We all want a Scottish core at Ibrox, but that alone won't carry us. What matters is mixing homegrown grit with genuine quality and the right attitude. Get the balance wrong and you end up neither competitive nor connected.
Why a Scottish core matters
A Scottish spine gives identity. Fans connect and youngsters see a pathway through the club. That sense of belonging helps dressing-room cohesion. But identity is not an excuse for poor standards. We must be ruthless about quality and attitude.
Where we've come unstuck
Look, it's true we have signed players from the English leagues and abroad who didn't cut it. Equally, a number of our own lads have been moved on too soon or not given the run they needed. Names like Jake Hastie, Greg Docherty, Devine and Middleton get mentioned; likewise McCrorrie, Mayo, McCausland, Kelly, Fleck, Hardie and Ure are reminders that development isn't linear.
There is a frustration among supporters that talent is allowed to drift away or is judged too quickly. At the same time we have to accept that not every signing will be a hit. The key point is consistency in how we identify, develop and back players.
Finding the right recipe
So what's the answer? I don't have it easy to hand. To be fair, it feels like we need three things in the same pot: ability, attitude and time. Ability means players who can do the job technically. Attitude means commitment and a hunger to improve. Time means giving lads a real chance while still being honest about standards.
Recruitment has to be smarter. Bring in foreigners who add quality and fit the environment. Back Scottish youngsters properly rather than sell for short-term gain. And yes, demand standards, mentality matters as much as skill.
Practical bits? Keep coaching standards high, give clear loan pathways, don't rush youngsters into the deep end without support, but also don't keep underperformers on hope alone. The balance requires joined-up thinking from recruitment, academy, first-team coaches and the board.
I'm hopeful we can strike the right mix. It's painful to watch seasons of frustration but the blueprint needs patience and clarity. If Danny and the staff can blend experience and youth, and if we as supporters give a little patience where it counts, we might just see something worth cheering.
Related Articles
About Rangers News Views
Rangers News Views offers daily Glasgow Rangers coverage including match reaction, transfer analysis, SPFL context, tactical breakdowns and opinion-led articles written by supporters for supporters.
