Rangers fans were left in the dark in the Algarve at the weekend but a few new arrivals always brighting things up.
The friendly clash with Sunderland ended in a shambles with the floodlights chucking it at half-time, but fans are hoping new recruits Antonio Colak and Tom Lawrence can bring some light relief following Joe Aribo’s departure. Alan McGaw, Alloa, said: “What an absolute farce from Portugal with the floodlights not working then the game abandoned. I know this was only a friendly but what would have happened if this had been a Euro cup game. I know the electric charges have risen but surely a few Euros in the meter would have helped. What about the fans who paid to get in as well?”
As for the new signings? The jury is out for now. Robert Livingstone, West Palm Beach, is convinced and he said: “Colak and Lawrence are natural goalscorers and their arrivals certainly make Rangers more competitive. Once Morelos comes back, and providing he does stay, Van Bronckhorst has the option of playing all three up front. Add in Kent’s pace and his ball control, we should see a lot more goals.”
But Barriemore Barlow, Dunbartonshire, said: “Rangers are nowhere near ready for a new season. Bassey and Barisic look like they're staying, Aribo is away and they've signed two attackers who are both 28 and who have played for a combined 19 clubs – mostly out on loan. Hardly a criteria that's likely to prove successful.”
Kevin Kean, Inchinan, said: “I know nothing about Tom Lawrence and I suspect no Rangers fans do either. He wasn't in the recent Wales World Cup squad, he scored 36 goals in 180 games with Derby. When is Colak going to play? Even if Morelos leaves he has to battle with Roofe and Sakala for a starting place.”
Celtic fans also love pitching in on Rangers transfer business. Henry Moffat, Stirling, said: “I had to chuckle at the caller saying Rangers paid £300k for Joe Aribo, more like just under £3m in player and agent signing fees and little profit out of £6m after his lavish wages. The Tom Lawrence deal is exactly the same and after reading many reports of his regular form dips and poor attitude it’s clear its just a downgrade on Aribo with no resale value. We’re hardly in fear.”
Richard Wharton, Carlisle, said: “So Lawrence signs on at Ibrox. Wonder if he will have as much impact as their last Welsh international.”
Paul Keenan via email, said: “I'm surprised Rangers didn't nip in to sign Jack Wilshere before he hung up his boots. Must be a new strategy under John Park.”
Meanwhile, crystal ball time as Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “I said on the Hotline last season that Scott Brown would play a massive part in denying Rangers the title and I was proved right, with Broony being the most influential player as Aberdeen took four points off them. This season I am predicting Aiden McGeady to do the exact same for Hibs.”
Celtic did some early business but some fans are worried more is needed. David Bryce, Troon, said: “I hope when Ange says he wants one or two players he really means about six,
“The decision to free Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton without having identified suitable replacements was sheer folly. We badly need a defensive midfielder and a quality centre half. The current squad will be absolutely demolished in Europe. Ange says we never stop, however we really need to improve.”
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