Barry Ferguson offers Rangers verdict as new signings finally connect with Ibrox crowd
Barry Ferguson believes that during Rangers win over Real Betis, the new signings at Ibrox finally began to connect with the supporters for the first time this season.
Michael Beale was incredibly busy during the summer at Ibrox, making nine additions to his first team squad, but results in the early stages of the campaign have been mixed as the new arrivals in Glasgow have struggled to find their feet in Light Blue.
Ferguson himself admits that during his time with Rangers, he was never the best player technically, but the Gers legend understood what was expected of him as a player at the Ibrox club and he believes Beale’s side are also beginning to understand their fanbase.
Writing in his Daily Record column (23 September) he said: “In the first half against Betis they certainly played as if they were nervous. They allowed the Spaniards to take control, pop the ball around and they couldn’t get a foothold in the game.
“Then, with ten minutes to go before they break, they suddenly seemed to realise what playing at Ibrox is all about. They upped the tempo, they got closer to their opponents, they frustrated them. And that’s when the whole atmosphere cranked up inside the stadium.
“That spark and connection is what has been missing since the start of the season and now that these Rangers players have experienced it for themselves, they have to want more of the same. That’s what being a Rangers player is all about – it’s a very special relationship – and it’s time for this team to start making the most of it.”
Make the most
Rangers’ two wins following the international break have ensured that the players and Beale have eased the pressure on them ever so slightly, but that won’t count for much unless these sorts of results become the norm at Ibrox.
In Europe, Rangers now have an excellent chance of reaching the knockout stages as on paper they should beat both Aris Limassol and Sparta Prague and having beaten Betis at home that will more than likely be enough to confirm qualification.
As long as the players and Beale are giving their all for Rangers, the Ibrox crowd will get behind their side and help push them to better results, however they feel that effort or care is lacking, they’ll be sure to let the players know.
There is no better way to turn the tide this season than capping off an important week for the Light Blues with a win over Motherwell on Sunday (24 September) as any dropped points will likely see the good work done since the international break unravelled.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist was stunned by part of Kemar Roofe’s performance against Betis