True Brits the future for Murty
Ibrox boss rules out foreign buys
TAKING expensive gambles in risky markets ultimately bankrupted Pedro Caixinha’s Ibrox tenure. Under Graeme Murty, the heart of Rangers’ transfer policy will lie in far safer territory.
Murty’s vision for his team is clear. He wants Rangers to attack the second half of the season with a fast-paced, aggressive style of play. That, in turn, suggests a reliance on a strong core of British signings who can quickly adapt. Preferably ones who instinctively understand the intense demands of the Ibrox club.
His initial recruitment moves bear out the notion. Sean Goss, Jason Cummings and Jamie Murphy have already arrived on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy the latter pair at the end of the campaign.
Russell Martin is poised to complete a five-month loan deal, while Rangers are also pursuing the purchase of Hamilton midfielder Greg Docherty.
Add in ongoing interest in young West Bromwich Albion striker Tyler Roberts, available for around £300,000 in compensation when his contract expires this summer, not forgetting Kilmarnock’s Jordan Jones, and there are potentially seven new British recruits heading towards Ibrox.
Murty will never prejudge a player based purely on nationality, nor does he rule out overseas additions. For now, though, Rangers’ business is clearly focused on the UK.
‘I don’t want to cast aspersions on anyone from outside Scotland or indeed the British Isles,’ insisted Murty (right). ‘That would not be right.
‘But the make-up and style of football that I want to play is simple. I want to be dynamic, I want to be up-tempo and fast-paced.
‘I want to be physical but I also need players who can deal with the football. Players who can stand up inside Ibrox and command possession of the ball. I talked a while back about the recruitment group and what we were looking for. Well, these are the attributes I was referring to.
‘I want strong characters, people who can handle the mental demands of playing for Rangers and playing at Ibrox.
‘Because, listen, it’s hard to play at Ibrox. It’s not easy to play with the expectation that comes with being a Rangers player and rightly so because of the history of this football club.
‘But we want people who can accept that responsibility, play to the style we are looking to implement and also walk out at Ibrox and make something happen.
‘I’m adding players to the group who will sacrifice themselves for the team. Hopefully the players who we’ve already brought in will do that and also make us better.’
The reliance on loans may reflect Murty’s own employment situation. Handing out long-term contracts to players would seem imprudent if the former Scotland defender fails to secure the job beyond the end of the season.
Less common-sense was applied during the summer. Caixinha spent around £8million. While not all of that was wasted, the three-year deals handed to Mexican duo Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera created millstones.
Pena has already been reunited with Caixinha in a 12-month loan move to Cruz Azul that could become permanent. Santos Laguna are believed to be pondering a similar approach for Herrera, although the striker — who has managed just two goals to date — has already stated a desire to try and prove his worth.
Adding Martin’s experience may also increase the likelihood of Bruno Alves exiting. The 36-yearold Portugal centreback has rarely appeared as if he relishes life in Scotland. Asked about a perception of a diminishing foreign influence, Murty stressed: ‘It hasn’t been a conscious thing. But the last thing I want to do is look outwith what we know.
‘I don’t want to take a chance with people and players we don’t know. That would be a risk and at this moment in time that is not necessary.
‘We want people who will come in and contribute from day one. We have got two in at the moment, three if you add Declan John (who made his loan move from Cardiff permanent last month).
‘That is the pool we are working with at the moment and if you look at them they are fairly young. They are hungry to learn and they are hungry for success.
‘They are athletic and they will bring something different. It’s not about where you are from, it’s about what you can bring to the team.’
Retaining existing talents is no less important to Murty. A contract offer is expected to be made to Danny Wilson, whose existing deal expires at the end of the season.
Similar discussions could also take place with Josh Windass. Currently tied to Ibrox until 2020, the midfielder has attracted interest from a number of English clubs.
‘These are guys who are performing well and when players are performing well then it’s up to the manager to talk to them, keep them in the loop and get an understanding of where they see themselves in the next year,’ added Murty.
‘Our discussions with them will be ongoing, although as to lengths of contracts that is something I will talk to the players about.
‘We have spoken to both about their situations but so far detailed discussions haven’t taken place. We are aware of their situation and they are aware we are talking internally.’
Promoting youth will also remain a cornerstone for the former Under-20s coach. David Bates and Ross McCrorie both impressed prior to the winter break, although the latter is now awaiting a scan on a foot injury.
‘I haven’t been surprised by how well they have done because I have seen them play,’ said Murty. ‘I’ve seen them train and I’ve seen them work. I know how hungry these boys are. They have improved, no doubts, but for them the hard work starts now.
‘There is so much work for them both. The key thing for them is not where they are currently but more how much better do they want to become?
‘They need to keep pushing on. They are performing well at the moment but I want more, they both know me well enough to realise that.’