Source: FOOTYMAD
Why Allan McGregor's sale is Rangers top priority for January.
Sale of keeper may be necessary to bring in new players. It’s not because yesterday he ran out to break down a move and - instead of indulging in a homosexual tangle with Samaras or at least blootering the balls and the ball - he missed all targets. It’s certainly nothing to do with his penchant for pumping burds or his immense talent in attracting the wildlife of the west of Scotland. And, for once and for all, it has no connection to his behaviour with our previous manager, or the Scotland Vicky or any other tawdry and irrelevant hokum. Put simply: Rangers squad isn’t strong enough and isn’t going to be sufficient to win this SPL title. McGregor’s problem, such as it is, reflects only the fact that he is an excellent goalkeeper and a real asset. And, with no sign of magic money, or ancient Roman gold found down the back of the sofa or in the pocket of one of Uncle Walter’s old cardigans to finance any incoming deals, we’re stuck with some hard choices. 1. We could try and punt Kenny Miller. Fee involved would be smaller than the number of Green Brigade men banned for the Anti-Poppy banner and runs the risk of extinguishing the goalscoring flame for the remainder of the season. 2. We could attempt to sell Madjid Bougherra. Tempting on recent displays, but a man who is in constant confusion over the whereabouts of his passport may not be an easy one to shift when he doesn’t fancy it. 3. We seek to realise our greatest asset – and that is McGregor. Now, weakening the side in an attempt to win a league title may be an idea in need of more than a little in persuasion. But the squad, and the team, need reinforcements. The fixture backlog of the next few months won’t make matters any easier, and unless two or three new acquisitions make their way to the Rangers then we are up against it. McGregor’s sale could bring in anywhere up to and north of £5M. We have, in Neil Alexander, a capable if unspectacular deputy who can take over until such time as we can rear, promote or sneak another man to wear the gloves. Cashing in on Allan would be a big risk, especially if Neil then got injured or lost form. It is a risk we must take. Of course, January is often a hard time to sell players or to gain true market value, but it is also the case that clubs who have performed below par in the first half of the season, or appreciate the retirement or passage away in the summer of a key man, have to move now. A good quality goalkeeper is still a key bargaining chip. And money is still a fine way to sweeten a move. The consequences of nobody in and nobody out cannot now be contemplated. This squad will not be strong or consistent enough to plough through the mire of fixtures. If we truly want to win this year’s SPL title we now have not only to ponder but to actively pursue the unpalatable. We must sacrifice one of our best players for the good of the squad and the Club.
