Rangers first signing for over a year may only be a loan deal, but the player and the position strengthened act as a tonic in the current climate.
Since January we have heard ever worsening tales of financial doom, culminating in the last few weeks with declarations from some quarters that not only were the banks in charge of the Club, but that the captain was presently playing without a proper contract. Martin Bain stated after the Hamilton demolition job that the banks certainly were not 'running the Club' . This did little to assuage fears amongst some of the support: the level of trust in the Rangers CEO is low, - very low - and most if not all statements are met with scepticism. The year long loan move for Jérôme Rothen must cast doubt on the rumours of excessive bank control - a loosening of the purse strings for a position that was not desperately short of cover would hint not at a banking executive signing off on the move, but on Smith being offered a player he feels has something to offer and deciding to use his limited funds.
The player himself is a French international midfielder who has played in a Champions League final. He is a specialized winger, playing on the left and possesses a great set piece delivery, crossing ability and passing. The left wing is an area that Rangers have struggled to fill, arguably since the departure of Neil McCann in 2003. Most recently we have seen Stevie Smith, Lee McCulloch, DaMarcus Beasley, Charlie Adam, Kenny Miller, Nacho Novo, Kyle Lafferty and Stevie Naismith all given time on the left flank, and while certain of the named players have performed adequately, many are either out of position or simply not good enough against better opposition. Players such as Lafferty could find their Rangers career reinvigorated by the Frenchman's arrival, they will be playing in a more balanced side and more importantly, in their preferred roles. Young John Fleck may find games fewer and further between, but once again, the chance he will be played in his natural role is increased and this is something that I think will have a bearing on his development.
With Boyd remaining at the club until January at the very least and the capture of an obviously talented and experienced winger, the midfield and forward areas look to be well covered with good talent. The current players will be capable of holding their own in our Champions League group and nothing domestically should be able to cause us too many problems. Concerns must remain however that should either Bougherra or Weir sustain a lengthy injury then problems will arise at the back. McCulloch, Broadfoot and perhaps Papac and Edu can all fill in at centre half should the need arise, and against SPL opposition they should all be more than capable of matching the frontline of any team they face. In Europe, with the huge leap in standard, any of the makeshift stoppers will struggle. Europe is primarily a cash cow for us this season, but with the options we have in the midfield and attack we should be looking to progress to the Europa cup as a minimum, even if this ambition could be severely hampered by a lack of depth in defence.
The signing of Rothen has opened up a range of possibilities for the manager, some particularly exciting options that will, I am certain, see us more than a match for any team in Scotland. The ability to shift players into their natural positions, the balance a genuine left midfielder will give us, and the experience the new man will carry all add to our attacking options. The signing has also lifted some of the self inflicted gloom surrounding the support: things, it appears, may not be quite as bleak as we had convinced ourselves.