Chermiti, Miovski and Our Double Standards

We seem to have a habit of blaming youth while giving established forwards a pass. It’s time to be honest about fees, expectations and how we judge our strikers.

There’s a thread running through a lot of Rangers debate right now: we hold young, expensive signings to a different standard than we do our supposed ‘starts’. That’s the point here — not a defence of every player but a call to be consistent. Fans are quick to crucify a youngster yet shrug when a higher-priced striker struggles. It doesn’t add up.

Fees, age and expectation

Look, paying seven million for a main striker and eight million for a high-potential youngster are different bets, but they shouldn’t be different standards. If Moore is treated like a walking miracle because of a transfer fee, then Chermiti shouldn’t be treated like a sacrificial lamb because he’s young. Money doesn’t magically guarantee instant form, and to assume otherwise is just lazy analysis.

Why the double standards?

Part of it is narrative. Some players come with baggage — whether managerial preference, who signed them or perceived links elsewhere — and that colours opinion. You saw it with Dessers and Danilo: some fans still rate them, others don’t, and personal bias often wins over nuance. The point about Miovski being the starter at his fee and escaping some criticism is fair; we should apply the same scrutiny across the board.

Performance vs. perception

We also forget context. Last season’s side wasn’t flawless and, yes, there are claims we’ve created less this season. Fine — then be consistent. If we’re unhappy with chance conversion, point that out across the squad. Don’t single out the youth asset because it’s convenient. And the Maeda comparison is worth a thought: teams win despite misses. Talent, service and structure all matter, not just whether a striker buries every sitter.

At the end of the day I’m not saying every signing is off the hook. I’m saying let’s be fair. Criticism should be measured and uniform, not a reflection of who we like or who people believe Thelwell prefers. The club benefits if we pressure the right areas without sacrificing youngsters for narrative points.

Written by ItsNotComplicated: 23 May 2026