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I'd prefer it if we keep our dealings with Hibs to a minimum.

Compo has been winning a lot of bets recently. My money's on him.

With about 90% of the population vaccinated, that’s hardly a statistical surprise

Me neither, which narrows it down.

I’m optimistic on Sands. I’ve long thought Davis, while very good on the ball, doesn’t provide enough protection to the defence as our DM at 37 years old. He’s not known for aggression, tackling or obviously mobility (particularly important for counter attacks). That has to be caveated with the fact that we conceded 13 goals in the league last season, but we were often wide open in Europe and this season we leaked goals domestically too when Davis was playing. I’ve looked at a number of videos of Sands and looked at his stats too and he looks like he would provide very good protection of the defence. His defensive duels numbers are very good, both in the air and on the ground. His interception numbers are very good too, something Davis is good at. On the ball he is quite limited, levels below Davis really. Technically I would say he is fine but not great for a DM. But he seems to be good at forward passing (short passing) despite that, his forward passing numbers are very good. That could be because he’s been playing for the best team in his league though. So I think he would be quite a traditional defensive midfielder who would shore us up and improve our goals conceded and we have needed that kind of player imo, but maybe not be ideal against a parked bus at Ibrox.

I'm not a massive fan, but we are needing a right winger. I think 3 million for a 28 year old is a bit much though. Would have no resale value. Pros - rapid, proven SPFL player, scores goals Cons - diving, Pace merchant maybe not so good against the 'park the bus', his hair transplant looks painted on

I don’t think we should be pushing the boat out for Souttar given his injury record

"Giovanni van Bronckhorst glad to land versatile James Sands" I see that we got JS from Ronnie 'The Dildo' Deila. That pleases me almost as much as it will displease the fhilth. He seems to be a versatile player, so I suppose we might call him 'Shifting Sands'. FOOTBALL Giovanni van Bronckhorst glad to land versatile James Sands Ben Palmer Thursday January 06 2022, 12.01am, The Times Football Rangers’ new signing Sands in action for New York City in the MLS IRA L. BLACK/CORBIS/GETTY IMAGES Giovanni van Bronckhorst said that James Sands’ versatility was a factor in Rangers’ decision to sign the United States international. The 21-year-old has moved to Ibrox on an initial 18-month loan from New York City and Rangers have an option to buy the player at the end of his loan. Sands can play in both defence and midfield, has seven caps for the United States and recently played in New York’s MLS Cup final victory against Portland Timbers under the stewardship of former Celtic manager Ronny Deila. “James is a player who I have been aware of for some time,” Van Bronckhorst, the Rangers manager, said. “His versatility was a big attraction and I’ve been impressed with his attitude and mentality in the games that I have watched recently. “He is a talented young player with areas of his game which we will endeavour to develop through our coaching. I am looking forward to getting him onto the pitch and starting to work with him.” Sands made his international debut in last year’s Gold Cup and was a regular as the United States reached the final, in which they beat Mexico. Despite his contract at New York City running until the summer of 2026, his parent club did not want to stand in the way of his ambition to play in Europe. “I’m very excited to be joining Rangers Football Club,” Sands said. “It is an incredible opportunity for me to join a club with such a winning history and worldwide fan base. “I’m looking forward to joining an ambitious and talented group of players and coaches. I am certain Rangers will progress me as both a player and as a person. I would also like to thank NYCFC for the role they have played in my development so far.” https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/giovanni-van-bronckhorst-glad-to-land-versatile-james-sands-692qxqz2v

A few "defensive" things ... - James Sands arrived in Scotland and Rangers without a fan or reporter even noticing it. (Though someone having hospitality treatment at Ibrox yesterday was adamant that he saw Sands, et even our German admin refrained from posting the info from this FB group chat.) Some feat by the club. - Helander, Balogun, Simpson ... have had their troubles this season, and Balogun`s and Goldson`s contracts end this summer. Whether the Patterson etc. money will allow us to be more flexible in the wages structure (if we actually want that to happen) remains to be seen. - Bassey has been used as a CH of late and that side of defence looks okay and will probably get better, not least with Barisic getting back to his best. - James Sands is a CH by trade and can step straight into the team (though he might get a few sub appearances to get used to the Scottish game first). - Leon King has now been promoted to the first team squad (and for a reason), again, in the CH position - Souttar would come in a low or no fee, normal wages and some good form too - the risk is limited. Thus, it might look to be the end of the road for Simpson, whereas it is anyone guess with regards to Balogun beyond the summer. Goldson is a bit of a conundrum, yet we have yet to hear of any solid interest from England et al. All in all, what matters most is that we looked decently covered in the CH positions for the rest of the season, not least when Souttar would be added to the current squad. Should Helander return and Balogun gets fit again, we`d also have cover for either fullback position with the latter and Bassey. As for Lundstram ... I would assume that his wages are pure guesswork (and even if not, was agreed to by SG and Ross Wilson) and why he gets so much IMHO unwarranted animosity is beyond me. He`s been placed alongside Kamara every now and then and IMHO he`s more the Arfield type of combative midfielder who likes to move forward every now and then. As a DM, Kamara and Jack are possibly better, but in nigh all of the games that I saw Lundstram, he did okay. Or at least not worse than anyone else on the pitch. Sometimes it is baffling how people remember all the bad stuff one player manages to do on the pitch and kind of ignore his overall play, while it is the complete opposite with others.

not if we sell him for 3 million. etc

You mean she HAS had sex with a man? You sure?