Jon McLaughlin’s transfer to Rangers from Sunderland went largely under the radar with many fans of the Light Blues expecting Vaclav Hladky to be the man stepping into the role of understudy to Allan McGregor.
🆕 #RangersFC are delighted to announce the signing of @ScotlandNT goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 23, 2020
When the announcement was made, the move was met with wide scale praise from fans and was seen as an instant upgrade on the previous incumbent, as a respected international player, the former Hearts man has experience at the highest level.
Steven Gerrard will be hoping to secure players than can improve his starting XI to close the gap on Celtic but needed the likes of McLaughlin and Calvin Bassey to ensure that it isn’t weakened in the absence of key players.
Rangers fans took to Twitter in response to the announcement of the keeper’s signing by congratulating the club on such a solid acquisition and by making it without any inclination from the mainstream Scottish media.
Good keeper. Happy with that 👊
— M (@RoyalBlue1872) June 23, 2020
I always liked him as a keeper. Wen he was with hearts
— Robert dykes – w.a.t.p (@rangerslad1983) June 23, 2020
Great Signing 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— peter kelman (@aberlourbear) June 23, 2020
Great signing. I love how the media as well as us fans don’t know who we’re bringing in 👏🏻
— Deek (@DeekMc1980) June 23, 2020
Must be ripping the medias knitting getting wind of nothing haha Long may it continue!! 🔴⚪🔵
— Mark Reid (@MarkyReid80) June 23, 2020
Solid signing and likely part of the overall succession planning for the #1 spot with McCrorie needing to develop more before getting there. As for this is all very “under the radar” I think it’s a good example of how the haters in the press will now be treated going forward 👍🏻
— houstontrueblue (@houstontrueblue) June 23, 2020
McLaughlin is a solid addition and if McGregor decides that this season is to be his last, he will provide valuable competition to the heir to the throne, Robby McCrorie, with the youngster set to go out on loan to further his development in preparation for one of the highest profile jobs in Scottish football.