Step up will be a shock to Rangers, says Logan
ABERDEEN full-back Shay Logan claims his former manager Mark Warburton is ‘in for a shock’ when Rangers try to re-establish themselves as Celtic’s main challengers in the Premiership next season. And Logan, who agreed a new two-year contract extension with the Dons yesterday, warned his old Brentford boss he is mistaken if he thinks his side can instantly replace Derek McInnes’ men as the Parkhead club’s main title threat. ‘No disrespect to the Championship, but there are teams in that division that are nowhere near the standard there is in the Premiership,’ said the 28-year-old Englishman. ‘That’s why I think Rangers will get a shock at the quality they come across, not just from ourselves but from Hearts and the likes of Ross County, Dundee and Motherwell. Those are really tough places to go, so it’s going to be a bit of a culture shock for them adapting to being back in the top flight again. ‘It’s going to be a lot harder for Rangers next season but Mark knows that and will be looking to bring in the players to cope. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I think they will be challenging but they will find it tough as we’ll be right up there again. ‘Hearts will be looking to improve as well and if Hibs get back up, they will fancy their chances, so it’s all set for an exciting league.’ Logan admitted the increased profile Rangers will bring to the top tier was a factor in persuading him to stay when family commitments looked like sparking a return south. ‘The league is going to be very competitive next year,’ he said. ‘People will want to watch it because of the rivalry between Aberdeen and Rangers and Rangers and Celtic. ‘That’s not been there recently. I want to be part of that.’ Logan admitted he’d spent a lot of time considering whether to move back to the Manchester area, where his children live. And it was only in the last few days he finally opted to remain at a club who have backed his family commitments during his two and a half years at Pittodrie. ‘My kids are the No 1 priority,’ he said. ‘I have got a job and to provide for my kids I need to be doing well in my job.’