Pair of old hands teach Bell ropes
Goalkeeper enlists aid of Goram and Mcgregor as he adjusts to Ibrox challenges, writes Richard Wilson
CAMMY Bell can measure the impact of moving to Rangers in memories. The goalkeeper has been tucking experiences away in his mind since he agreed to sign for the club as a free agent when their registration embargo is lifted on September 1.
They extend from the frivolities of being asked for autographs and photographs by fans during his holiday in Spain to coming to terms with the range of equipment and expertise at the club’s training ground. Lunch with Andy Goram and texts from Allan McGregor, two of his predecessors, seemed in keeping with the general sense of life being redrawn.
At the end of his first week of pre- season training, the former Kilmarnock man could only
Games will be very different but I’m good enough to deal with that
express himself in superlatives. As a lifelong Rangers supporter, an emotional response might have been expected.
Bell admitted to feeling star struck during his first few days at the club but that kind of daze soon becomes counter-productive and he has worked too hard in his career, particularly in overcoming a serious knee injury while at Rugby Park, to be distracted.
Even so, the arrival of a former Scotland international at the training ground would sharpen the senses. Craig Gordon spent time at Murray Park last week, ostensibly working on his coaching badges with goalkeeping coach Jim Stewart and with the medical staff on his rehabilitation.
Bell expected competition for a starting place at Ibrox, principally from Neil Alexander. The latter has since left but Rangers intend to add to their goalkeeping options. Gordon seems an unlikely signing at this stage, since he has yet to recover full fitness, but Bell is adamant he will not be intimidated by whoever he is competing with. “I always knew there was going to be another goalie coming in so it doesn’t faze me” said the 26-year-old, who has one Scotland cap. “I’m the type of person who will take on a challenge.
“I had to do it at Kilmarnock at the start when Alan Combe, who was rated one of the top keepers in the SPL, was No 1. I know I’m going to have to work hard to prove myself here. Craig’s a great guy. I’ve been speaking to him here and I’ve also worked with him in Scotland squads, so I know how good he is.
“You will always learn from another goalie. Everyone has different techniques, different styles. There are also great young goalies here that I’ve been working with.
“Whoever comes in I’ll be up for the challenge, as I’m sure they will be, too. At Kilmarnock I knew I was going to play and sometimes that doesn’t benefit you. I need to be pushed and at this stage of my career I want to push on. I need somebody good to challenge me and I’m sure Rangers will make sure that happens.”
Bell sought the advice of Goram and McGregor and their experiences will help himto adjust to the different demands of playing for Rangers. Goram was around the same age as Bell when he joined from Hibernian and there were a few untidy moments during his early performances.
Goalkeepers at other clubs tend to be more involved than their counterparts at the Old Firm, who are often only called upon to make a handful of saves during a game. That demands concentration and reliability. “It will be a different game completely,” Bell said. “But it’s all about me adjusting to that. I’m good enough to do that. I have to believe in my own ability.
“There will be periods where you haven’t been involved in the game but will suddenly be faced with having to make one crucial save, so you need to make sure your concentration is spot on. You have all the staff here, psychologists and everything, to ensure you have the back-up, so I don’t see why I can’t deal with that and make myself better as a goalie.”