Former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam was lined up for a return to Ibrox this summer and a reunion with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard but the chances of that deal happening are now ‘remote’.
That is according to the Telegraph, who report that Adam has been informed he can leave by Stoke manager Gary Rowett but has found that the Gers have cooled their interest.
While a return for the man who was at the club as Walter Smith guided Rangers into the UEFA Cup final in 2008 may appeal on a nostalgic level, Gerrard’s decision to turn his back on the move is wise. Here’s why.
Gerrard is attempting to create a new vibrant Rangers, one that attacks games with the same intensity he played the game with, looking to make Ibrox a fortress again and start the season at a ferocious pace in their attempt t regain the title.
Adam, for all his technical quality, does not fit into that blueprint at all. Even as a younger player, he lacked pace and mobility and now aged 32, that issue is further exacerbated.
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If Rowett does not feel that Adam can contribute in the second tier of English football, that is a fairly strong indicator that he cannot make an impact at a new-look Rangers, who also have ambitions of making waves in the Europa League.
Rowett’s decision means that either his attitude or current ability is not up to scratch, but either way, that is not the type of player Gerrard needs to bringing to a dressing room that is currently pulling in the right direction and producing high-tempo performances.
Adam’s return would have been a decision driven by nostalgia and Gerrard’s Rangers are only looking to the future. His languid approach would be at odds with the intensity of this new-look team, and it is a good decision to shun the deal.