Rangers have improved significantly since Steven Gerrard’s arrival, but the mediocrity was written all over the Ibrox club when they scripted a return to the top tier of Scottish football. The Gers had a busy summer in terms of new signings to bolster the squad. However, a pre-contract was already agreed with Josh Windass over a Bosman transfer from Accrington Stanley prior to the 2016-17 season.
Despite struggling initially, the midfield attacker settled in the new surroundings and went on to become Rangers’ top scorer (jointly with Alfredo Morelos) with 18 goals during the 2017-18 campaign. He could have flourished further under Gerrard but opted to join Wigan in the English second tier and completed a £2.5m transfer a couple of summers back.
His Father’s Take On The Decision Of Leaving Ibrox
The 26-year-old had a promising spell for the struggling Latics with nine goals in 56 outings before completing a winter loan to Sheffield Wednesday. There he had an immediate impact with a debut goal against Burnley, but the unforeseen suspension of the game has now led to uncertainties over his future.
While it is still unclear whether the move would be made permanent by the Owls prior to the upcoming term, his father Dean Windass has recently spoken to Wigan Today and revealed that his son should never have left Rangers in the first place.
“If Josh goes back to Wigan or Wednesday make it permanent, nobody knows what’s going to go on. He was coming off a tough spell at Wigan and he should never have left Glasgow Rangers in my opinion.”
Windass’ contract at Wigan runs down next year, and the predicted financial fall-out from the coronavirus pandemic might see him staying put at the DW Stadium. Although he was utilised on the flanks by Gerrard before plying his trade down south, both the Championship sides deployed him centrally or as a second striker.
Why Windass Would Have Been A Perfect Fit In The Current Rangers Side
The Bears, meanwhile, replaced him with fellow countryman Ryan Kent down the left but, at the same time, would have been benefitted if Windass had stayed. The Gers are still in need of an outright ‘number 10’, and according to club’s sporting director Ross Wilson, the decision is yet to be made on exercising Ianis Hagi’s £4m buy-out clause due to the lack of fund amid the global health crisis.
Should they attempt to bring Windass back in Glasgow in a cut-price deal? There’s no news of it yet. Nevertheless, a move could have solved a lot of problems, especially regarding creating chances, scoring goals as well as adding versatility high up the pitch – something that derailed Rangers’ title challenge in the aftermath of the winter break.
