Reading The Signs

[Frankie 8,552]

Fine article from Pete discussing the mistakes of last pre-season and how they should be rectified to minimise risk this year.

 

 

http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=803&Itemid=1

 

As June slides into its final stages and the summer solstice has come and gone, most people look forward to their summer holidays. Meanwhile, as Britain�s airports reach fever pitch, football players are looking to return to training and the cogs of a new football season start to grind into action. As in the last few seasons Rangers will be heading to Germany for a training camp and three pre season friendlies.

 

During last seasons visit to Germany two amateur teams managed to dominate Rangers for large spells of the game. In addition, the glamour game against Schalke saw us defending on our own 18 yard line for most of the game. The signs of football poverty were there for everyone to see. It would seem everyone that is, except the Rangers coaching staff.

 

It was obvious to all we were crying out for midfield reinforcements but still Rangers stalled on buying Stevie Davis to save �£500,000. A decision that probably cost us �£10million in the long run, by missing out on the Champions' League and European football in general.

 

Surely the reason for these pre-season games is not only to get match practice, but also to evaluate the development of the team. Newspapers, football forums and everyone who had the slightest piece of football knowledge, could see that Rangers were struggling to beat teams at amateur level.

 

Then came the first leg of the Kaunas debacle.

 

Still the signs that we were not equipped to even beat a so called pub team at home never got the alarm bells ringing. Only when we lost to Kaunus in Lithuania did the penny drop that we needed reinforcements. Closing the barn door after the horse had bolted springs to mind.

 

It is of course easy to blame Walter Smith but we also have to ask ourselves in how much Walters hands were tied in spending any cash for players. Looking at it from a distance it looks like the club board had decided the risk of losing to Kaunas was minimal and saving money on transfer deals was worth risking the �£10million Champions' League cash. A decision that came back to haunt us. A decision that meant that Carlos Cuellor - arguably the best defender to play for Rangers in years - had to be sold to finance any new signings.

 

This season, with the tour of Germany leading the way to a tournament at the Emirates where we meet Paris St Germain and Arsenal, followed by two friendlies against Manchester City and Portsmouth, there will be plenty of chances to assess our development. While knee-jerk reactions to bad games are no use to anyone, these games will offer up an insight to where our weak points are.

 

Indeed, most Rangers fans will aleady agree we need to strengthen our defence (especially if Bougherra is lost to international duty during much of January) while left-midfield remains a priority. Of course, as it stands, finance is an issue so that is as good a reason as any to ensure the younger players (such as Wilson and Fleck) are given the chance to impress and develop in the close season.

 

Our technical staff have to monitor this and act upon it if necessary. While advancing in the Champions' League would be financially fantastic, a more realistic run in the UEFA Cup should be achievable where we'd have to end at least third in the CL group. With the SPL television money uncertain we have to look to Europe to make our money. As such, if we do not strengthen then I feel we will be missing out on valuable income. The technical and management staff must use the close season to spot the weak spots and patch them up immediately. We cannot afford another such weak start to the season as last year. Our management have to read the signs and make certain of a Euro run and Euro money whilst consolidating our place as the SPL's best side.

 

Gambling with money is a mug's game. Let's minimise the risk by making sure the team is ready immediately.

 

:spl: