When Rangers earned their promotion back to the Premiership winning the Championship title very much convincingly, many touted them as potential title challengers this campaign. The Gers are in the top tier of Scottish football after four long years and the big expectations from them was pretty much understandable. However, Mark Warburton’s side this campaign have been pretty average. They are sitting third in the table now, 11 points behind league leaders Celtic playing one more game.
Rangers look far from a side who are capable enough to challenge Celtic for the Premiership, at least this season. Let us take a look at how their summer signings have done so far. The Gers made as many as 10 signings this summer which was one of the reasons why everyone expected big from them but things have not gone as planned, at all.
Joey Barton- 3/10
Appeared just eight times for the Gers after signing on a free transfer in the summer. The midfielder reached an agreement with Rangers to have his contract terminated yesterday. Well, the start was not that bad for the Englishman at Ibrox but things became sour after Rangers’ 5-1 loss in the first Old-Firm Derby of the season. Barton was first banned for six weeks by Rangers following a training ground altercation with Halliday in September. He returned to the club on 2 November and was ordered to train with the club’s academy squad and things got even worse after that which is why Rangers had to take the ultimate step. A complete failure of a move!
Niko Kranjcar- 5/10
Another experienced former Premier League star moved to Ibrox this summer but has not really done anything special. The Croat is now out for the season with a cruciate ligament rupture.
Joe Garner- 5/10
Average, to say the least! Rangers need much better than average.
Clint Hill- 6/10
Has done a pretty decent job at the heart of the defence whenever he was called upon.
Lee Hodson- 6/10
Has struggled for playing time with Tavernier and Wallace ahead of him in the pecking order in the full-back positions. However, he has done a pretty good job when the opportunities have come his way.
Matt Gilks- 5/10
Nothing special, once again.
Philippe Senderos- 1/10
It has turned out to be a disaster move. On his debut, he was sent off against Celtic in the Old Firm to make things worse for his side. The Swiss international looks finished at the top level.
Josh Windass- 7/10
Has done a decent job in midfield in the game he played with his energy and willingness. Just 22, future can be bright for the summer signing
Joe Dodoo, Jordan Rossiter and Matt Crooks- 5/10
All are young and had their issues with injuries already this season. However, all three are brilliant future prospects and could prove to be brilliant signings in the long run. Rossiter, in particular, has shown some promise but injuries haven’t helped his cause.
