Rangers fans were excited ahead of this season, new players, a manager with fresh ideas and renewed hope that success could return to the club, however, other than Jack Butland, that excitement has failed to live up to expectations.
Most of the the recruitment focussed on the forward line and midfield but, replacing Allan McGregor was always going to be a difficult task.
Thankfully though, Rangers got this one right with Jack Butland and things could have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for the giant stopper, according to Cammy Bell via The Daily Record.
Big saves at big moments is what McGregor made his name on and his successor has been every bit as important.
It’s just a shame that his teammates at the other end of the park aren’t holding up their end of the bargain.
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On a free transfer, Rangers have secured a bargain in Jack Butland and it’s no surprise to see him already being tipped for a quick exit.
Rangers get it right with Jack Butland signing
Speaking to the Record, Bell has been impressed with what he has seen so far and that his manager has a lot to be grateful for:
“It’s been a difficult start for Michael Beale and I’m pretty sure he will be thankful that Jack Butland has turned up and put in the performances they were expecting when he signed.
“I always thought he would be a good signing for Rangers and so far he’s proving it.
“Michael Beale would have been desperate to get him in the door knowing he could produce big performances.
“For me, he was the only one of the signings I thought he would be guaranteed to get that from because he’s done it before at such a high level.
“And you have to take your hat off to him as he’s come in and done that, making big saves in games against Servette, PSV and even against Celtic last week.
“Things could be a lot worse without those saves. But he’s going to have to continuously do that as a Rangers goalkeeper.”
Bell is right, Rangers wouldn’t have made it past Servette without Jack Butland or taken the tie against PSV Eindhoven to the away leg on level terms.
It’s not just his shot stopping that has impressed too.
Butland’s command of his area in open play and at set pieces makes you wonder why we didn’t try to bring him, or someone like him, in sooner.
He might have done more than just keep his manager in the job, he might have helped us win trophies too.