Last week football pundit and ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton came out and accused Rangers of a lack of “long-term planning” at Ibrox in comments about transfer business at Ibrox.
In a week were a range of Scottish football pundits began to really realise the threat of Rangers this season – and come across quite bitter in the process – Sutton was arguably the most scathing.
In his column for the Daily Record, Sutton sounded nervous, rambling and was really scraping the barrel with his comments about the club’s finances.
“I still think Celtic are stronger man for man and are likely to strengthen further,” said Sutton.
“We all know the recruitment hasn’t been great and areas of the team need to be addressed.
“They have the finances and the time to sort it out but this is still a big chance for Rangers.
“It’s clear they are throwing everything at it as well, as there doesn’t seem to be much long-term planning at Ibrox.”
Debunking this myth
This notion there is no “long-term planning” at Rangers is absolute nonsense – particularly when it comes to transfers.
Even this season, Rangers have invested largely in talent which could potentially increase in value in the next few years.
The stand-out purchase is 22-year-old Joe Aribo – the £300k development fee already looking an absolute bargain.
There’s also the impressive £650k signing of 21-year-old centre-back George Edmundson and the signing of Motherwell winger Jake Hastie, who is the same age.
Jordan Jones is 24, whilst £3m signing [RangersTV] Filip Helander still has plenty of room to grow as a 26-year-old.
Brandon Barker, 22, is another the club will be hoping can make an impression and prove a shrewd acquisition.
Greg Stewart, 29, and Steven Davis, 34, are two who are signed to make an impression now. They also commanded absolutely no transfer fee.
Loan signings can be a handy way to secure quality in the short-term, as we’re already seeing in Sheyi Ojo. You expect the same of Andy King.
On top of that, the club has tied down their two biggest assets James Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos on long-term contracts.
The notion that there isn’t any “long-term planning” at Rangers isn’t just absolute nonsense.
It’s the exact opposite of how the club is operating in the transfer window.
