was largely dismantled and replaced with players of inferior quality.
Fortunately we have managed to avoid this scenario this time around and
the squad is now as strong as it has been for a number of years. In goals,
we now have two solid, experienced goalkeepers in the form of
the returning Stefan Klos and Ronald Wattereus, who was so reliable in
Klos’ absence last season. McLeish now has a dilemma as to who to
select between the sticks but I believe he should go for Klos. ‘Der
Goalie’ has been superb in his time at Ibrox and has shown great
loyalty in that time. While sentimentality shouldn’t get in the way of
team selection, I believe that Klos is the slightly superior ‘keeper
and should be our number one.
After a highly consistent spell in midfield last season, it appears
that Fernando Ricksen will be occupying the right back berth this term
with Alan Hutton (when he returns) as back-up. Left back is more of a
problem. Michael Ball is a capable player but has not produced enough
to justify his £6 million transfer fee and hefty salary. Ian Murray can
play in several positions and I thought he played well against
Moenchengladbach when he came on at half time. If Ball is removed from
the wage bill it will leave Murray and young Stevie Smith as the only
two recognisable left backs.
In the middle of the defence, the on-going saga of Sotirios Krygiakos’
future this summer has failed to result in the big Greek signing on at
Ibrox. Soti did a good job when he came in last season although he did
tend to dwell on the ball at times. If a deal cant be struck to bring
him back then it is important that we secure another big, experienced
defender for Europe as neither Zurab or Bob will do. Big Marv shocked
everyone with his performances last season but doubts still remain
about his damaged cruciate. From what I have seen so far, FanFan is a
big, strong defender with obvious experience although he does lack the
elegance on the ball of Boumsong.
Barry Ferguson has been restored to the captains armband and although
slightly controversial, he did leave the club as captain before, I do
believe he is the right man for the job. Brahim Hendani has been
brought in as the holding midfielder McLeish envisioned Dragan being.
Hopefully the big Serb will be shipped out as soon as. Alex Rae remains
as an experienced, wily campaigner who is always useful to have about
the squad. On the right hand side, Chris Burke really has to establish
himself this season. He displayed great potential a couple of years ago
but doubts remain about whether he can to take the next step and become
a regular.
A potential rival to Burke is the ever popular Nacho Novo. He did
brilliant to grab 25 goals last year but was also very effective when
moved to the right near the end of the season. This season should be a
big one for Thomas Buffel who was superb near the end of the season
operating in his favoured position just off a main striker. That main
striker will be Dado Prso who I am also expecting to have a big season.
He was superb in the second half of the season and has shown a great
desire to play for the jersey. Federico Nieto, Steven Thompson and
young Ross McCormack will also be competing for places this season. It
looks like the end of Peter Lovenkrands’ time at the club. The Dane
hasn’t played well for a couple of years now and also commands a £17K a
week salary. We don’t really have a ready made replacement on the left
hand side but I would like to see Nigel Quashie brought in from
Southampton. While he isn’t a winger, he is a good, left sided player
who would probably love to join up with Fergie at the SPL champions.
That’s just a few of my thoughts on the squad that will hopefully
secure title number 52 and progress beyond Christmas in Europe.
Forever in Blue,
TIGER