We all want progress, but drifting along with squad players won’t get us there. The point isn’t just adding bodies to the bench; it’s signing men who make the first XI sweat for their shirts. If a place is handed over by default, motivation can slip and standards drop. That’s the last thing we should accept at Ibrox.
Why real competition matters
Competition sharpens everyone. You can see it week in, week out at the top clubs — a hungry backup who can start tomorrow keeps the regulars honest. To be fair, young prospects need time, but they shouldn’t be the only answer. We need seasoned players who’ll push from day one and demand a place by performance, not seniority.
The Devlin vs Ferguson question
Looking at Devlin and Ferguson highlights the issue. It’s not about naming and shaming. The question is simple: does Devlin realistically unsettle Ferguson? If not, then we haven’t improved that spot — we’ve just padded it. When a player feels a jersey is his by default, the club risks complacency. Professional pride is fine, but genuine internal pressure lifts everyone.
What we should be aiming for
McCrorie and Shankland are the kind of signings that add bite — you can imagine them pushing a starter every week. That’s the type of profile we need across the pitch. I’m not against developing youngsters, but they should complement experienced challengers, not replace them. Truth is, some of the names being linked don’t feel like the step up we need; players Rohl was said to want earlier looked sharper on paper. Even one clear grade above the current options would be acceptable — three steps down is worrying.
In short: sign quality, competitive players who demand a place. Anything less and we’ll keep marking time instead of moving forward.
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