For no obvious reason Ross Wilson was put in front of the media at Ibrox today.
Billed as a world class talent spotter and developer, of players and managers, the former Southampton Director of Football moved to Ibrox last month with his old club now sitting second bottom in the EPL with his appointment, Ralph Hasenhuttl, 7/4 favourite in The Sack Race.
Successive years of posting heavy losses is starting to take its toll on the club with Steven Gerrard admitting that his squad will have to be trimmed in January.
Players like Jamie Murphy, Greg Docherty, Eros Grezda and loan star Andy King have made virtually no contribution to the season but their exits are unlikely to raise any money although every pound helps with the wage bill. Fan favourite Andy Halliday is out of contract in June with no sign of a fresh deal being put on the table for the utility man.
While some efforts are being made to suggest that Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and James Tavernier are in demand the reality is that Alfredo Morelos is likely to be of interest.
For almost two years there has been speculation of incredible bids coming in from China, Turkey, Mexico, Italy and England but when the transfer window closes all that happens is that the former HJK Helsinki starlet gets an improved contract to keep up the pretence that he is in demand.
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With £10m required to keep the lights on this season, before Mike Ashley is paid his ‘many millions of pounds’ in January, the transfer window will be critical to the company with Wilson diplomatically getting the message out that he has to shift Morelos.
The Press Association covered today’s media conference where the emphasis was put on the club not HAVING to sell the striker, but leaving the door wide open to offers.
The Daily Record reports:
However, when asked if he could give a categorical assurance the club did not have to cash in on its biggest assets, Wilson replied: “Categorically. We want our best players to stay here as long as they possibly can.
“We understand that like every other club in world football that there comes a point when players have to move on to something else for a variety of reasons.”
Wilson’s comments to daily newspapers tomorrow are likely to carry a slightly different message.
