs.
Similarly, the Ibrox support was perturbed to see one of their players move to a team, club and support which are so bitter towards Rangers they didn’t even mention the club on the tweet announcing Murphy’s signing.
Yes, despite Rangers actually agreeing to let the forward move to Easter Road on loan, they were still that petty.
Even Aberdeen managed to at least mention the team he was signing from.
Maybe the fans’ frustration is well merited after all.
But the nature of these deals might give an inclination as to why Rangers were ultimately convinced to let two players of strong standing move across the top tier of Scottish football.
Especially for this season in particular.
Scotland U21 captain McCrorie was amongst the most highly rated youth prospects of recent years at Ibrox and joins Aberdeen initially on loan before signing a three-year deal.
It has been confirmed by the Aberdeen Evening Express that McCrorie won’t be available to play against Rangers this season.
That might well be a good thing given the impressive start he’s made at the Dons, where he’s just picked up the MOTM for their 1-0 win over Hibs in Leith.
Whilst there hasn’t been the same level of confirmation concerning Murphy, the fact he’ll leave on loan before signing permanently at Easter Road next season must’ve been attractive somehow.
By letting both of these players of leave the club they strengthen two of the divisions strongest sides against the other teams – namely Celtic – but not against us.
Whilst there may remain a bit of bad blood between the fans and the clubs, you can bet they’ll be none aimed towards the players should they have the desired effect against our rivals this season.
