Billy Kirkwood’s appointment as Rangers’ loan manager seems to have coincided with increased performance levels from two loan stars.
Both Greg Docherty and Joe Dodoo have been raising their game over the last month. Since Steven Gerrard announced that Kirkwood would be taking up a new full-time role involving the loan players, both Dodoo and Docherty have rattled home six goals between them.
Dodoo especially has bullied his way into the Blackpool team and scored some terrific goals. He looks like finally coming of age at the Seasiders, and is ready to try and impress Kirkwood and Gerrard.
Docherty had already been impressing at Shrewsbury Town, and has been a constant in their side over the season. But against Plymouth on Tuesday, he bagged yet another strike as he continues to go from strength to strength down in England.
What Kirkwood’s appointment signals to these players is a sign that the manager is listening. He’s ready for positive reports to be sent to him and that their development is going along nicely whilst out on loan.
Docherty has a bright future at Ibrox
For the likes of Docherty in particular, that’s a massive boost as he continues to light up England’s League One. His displays have been typically full of energy as he’s become a fan-favourite.
Jak Alnwick is another who’s enjoying his loan spell down at Scunthorpe United. He, however, is set for a return in January. Therefore, he won’t have much longer to impress.
Like it or not, however, both Dodoo and Docherty are making themselves difficult to ignore. Dodoo has plenty of improvement and convincing to do before he gets anywhere near Gerrard’s side. Regardless, he’s getting his career back on track, and it’s coincided with Kirkwood being put into place.
The new appointment has clearly provided these players with some added motivation. They’re in fine form and continuing to star for their clubs on a weekly-basis.
Granted, there are still plenty of loan stars who still haven’t been performing to the required standard. Eduardo Herrera and Carlos Pena have had disastrous spells with Santos Laguna and Necaxa respectively.
But for others, Kirkwood’s appointment looks like being the bounce they needed to kick on.
