A promising season for Rangers under new boss Steven Gerrard has still left them behind Celtic in the title race and fans are probably beginning to wonder what their team has to do to finally reinstate their place at the top of Scottish football.
There are of course a few factors we must consider when discussing why Rangers are falling behind their neighbours.
Firstly, financial trouble back in 2012 led the famous club into liquidation and left them battling back up the leagues from the lowly third tier. Big players were lost, and Celtic used this opportunity to establish themselves as the powerhouses they are today.
Secondly, poor and unstable coaching teams from the moment they found themselves back in the Premiership has seriously hindered their progress. Only now have they found a man who seems to be aware of the identity and cultural and historical significance of the club.
Thirdly, Joe Worrall.
The centre-back on loan from Championship side Nottingham Forest has earned himself a bit of a name for being absent minded in defence and the source of most of Rangers’ current woes.
Indeed, by his own admission Worrall has been quoted saying: “he’s here [Rangers] to make mistakes,” which we’re sure fans were delighted to read (source: Daily Record).
The 22-year-old, who’s certainly not short on confidence, has welcomed criticism, often reaffirming his own position and ability, but we’re not entirely sure fans are convinced.
Just through watching his games you’ll notice how poor his tactical and positional awareness is the majority of the time, which is perhaps to be expected of a young player; however, when you’re Rangers chasing your first title in quite some time, there’s no room for error.
Fans will probably look back on his loan spell and wonder if that’s where it all went wrong.
