Ever since Steven Gerrard has taken over at the club, there seems a clear vision and path which the Rangers team is following. The decision making has been prompt for most parts, and the management team has done well to hand out new and improved contracts to key players. Borna Barisic, Jermain Defoe, Steven Davis, Allan McGregor and Ryan Jack have all signed new contracts in the last few months. It is clear that Gerrard has identified some players and he is looking to build his team around them.
However, some players are in the final few months of their deal, and there is no noise about them getting a new contract. We try to find out whether they deserve a new contract or not.
Jon Flanagan
The former Liverpool ace started the season as the first-choice left-back after his impressive showing in the latter half of the last campaign. However, ever since Borna Barisic scored that free-kick against St. Mirren, it has been a different story. The Croatian has been reborn as a new player, and he is undroppable at the moment from the first team.
Jon Flanagan got a chance to impress at right-back after an injury to James Tavernier recently. However, the Englishman failed to take his chances, and Matt Polster has probably jumped ahead of him in the pecking order. With Nathan Patterson also emerging at right-back, Flanagan’s time at Ibrox looks numbered.
There is a case for keeping him due to his versatility to fill in at right-back and left-back. However, Rangers would be better off bringing in a new left-back in the summer who could be backup to Barisic. Hence, Flanagan should be allowed to leave.
Wes Foderingham
The English goalkeeper hasn’t done much wrong at Rangers. He is a reliable custodian, but the experience and brilliance of Allan McGregor have kept him out. With McGregor extending his stay, it seems like Foderingham will part ways in the summer. Foderingham recently talked about the frustration of being a backup, and he had indicated (Herald Scotland) that he lost two years of his career at Rangers.
We would like him to stay at Rangers, and even Gerrard might also want to keep him. However, he seems to be too good a player to remain as a backup. A move is likely on the cards with his contract expiring in the summer.
Andy Halliday
Halliday is a sort of squad player who doesn’t complain much even though he hasn’t played much football. He always gives his best whenever he gets his chances, and he is known for his commitment. The 28-year-old can either play as a defensive midfielder or at left-back. However, if Rangers want to be the best in Scotland, then they would probably not hand him a new contract. On his day, he can be a decent squad player, but Rangers need to be ruthless in their pursuit of greatness. Halliday will probably not cut it either as a midfielder or as a fullback at Ibrox. Hence, a new contract for the Scotsman wouldn’t make sense.
