Back Home — Give Him A Chance

Fair play — I’d rather we didn’t keep going back for old faces, but he’s signed and he’s got my backing. He’s a player I liked when he was here before, so supporting him isn’t a stretch. The wider point, though, is more uncomfortable: he had to leave us to get better. That’s not ideal.

Why players leaving can sting

It’s a bitter pill to swallow that youngsters often need to go away to develop. You watch someone leave, grow elsewhere, then return as a more rounded player. You can see why the club — and the fans — feel both relief and frustration. Relief because the player’s improved, frustration because our pathway isn’t always keeping hold of talent early enough.

Make the pathway work — keep or profit

We need a proper plan to bring young lads through, give them opportunities, then either keep them or cash in properly. That’s the balance every club aims for. Development isn’t just about giving minutes; it’s about coaching, confidence and the right opportunities at the right time. If we can do that consistently, fewer players will feel forced to leave to find their level.

Right-back spot and competition

From what’s been said, he looks set to be our starting right-back — No2 shirt, priority signing. I’ve no problem with that. Competition is healthy. If someone’s come back ready to push for the shirt, let the battle begin. Proper competition lifts standards; it should push him and whoever else is in that position to be better week in, week out.

One nice touch was him crediting McInnes for building his confidence. Whatever you think of the past, it’s good to see players acknowledging influences that helped their growth. Maybe Del Boy is giving the kind of steady hand we needed to bring bodies back and sharpen them up. As a Rangers fan, I’m willing to give the player time and hope the club uses this as a reminder to tighten the youth-to-first-team bridge.

Written by Angus1812: 8 July 2026