Tiger Docherty is delighted to see Rangers finally roaring under Steven Gerrard
Greg Docherty was there on Day One of Steven Gerrard’s Rangers Revolution.
Now more than 250 miles away playing for Hull City in England’s League One, the 24-year-old midfielder is delighted to see that nearly three years of hard work and planning is being rewarded.
Docherty told The Sunday Post: “From the outside looking in, there will not be much difference from what it was like in the summer of 2018 when Steven took over. The ethos will be the same.
“We had a pre-season training camp in Spain, and the rules and guidelines were set out by the manager, Gary Mcallister, Michael Beale and the rest of the backroom staff.
“Everybody knew where they stood, and what was required of them. But it was always going to take time.
“It was very close last season, and it was all on track up until the winter break.
“Now the road is very clearly mapped out, and everything is going in the right direction.
“There has been another qualification for the knock-out stages in the Europa League, and there is a healthy lead at the top of the table.
“All the positives in this campaign have been down to hard work and planning from Day One under Steven Gerrard.
“I’m delighted for everyone at the football club. I’m still in touch with many of the players. They are a great bunch and they deserve all the success that comes their way.”
Docherty is also not surprised to see Allan Mcgregor still in top form.
The keeper turns 39 later this month, but produced a Man-of-the-Match performance against Celtic last weekend.
Mcgregor also had a spell at Hull City and Docherty revealed everyone at the club still speaks fondly of the former Scotland No. 1.
“Allan sets high standards and puts big demands on himself every day,” said Docherty.
“He is first in the door in the morning, and last to leave. He works hard, both in the gym and on the training pitch.
“He also demands the very best out of his team-mates.
“If you are in his side in training, you know you need to up it a notch. He lets you away with nothing, and you feel his wrath if your standards slip.
“His thirst for clean sheets is incredible, whether it’s in a training game or on a match day.
“I was delighted to see him make two or three brilliant saves against Celtic.
“Some of the people who worked with him at Hull are still here. Allan made a lasting impression on them, and they speak highly of him.
“I’m also pleased for Scott Arfield. I know he is injured just now but he is a top, top player.
“He was in outstanding form a few weeks ago and probably the first name on the teamsheet.
“At times this season, he has been a revelation and his hunger to succeed is second to none.
“He will play a major part in the rest of the campaign.”
Docherty – who scored for Hull in a vital 2-0 win against Charlton Athletic last weekend – will play a similarly important role for The Tigers in the next four months.
After loan spells at Shrewsbury Town and Hibs, he left Ibrox for £400,000 last summer, and said: “It’s going really well for me.
“We have been getting some good results, and are on course for promotion to the Championship.
“I had a wee injury, but I’m back fit again and in the team. The manager, Grant Mccann, has been great with me and trusts me.
“It’s great to be getting regular football. That’s why I came here.
“I feel my game has improved, and my game awareness is much better.
“The other good thing is that I’m learning different positions within a team, and in different formations.
“I can play as a holding midfielder, coming deep and getting the ball, or play further forward, in behind the striker.
“It’s good to have variety in my game, and give the manager as many options as possible.”