Glasgow, 07.11.2018, Ibrox Stadion, Fussball, Scottish Premiership, Glasgow Rangers Imago Images
Record Sport’s panel has outlined the pressing business Derek McInnes must address as he begins his tenure at Rangers this summer.
The panel’s first priority centres on squad building, with McInnes expected to bring in players who can combine a steely character with a dependable first touch.
The signing of Lawrence Shankland has been identified as a positive early step, but analysts agree the club needs considerably more reinforcements to compete for honours.
Fraser Wilson believes McInnes must identify players to be sold before targeting a minimum of four new recruits across specific positions this window.
Those positions include a right back, a central defender, a midfielder, and a quality wide man, with Wilson drawing comparisons to McInnes’s transformative work at Hearts.
Michael Gannon argues the creative quality in the middle of the pitch and wide areas remains the most urgent need for Rangers heading into the new season.
Gannon noted that Rangers require game changers capable of making matches more comfortable, rather than enduring the weekly scraps that defined their performances last term.
Attention also turns to Celtic, whose quiet summer is drawing scrutiny despite the Hoops hierarchy’s well-established pattern of late transfer window activity.
Wilson pointed out that even at this stage last season Celtic had their marquee signing, Kieran Tierney, in place, making the current silence more concerning given widespread squad investment is needed.
Gannon warned that the longer Celtic dither, the tougher the job will be to prepare adequately for both the new season and the crucial Champions League qualifier.
Hearts face their own questions after losing both McInnes and Shankland, with Tony Bloom having set expectations and Graeme Jones confirming the club must improve year on year.
Wilson stressed that improving year on year means challenging at the top of the table and winning silverware in the cups, requiring both the manager and captain to be successfully replaced.
Gannon suggested Hearts may need a season of readjustment with an influx of new players before genuinely competing for the title once more.
At Motherwell, Alfred Johansson steps into a challenging role following the high bar set by outgoing manager Jens Berthel Askou at Fir Park.
Gannon flagged concerns over potential departures, noting players such as Elijah Just and Elliot Watt are in high demand, and suggested a top-six finish would represent a job well done for the incoming Swede.
About the Author
