THE HISPANIFICATION OF RANGERS

June 30, 2008 - Daily Hun Newsdesk

Last night with their feet up in front of the television, both Carlos Cuellar and Nacho Novo would have felt an acute sense of what might have been.

Their feelings would no doubt have been ambiguous, on the one hand pride at the accomplishment of their albeit less talented countrymen, and on the other satisfaction that they are in the vanguard of the Hispanification of Rangers football club.

Still feeling the pains and aches of a despicably extended season, both men would have no doubt had a wry smile on their face. Europe’s loss is Rangers gain, the mere fact that two Spanish aces were not put on view in the shopping window, has meant that Rangers have in fact saved millions of pounds. Inadvertently, the SPL more by accident than design have aided Rangers in their quest for more domestic and European glory next season.

Rangers supporters throughout the world can no doubt sleep securely in their beds, safe in the knowledge that their two Iberian aces will lead the assault on trophies and titles next year. Complemented with astute signings, Kyle Lafferty and Kenny Miller, it promises to be a bumper season for the men in light blue.

But behind the smugness, we see not for the first time the astute long term strategy of David Murray at play. It was David Murray who several years ago followed a similar strategy by enlisting the aid of several Dutch players. Then the Orangeification of Rangers took the shape of Michael Mols, Fernando Ricksen, the De Boer brothers and of course Bert Konterman.

David Murray sees the big picture, hence his disdain for parochialism and his insistence in scouring the European markets seeing trends before they happen. He knew Spain was the place where it was at years ago, so naturally he plundered La liga long before Spain finally achieved European glory. These are the actions of a visionary.

by Darryll Broadfeet.

Original by Steve Clark

Published by News Staff · Filed Under Latest