“The squad is too big.”
Michael Beale replied when asked about what direction he saw the next transfer window going and when you add this to his comments about adding legs to the squad, freshness and how important pace is, it doesn’t look good for the experienced core of this Rangers team.
🎙️ In conversation with Michael Beale.
The manager joined @Sports_EmmaD and @KThomsonAcademy in the Blue Sky Lounge to discuss the start of his spell in charge at Rangers.
📺 Watch the extended feature: https://t.co/vpi2j7NR8R
👉 Subscribe To RTV: https://t.co/nLczsr3Wob pic.twitter.com/Ou3gvnw9LU— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 15, 2023
Last summer, I thought it was a mistake to re-sign Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield. I still stand by that opinion, even if we would have been struggling for midfielders towards the end of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s reign such was the length of the injury list.
What it has done though, is make trimming the squad this summer an awful lot easier.
Obviously a new number one will be brought in. Shamal George at Livingston and Angus Gunn at Norwich City have both been mentioned this week with only the latter likely to demand a similar salary.
Filip Helander will be allowed to leave, Ben Davies is already in place and Leon King has emerged as an able deputy with John Souttar being given the time needed to return to full fitness, another centre half isn’t essential and I would rather see us sign a defensive midfielder who can cover if necessary. Similar to, but better than James Sands.
In midfield, I just can’t see us retaining Steven Davis, Ryan Jack or Scott Arfield. Nico Raskin looks an assured acquisition, as has Todd Cantwell and I’d be surprised if we don’t have a similar approach when the window reopens – younger, faster, more resilient.
Between McGregor, Sands, Helander, Davis, Jack and Arfield, we are looking at over £60,000 per week off the wage bill and over £3million a year, five of those players aren’t key this season and will be even further down the pecking order next year.
Beale can’t be sentimental, there are improvements to be made and money to be saved.