The growing friction at Ibrox has been highlighted with a Director recommending the signing of Jonny Evans.
At the age of 37 signing the veteran Manchester United defender might briefly earn some staunch points but it is unlikely that Evans is up for the ‘three games a week’ schedule that Phil Clement imagines that his side plays. Evans has started six matches this season for Manchester United and came off the bench in six other matches.
On Sunday the Sports Science guys failed to anticipate a leg injury to Dujon Sterling which adds the former Chelsea starlet to the treatment room which is already dealing with John Souttar, Leon Balogun and James Tavernier.
Things got so bad against Hibs that Leon King was thrown on for his first appearance of the season with former AC Milan starlet Clinton Nsiala next in line for a call up.
Despite having a state-of-the-art recruitment system in place it seems that some genius in a suit is getting involved in solving the defensive crisis.
The Daily Record reports:
Jonny Evans has been suggested by the?Rangers board as a possible transfer option to try and help ease their current defensive crisis.
Philippe Clement?has had to make do after injuries to John Souttar, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Leon Balogun, James Tavernier and now Dujon Sterling. The Belgian is extremely short on options and the middle of the backline is now an urgent January priority. Record Sport understands that Man Utd defender Evans is one name that was suggested to the manager by a member of the club hierarchy.
However, the Northern Ireland legend’s age is thought to be putting Clement off the idea, with his preference being for someone younger, given he already has Balogun in the squad as an older head.
It seems that Nikola Katic and Ryan Porteous are also being discussed which shows both a complete lack of imagination and the sidelining of Recruitment Chief Nils Koppen who is apparently the best in the business with contacts throughout European football.
With Clement putting Paddy Stewart in the spotlight to explain the January transfer plan to supporters there is clearly disagreements inside the club while angry fans expect a war-chest to build on the historic win over Celtic.
Another blast of austerity is the reality with Clement almost certainly being told to get on with it, to use his managerial brilliance to get the better of Stephen Robinson, Stuart Kettlewell, David Gray and Tony Docherty.
Time is fast running out to bring someone in to face Dundee on Thursday, if no-one can be signed Simon Murray will be going head to head with Propper.
Picture from Getty Images.
Myself, James and Eric discuss a week of contrasting Celtic emotions including Brendan Rodgers’ surprise post-match comments following the St Mirren match and how 2025 is shaping up.
Evan’s was murder in his “prime”..
I guess Koppen can have all the contacts in the world, but when you call them to ask if they have any big name, world class defenders, available for free, who are happy to accept a low wage/major pay cut and OK with training in decrepit facilities and playing in a crumbling stadium, in front of a bigoted, entitled fan base, the phone probably gets put down pretty quickly and the stop taking your calls.
Jonny Evans is said to be “very keen” on coming to Scotland on loan.
He can use his free bus pass up here……
If I was a player looking for a new Club and my Agent phoned to say Sevco were interested in signing me. .I’d need to ask him….” Ah’m a that feckin’ bad ” ??
Jonny Evans is exactly the type of player expected – at best – for this sevco window.
It’s a simple copy of the Aaron Ramsey loan signing strategy:
a well known name, big club’s experience, and the SMSM can spin all sorts of
stories to make the bears feel good?
Is Evans any good at penalties though…? 🙂
I had one of them moaning to me that they haven’t had a penalty awarded to them this season !!!