Ferguson applauds ‘massive’ Danny Rohl-backed hire that could instantly transform Rangers
Derek Ferguson has explained why he is a big fan of Rangers moving to appoint Scott Fry as new set-piece coach at Ibrox.
Rangers announced last month that Fry, who was previously at Lincoln City, will work as part of the Gers’ coaching staff.
Danny Rohl played a big part in the appointment process, with set-pieces – both in terms of defending and attacking – an area Rangers have needed to work on.
Rangers identified that a new set-piece coach was needed, and Fry’s appointment at Ibrox followed not long after.
Scott Fry could make huge difference for Rangers
Rohl inherited a “bomb scare” at Rangers and has a massive task on his hands steadying the ship, let along making the Gers serious challengers at the top again.
The German has overseen a solid start in terms of Scottish Premiership results, with Rangers’ 0-0 draw against Falkirk at the weekend making it 13 points from 15.
While that result was hugely disappointing in itself, four wins and a draw from five matches is a great return if replicated over a season.
Keeping out opponents from set-piece situations, and indeed scoring from them, is something that could turn those tight games into victories.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, player-turned-pundit Ferguson welcomed the recent appointment.
“Most clubs now look at that situation, so it’s a massive move by Rangers,” he said. “You look at Arsenal and their set-piece coach – the evidence is there.
“Football is a game of fine margins so set-pieces are massive, you know. If it gets Rangers an extra one per cent, an extra two or three goals a season, that could make the difference.
“It’s important you have guys like that on board. It’s incredible these days because you have people employed to make sandwiches and what not!
“Kidding aside, it’s important that new ideas are implemented and all basis are covered.”
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Where do Rangers rank for set-piece goals in Scottish Premiership?
Rangers are eager to add new players in January, but Rohl also has to work with what he has for the foreseeable future.
That is why a set-piece coach is handy, helping to get – as Ferguson puts it – that extra one per cent or so out of this current group.
As per data provided by Sofascore, Rangers have scored seven goals from set-pieces this season in the Scottish Premiership.
That ranks them only seventh in the division in that metric, whereas Rohl will want his side at the very top – or at least a lot closer to it.
At the other end, four goals have been conceded from set-pieces in the league this term, which is actually the second best right now – helped by a recent upturn – but can still be improved on.
For context, Hearts lead the way with three conceded from set-pieces, while Livingston are bottom with 10 against.
The hope is that the Gers will only improve in both regards now that Fry is underway at work in Glasgow.
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