This season has seen a remarkable transformation in terms of the levels of professionalism, commitment and team spirit shown by the team compared to last season. It still amazes me that the chaotic shenanigans that punctuated much of last season were allowed to prevail, but clearly these events provide proof of a football world dominated by unscrupulous, greedy agents and mercenary players with inflated, fragile egos. A pile, in my flat, of largely unread match day programmes from last season bear witness to a hugely disappointing season of glorious underachievement - has the ordinary Rangers fan ever been so disconnected from the majority of players on the pitch? Clearly, the rot had well and truly set in before Harry Redknapp took over at the helm from Mark Hughes, so why did Tony Fernandes wait so long before publicly lambasting his frequently pathetic players?
Whilst I recognise that Harry Redknapp and his back room staff deserve much credit for turning round the club's fortunes on the pitch, I must admit I have struggled to get excited about the performances the team have put together. This is in total contrast to the Championship winning season under Neil Warnock three seasons ago, when admittedly the surpassing of far lower pre-season expectations in terms of style of football adopted and ultimate finish made for a truly memorable season. This season, Rangers have justified, broadly speaking, their pre-season tag as promotion favourites, expectations based on a recognition that the club clearly has the strongest squad on paper in terms of proven quality at the highest level and strength in depth. However, whilst there have been frequent glimpses of the expansive, attacking football traditionally associated with Redknapp's teams - witness the excellent build-up play that led to great scoring opportunities for Gary O'Neil and then Matt Phillips in last Saturday's defeat against Leicester - much of the interplay between the team seems to be executed solely with the intention of constantly improving our possession stats! There has been plenty of honest endeavour, good shape and strict discipline on show, but a distinct lack of guile, creativity, and consequently goals. Many a Rangers' fan has questioned why Redknapp has persisted with playing a lone striker, often when a suitable and fit striker was available to partner Charlie Austin. This approach only works when the lone striker can play effectively as a target man, both winning balls in the air and holding up the ball allowing team mates to come into play, and also if there is sufficient support from the midfield players pushing forward into the box during attacks. Austin, for all his commendable efforts up front this season, is no Heider Helguson in the air and, often outnumbered by defenders, inevitably cedes possession. Of the various personnel that have filled the midfield positions this season, only Jermaine Jenas seems able to time his runs into the box and then execute a decent finish. I also have some issue with Joey's Barton apparent transformation from pantomime villain to model pro - whilst it has largely been welcome and much needed, it has also resulted in a team with a rather colourless, vapid collective character. Rather perversely perhaps, I almost long to see a Mbia meltdown or a Tarbs strop just to up the entertainment levels!
The situation, as it stands, is surely crying out for the club to bring Adel Taarabt back into the fold, on the understanding that he must both win his place back in the team and fully complies with all club rules and regulations. Thus far, Tarbs' loan spell at Fulham has failed to ignite his floundering career, but he still possesses that X-factor, that ability to turn a game with one moment of sheer brilliance. With the possible exception of Niko Kranjcar, who presently is clearly lacking fitness and carrying a bit of extra timber, no other player in the Rangers team is capable of making that sort of impact. Managed effectively, Tarbs' re-introduction could be the catalyst for a successful second half of the season, and provide a collective focal point to rally a, so far this season, strangely subdued Loftus Road crowd.
Whilst I recognise that Harry Redknapp and his back room staff deserve much credit for turning round the club's fortunes on the pitch, I must admit I have struggled to get excited about the performances the team have put together. This is in total contrast to the Championship winning season under Neil Warnock three seasons ago, when admittedly the surpassing of far lower pre-season expectations in terms of style of football adopted and ultimate finish made for a truly memorable season. This season, Rangers have justified, broadly speaking, their pre-season tag as promotion favourites, expectations based on a recognition that the club clearly has the strongest squad on paper in terms of proven quality at the highest level and strength in depth. However, whilst there have been frequent glimpses of the expansive, attacking football traditionally associated with Redknapp's teams - witness the excellent build-up play that led to great scoring opportunities for Gary O'Neil and then Matt Phillips in last Saturday's defeat against Leicester - much of the interplay between the team seems to be executed solely with the intention of constantly improving our possession stats! There has been plenty of honest endeavour, good shape and strict discipline on show, but a distinct lack of guile, creativity, and consequently goals. Many a Rangers' fan has questioned why Redknapp has persisted with playing a lone striker, often when a suitable and fit striker was available to partner Charlie Austin. This approach only works when the lone striker can play effectively as a target man, both winning balls in the air and holding up the ball allowing team mates to come into play, and also if there is sufficient support from the midfield players pushing forward into the box during attacks. Austin, for all his commendable efforts up front this season, is no Heider Helguson in the air and, often outnumbered by defenders, inevitably cedes possession. Of the various personnel that have filled the midfield positions this season, only Jermaine Jenas seems able to time his runs into the box and then execute a decent finish. I also have some issue with Joey's Barton apparent transformation from pantomime villain to model pro - whilst it has largely been welcome and much needed, it has also resulted in a team with a rather colourless, vapid collective character. Rather perversely perhaps, I almost long to see a Mbia meltdown or a Tarbs strop just to up the entertainment levels!
The situation, as it stands, is surely crying out for the club to bring Adel Taarabt back into the fold, on the understanding that he must both win his place back in the team and fully complies with all club rules and regulations. Thus far, Tarbs' loan spell at Fulham has failed to ignite his floundering career, but he still possesses that X-factor, that ability to turn a game with one moment of sheer brilliance. With the possible exception of Niko Kranjcar, who presently is clearly lacking fitness and carrying a bit of extra timber, no other player in the Rangers team is capable of making that sort of impact. Managed effectively, Tarbs' re-introduction could be the catalyst for a successful second half of the season, and provide a collective focal point to rally a, so far this season, strangely subdued Loftus Road crowd.
