Interesting to note that Rangers think it entirely unreasonable for Kilmarnock to want £2m for Naismith, yet they are perfectly happy to shell out the same amount for Whittaker.
In terms of talent and future potential, I would argue these two are quite similar. Both have been stand-outs for their clubs over the past couple of seasons, they are both on the fringes of the Scotland squad and, at 20 or so, both have many good years ahead of them.
Why then was Sir David Murray so reluctant to pay the going rate for one, yet is happy to do so with another?
The simple answer should be that Walter Smith rates Whittaker more than Naismith and thinks his position and style of play is in greater need at Ibrox.
However, it strikes me that a clash of personalities and stubbornness between Murray and the Kilmarnock chairman scuppered any move for Naismith, even though he was probably higher up than Whittaker on Smith’s wanted list.
If this is the case it would be refreshing for Murray to simply say so rather than prevaricate and deride Kilmarnock for having the audacity to demand marker value for their prize asset.
Over the past couple of years David Murray has become a rather chaotic figure at Ibrox; sending out mixed messages regarding transfer moneys; attempting misguided PR exercises through the press which fans are now wise to; touting his shares in the club and making statements which make little sense and contradict previous comments (see this week’s tosh regarding Scott Brown and the Ibrox wage structure).
I’m certain Whittaker will be a good signing for Rangers and the chairman should be applauded for digging deep for what looks to be a quality player, but so far I don’t think Murray’s antics during the transfer window have earned him any new admirers.
Quote of the week: ”That's Sean Bean, the tough guy actor. Some kind of tough guy, eh, reducing a five-year-old kid and his mum to tears.”
Neil Warnock on Sean Bean.
Random irritations:
West Ham’s obscene wages for distinctly average players
Rubbish columnists – see Rob McLean of Setanta fame and Willie Young. He’s an ex-ref, you know
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2 comments:
Dave
I agree with some of the comments you make, but is this not a case of murray bashing rather than trying to offer some sort of solution.
I know its easy to forget what murray has done for us over the years but the fact is he has again went into his own pocket to rectify the debt problem that by his own admission he caused,
You have to admit you were not moaning back then!!!
As for this season we need to get behind EVERYONE at ibrox and trust smith and co with the new players they have brought in, and remember who has sanctioned all these signings!!!
Moe
Everything you say is true but the only solution I can think of to take Rangers to a higher level rather than plodding along season by season is for Murray to step down.
By his own admission he's perhaps been there long enough and maybe some new direction is needed.
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