Michael Beale reiterated how much he values Steven Davis and his ongoing influence to the extent that he envisaged him still carrying on at Rangers.
The manager’s words were tempered with restraint and respect for the situation, given the significant task that Davis has in order to make a return from a serious injury at the age of 38.
The Northern Ireland legend was speaking this week regarding his current condition and the long road ahead.
Speaking yesterday at Auchenhowie, as reported by the Herald, Beale spoke up the value of experience and know-how, on and off the pitch, that is provided by the Ulsterman, as well as the likes of Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield. With those veterans coming to the end of their existing deals at the club, chances are that they won’t all remain but the manager warned against too much of a turnover too soon:
“He was going to be a key player for us between now and the end of the season and we have missed him. Times like at Kilmarnock when we were 3-1 in front. I just think Steven would have made better decisions for the group.”
“Maybe a little word in one or two ears, so we are missing him. He’s got a long road in terms of his recovery, but I think everything is in Steven’s hands.”
“A lot is made sometimes about age but the experiences some of these boys have had, I need them to be an extension of me. Steven is certainly that. He’s very calm, he thinks about the group and not himself. Allan McGregor is the same.”
“I see talk about the older players, that we need to turn them over. I don’t think people realise the importance some people have as to why a team plays a certain way. I like to have all the seniors in and around the changing room.”
Balance
It is very much about getting things right. Beale has spoken regarding getting more legs and youth into his team but at the same time, you just can’t discard so much experience and winners, too. In getting to the heights the club wants to get back to, it is a great help to have men who know how to get the job done.
The call to be made regarding the older players has to be one for the good of the club overall, as contracts just can’t be extended for the sake of it. There needs to be a proper return on the pitch where it matters most, beyond the valuable contributions made on the inside.
With the likes of Davis, McGregor, Arfield, even Ryan Jack, looking ahead to next season it is all about balance and sound judgement.