If Rangers are to build any real stability, ripping up the team and starting from scratch almost every summer must become a thing of the past.
In three years, only James Tavernier remains from the Europa League final squad of 2022 with more than a full XI of senior players being allowed to leave at the end of their contracts since – an indication of how poorly the Rangers squad has been managed.
Nils Koppen will have his work cut out but should be helped by Patrick Stewart appointing a sporting director, a repeat of last summer and selling five players for £800,000 is unacceptable.
There are a few question marks over players like Ridvan Yilmaz and Dujon Sterling, talented? Yes. Resilient and robust? The jury is still out.
A similar question applies for Ben Davies, who will return to Rangers after his loan spell at Birmingham City ends.
Could Ben Davies return if Rangers keep change of shape?
With a consistent run of games, the 29-year old has found the sort of form that saw him earn a move to Liverpool.
As far as defenders in England’s lower leagues go, Davies is one of the most respected.
Davies was branded a “brick wall” by the Blues’ social media administrator, it’s fair to say that the Rangers loanee has impressed.
League One in England isn’t exactly known for its flair or total football philosophies so, the doubts about Davies’ ability to handle physical strikers can be put to bed.
The irony is, had Davies still been at Rangers, he would have loved Barry Ferguson.
A back three is the perfect system for a left-footed defender who likes to play out from the back and who is capable of covering his full-back or of stepping up into midfield.
It also gives more protection to the centre-halves rather than being left to deal with one v ones all game and having half a pitch to cover.
Put it another way, would Davies have looked more secure than Robin Propper against Celtic?
What has Davies said about a potential move to Birmingham?
There is no option to buy in the loan deal, however, Davies addressed a permanent move to Birmingham and if anything was in the pipeline:
“I haven’t thought about it yet, I just wanted to come out and do a year’s loan and try and get going again because it was a bit stop-start at Rangers for me,” said Davies.
I’m happy with the way it’s going but I haven’t thought past now.
“I came here looking to play as many games as possible and when I first came I realised the strength-in-depth that the squad had and the quality that they had all over the pitch, especially at the back so it took a bit of time and I’ve been patient. I’ve done a good run of games now so it feels good.”
Barry Ferguson would love loan Rangers star who could be given second chance on one condition
