According to Rangers fans, Ian Holloway should be looking overtime to find a new central defender talented enough to play in the R’s new Championship X1.
This summer saw the departures of Clarke Carlisle (Leeds), Steve Palmer (MK Dons) and Terrell Forbes (unattached) leaving the boss with only three players capable of playing in the heart of the backline- one of which is still recovering from knee ligament damage.
Danny Shittu’s injury leaves just Matthew Rose and Arthur Gnohere fit for pre-season as possible candidates to make the starting eleven. To make things worse, Gnohere did not turn up for the start of pre-season training on Monday leaving the defence in disarray.
In our most recent poll, Rangers fans voiced their opinions that Ollie needs to strengthen the heart of the defence first- 61% recommended him to do so.
Following Lee Cook’s arrival at Loftus Road Ollie can now concentrate on bringing in a quality defender. Stephen Crainey, a former Celtic defender and current Southampton player has been linked with a loan move, but that does not solve the defensive crisis in the middle. Crainey is a predominant left-sided player and despite being signed as cover for Gino will offer less rather than more.
Rangers have been linked with numerous central midfielders this summer. Only 14% voted in favour of strengthening that position of the team and it seems that is where Ollie has been looking throughout the summer. The midfield already consists of some well talented individuals in Martin Rowlands, Marc Bircham, Gareth Ainsworth, Richard Johnson, Kevin McLeod and now Lee Cook. So surely the position of worry for Ollie must be central defence.
For the record 9.5% voted for right-back and 7.5% for the attackers to be strengthened. This leaves the fans in a one-minded thought that Ollie should be out trying to solve this defensive crisis before it worsens. Knowing our luck, Matty Rose will fall down ill the day before the start of the season.
Stay tuned for the results of our new poll out next week.