The message was pretty clear from Steven Gerrard when he was chosen as the new Rangers boss to restore lost pride after years of anguish. The gaffer soon opted to reconstruct the squad with an array of new signings during the summer transfer window. The Gers have done well so far to keep pace with Celtic at the top of the Premiership standings, but they are continuing the work from where they left off during August.
The Bears have announced yet another signing via the club’s official website after roping in former Liverpool custodian Andy Firth from English National League side Barrow for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old progressed through the youth ranks of the Reds before joining the non-league outfit last year for senior minutes.
But his display for the U23s caught the eyes of Michael Beale as well as Gerrard during their managerial stint with the Liverpool reserves. This bizarre move might have surprised many, but an 18-month-contract for such a prestigious outfit has indeed made the player euphoric.
“It’s going to be a home away from home. We worked it out last night – there is seven staff I know and three players I’ve worked with before, so thankfully that will be a big thing moving away from Liverpool.”
Firth has reiterated his Liverpool connection while speaking to Rangers TV and is excited for a new beginning even though he would be the third-choice behind Allan McGregor and Wes Foderingham.
The Light Blues have Jak Alnwick on loan with Scunthorpe United whose initial short-term deal has now been extended until the end of the ongoing campaign. The Englishman, in his mid-twenties, is unlikely to sit out among the reserves behind veteran McGregor, as is Foderingham, the former ‘number 1’ who must seek regular game-time at the age of 28.
This might see Firth getting a bigger role in the next term behind Mcgregor who is soon to be 37. This initial spell would allow the youngster to settle in the new surroundings and be prepared for the challenges if called into the first-team action. He must grasp his chances with both hands (literally!) and build up his career having been rewarded a great foundation out of the blue!
The keeper, however, is unlikely to be the second choice behind Mcgregor unless Foderingham completes a transfer within the next few days before the window is slammed shut. But the investment has been made quite sensibly keeping the future in mind. We would go out on a limb and say Gerrard might have pulled off a clever move here.
