“We need Scottish players” – New deals for Jack and Arfield to follow?

A very defensive response regarding the signing of John Souttar brings into focus the immediate futures of the likes of Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield.

At Rangers AGM on Tuesday, criticism was pointed at Ross Wilson regarding the track record of players brought to the club. In particular, the move along the M8 for the former Hearts defender was highlighted leading to a spiky response from the Sporting Director.

The question from the floor was as follows:

In terms of signings under Ross Wilson on the whole they have been a disaster and failed. Why did you sanction a centre-back from Hearts with that injury record? Do the board believe Wilson is the right man to be doing this job? Specific signings and supposed transfer fees were put forward.

Firm backing was given to Wilson by Managing Director Stewart Robertson, who then responded:

“Without being too direct none of the figures you quoted are correct. I don’t sign football players. Bacuna was a free transfer suggested by the coaching staff we made a profit on him.

“We went into the Soutter signing with our eyes open we believe he will contribute. Not every player needs to play 60 matches a season but we need Scottish players.”

Change

In regard to Souttar, we all know that he is a capable, talented player but there are valid questions regarding his fitness. This current period is a crucial one as he really needs to get to the bottom of his issues, even if it means taking a bit longer. Time will tell on the outcome of that but the last part of the answer is more revealing in terms of the bigger picture.

We need Scottish players – that is getting to the need for club grown and home grown players for the UEFA quotas that are a requisite part of playing in European competition.

It is correct that the squad has to contain a certain number (across both A and B ‘lists’ comprising first team as well as youth) of Scots so what gives? It could really mean that extensions are given to Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield, even if they will be primarily back up players from next term. Others such as Allan McGregor and Steven Davis are more likely to exit considering the current stages in their careers as well as the need for turnover in Michael Beale’s group.

In addition to those mentioned above, there is the prominent noise around Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent as well as the US loan Rangers in James Sands and Malik Tillman making up the pool of those heading for the expiry of their current terms.