As Rangers are finding out the hard way – and much to Kris Boyd’s frustration – transitioning from one era to a new one brings a rather daunting set of challenges.
Since the summer of 2023, Rangers have moved on from Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Glen Kamara, John Lundstram, Connor Goldson, Borna Barisic, Allan McGregor, Ryan Jack, Filip Helander, Kemar Roofe, Scott Wright, Scott Arfield and Steven Davies.
A whole host of players who played a massive role in either Steven Gerrard’s Premiership-winning campaign, that stirring run to the Europa League final, or both.
Constructing a brand new team in the space of just over 12 months was always going to stretch the Ibrox decision makers.
But, as further questions emerge about not only manager Philippe Clement but the signings brought in on Nils Koppen’s watch, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd is left wondering where the Ibrox giants go from here.
Kris Boyd slams Robin Propper signing in ‘alarming’ Rangers assessment
Rangers conceded only 13 goals in that glorious title-securing 2020/21 season. They have already let in eight this term, with Aberdeen becoming the third side to get the better of Clement’s team in ten Premiership matches.
And Boyd cannot hide is bemusement as Rangers continue to rely on a now-36-year-old Leon Balogun.
The veteran was seemingly brought back to Ibrox seemingly to provide an experienced back-up. But as Robin Propper struggles in Rangers blue and with Clinton Nsiala not yet trusted to start games at senior level by Clement, Boyd cannot help but wonder if his old employers have made a mess of their defensive re-structuring.
“You are not trying to tell me that when Connor Goldson was [told] ‘you can go’ that Propper was top of the list,” the five-time Golden Boot winner argues. “Or even on the list, shall we add.
“The fact that Souttar and Balogun seems to be your number one choice is alarming! It is alarming! And that’s nothing to do with [the qualities of Souttar and Balogun].
“You’ve brought in players who are just not good enough.”
Propper, a £1.5 million signing from FC Twente at the start of August, was left on the bench at Pittodrie.
Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson wanted to see Neraysho Kasanwirjo start at centre-half, but the Feyenoord loanee instead lined up at left-back.
That was another decision – Clement left out in-form Jefte with Kasanwirjo taking his place – which left the Rangers support rather confused.
- READ MORE: Rangers Transfer History 2016-Present
Philippe Clement backs Rangers to bounce back from Aberdeen
“I think we were the team in the second half going for the winning goal, getting the most time in the box of the two teams,” a bullish Clement sighed in his midweek press conference, arguing that the eventual 2-1 defeat at Aberdeen flattered Jimmy Thelin’s hosts.
“We were not clinical enough in that way to take the lead. And then, on one of the [few] moments that Aberdeen came in our box, they were lethal. So that’s disappointing.
“Also, knowing that [Ross McCausland] scored the goal and it is not allowed for a toenail offside, it could have been a different result also out of that.
“But yeah, we need to work hard to get these results and to get these results over the line. That’s our task to do with all squad.”
Rangers are now nine points adrift of Aberdeen and Old Firm rivals Celtic after only a quarter of the season played.
“Yeah, it’s a big gap,” Clement admits. “But if you’re focused on the gap, you’re not focused on taking the points.
“When I stepped in last season, there was also a big gap at that moment and we came back all the way, but not succeeded at the end of the road. It was a story of game by game, giving the maximum to get the three points and going game by game.
“So, that’s what we need to do again.”
