When Andy Halliday joined Rangers, he ushered in a new era at the club.
Alongside the likes of James Tavernier and Wes Foderingham, he is a lasting tribute to Rangers first steps into the newest stage of their development. That is, the abandonment of old Scottish league and Rangers warhorses. A fresh, creative and dynamic approach.
He was the Rangers fan of the lot and was partly brought in to show the new arrivals just how big a deal playing for the club was and is
Since then, Rangers have tried many things to get them back to the top. Caixinha came and went. Gerrard arrive.
In between Halliday’s been to Azerbaijan and back. He’s been ridiculed and let down. Yet the midfielder has outlasted them all.
What’s more, since the latest and probably last roll of the dice came in, he’s flourished.
Gerrard put his arm round Andy – it’s all he needed
The celebrations in FC Ufa that famous night heralded all kinds of memorable scenes. One of the best of the lot was the image of a raucous Gerrard grabbing a wildly celebrating Halliday under his arm.
https://twitter.com/SmiffyCo55/status/1045047202291355649
This image is everything that Andy Halliday needed. He can play, but what he lacks in his game he makes up for in effort and just sheer love for the club. Gerrard knows how valuable that is.
What’s more, it’s making him a better player.
Halliday playing with his chest out
If you remember back to the humiliation Halliday suffered against Celtic in the 4-0 Scottish Cup hammering, it was hard to see a way back.
It felt Halliday was scapegoated by Murty by being substituted in the first half after being played out of position. Celtic fans also goaded him and sang his name. It was a crushing experience for any Rangers fan.
Yet here he is, playing out of his skin.
Yesterday night, Halliday led the troops out against Ayr United in the Betfred Cup. He was composed, controlled and capable. He also laid on two assists – one a delightful pass the gaffer himself would’ve been proud of.
This is a completely different player to a year ago and as a result is a real asset to Rangers. And I couldn’t be happier for him.
The Andy Halliday renaissance has been absolutely wonderful to see.
