Greg Docherty’s form on-loan at Shrewsbury Town has been eye-catching to say the least, and Rangers’ new appointment should have him doing cartwheels.
Billy Kirkwood has been announced as Rangers’ new loan manager. The role was announced several days ago by Steven Gerrard as something he wanted to create as part of his set-up.
It’s going to be Kirkwood’s job to get in touch with every player out on loan from Ibrox. He’ll have to be taking notes on everything they’re eating as well as what they do in training. Gerrard has made it clear that he wants to make sure his players are being treated right.
The reason, however, for this being better news for Docherty than most, is because of another of Kirkwood’s roles. He’s going to have to compile more comprehensive match reports from each of the players out on loan. It’s unclear as to how Rangers used to carry this task out, but an improvement is set to be made.
Making waves
Docherty has been making waves since signing for Shrewsbury Town in the summer. So far this season, he’s netted four goals and bagged two assists since joining the League One side. He’s a consistent performer for Shrewsbury, and has already made 13 appearances.
He’ll never have a better chance after Kirkwood’s appointment to constantly be in Gerrard’s ear. The Rangers manager has sent scouts to watch Docherty on a couple of occasions this season. Now, however, he’ll have one keeping tabs on him on a daily basis. Given how impressive he’s been in England, this is great news for him.
With midfield competition as high as it’s been at Ibrox in a long time, Docherty could use the boost. It’s going to be a tough ask for him to come back and break in ahead of the likes of Ryan Jack and Lassana Coulibaly.
For the here and now, however, he’s doing terrific work in England and has the chance to have his work comprehensively reported to the Rangers manager.
Rangers supporters remain excited by what Docherty could bring to Ibrox in the future. He is one of the few players from last season who had real drive and showed some promise.
If he continues to keep his form going in a positive trajectory this season, Gerrard is bound to give him his chance.
