Rangers fans are a critical bunch, you only get one chance to make a first impression and all that.
Just ask Borna Barisic, or James Tavernier. A Croatian international and a full-back that posts better numbers than most wingers and yet they took a long time to be universally accepted, even before the last transfer window shut there were still murmuring about Barisic being sold to create room for Calvin Bassey.
If Jack Simpson is to be a success and, at least, provide decent cover for Filip Helander over the next few months, he has a steep learning curve, and has to adapt quickly to the pressures of being a Rangers player, he has to start believing that he is good enough before it is too late.
After dropping points against Motherwell, Simpson in particular was far from impressive and could have done better at their goal, Gers fans letting their feelings about the 24-year old’s performance known:
We’ll be locking up nothing with Simpson in the back 4. Weak at their goal and very lucky when watt go in straight from kick out first half. He’s never really looked the part at any point .
— Swany (@Swany_72) September 19, 2021
Poor finishing and shaky defending at the back cost us.
No one will ever convince me Jack Simpson has what it takes to play for this club.
Some of the football was outstanding but we never make it easy for ourselves.
— Rab (@Rabert72) September 19, 2021
Jack Simpson clearly not good enough. Would much rather see one of our youngsters get game time. Same applies to Lundstram imo. Doesn’t appear to be any pathway into the first team for our best young players at the moment
— Ian Smith (@IJSmith86) September 19, 2021
Jack Simpson btw 😂 guy must have won a competition to get a contract at Ibrox
— Gary Pringle (@gazpringle) September 19, 2021
Jack Simpson has to be the worst defender I’ve ever seen play for rangers and am no even exaggerating- rash in the tackle, bombscare on the ball and not dominant in the air – any time the ball goes near him u expect a mistake – very poor from the recruitment team.
— donald (@delstob94) September 19, 2021
Gerrard needs to realise now that Jack Simpson just isn’t good enough, he gives all of us the fear. Should never have loaned out Katic.
— Ben 🇬🇧 (@BenR_1872) September 19, 2021
And these are the ones that were suitable for publication.
The biggest frustration is that fan favourite, Niko Katic, has gone out on loan and would probably have seen some game time during Helander’s absence, he has his limitations but he has big game experience, have no doubts about his physicality and is used to the rough and tumble of Scottish football – he also knows what it takes to win games in the famous Light Blue shirt.