Rangers supporters in the Transfer Tavern are looking forward to their side’s opening game of 2018 against Derek McInnes’ Aberdeen on Wednesday night, as the Gers seek to build upon their encouraging end to 2017 with an equally-promising start to the New Year.
Graeme Murty’s men finished the year with a spirited goalless draw at Old Firm rivals Celtic and had prior to that beaten Motherwell 2-1 to get back to winning ways, albeit remain 11 points adrift of Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys come the start of 2018. However, shrewd signings in the January transfer window has certainly raised the optimism among our resident Gers fans, many of whom are eagerly anticipating the New Year and what it may bring for their side.
In the meantime though, there has been plenty for those Rangers fans lining up at the bar to get their teeth into, not least recent reports suggesting that defender David Bates is attracting interest from Championship side Sunderland.
The 21-year-old was out-of-favour under former boss Pedro Caixinha but has featured in four of their last seven games under Murty, including a fine display in their 0-0 draw with Celtic on December 30.
However, the centre-back has yet to agree a new deal with the Gers and as such his future is far from certain, and reports suggest that Chris Coleman’s Sunderland are interested in luring the 21-year-old to the Stadium of Light.
And such news has stimulated quite a response from Rangers fans on Twitter, with several of them calling on the club to act and give him a new deal to keep him at Ibrox…
Give him a new contract now
— alan hart (@1961Hart) January 22, 2018
Should be given a contract straight up, with his recent performances he’s merited a starting position in the squad!
— (Arran) (@ArranRit1872) January 22, 2018
Id give him a 2 year contract.
— 1872 (@ryanrfc80) January 22, 2018
He’s one for the future, keep him
— Ralbo (@uptomykneesinit) January 22, 2018
Get David Bates signed up on a contract he has got great defensive attributes that the others dont have.
— CraiGers (@Cazei34) January 22, 2018
Boy deserves new improved contract
— John CannonEBT (@can42041050) January 22, 2018
We can’t afford to be in these situations with young players. If they feature in first team and and do well then we have to tie them in to long term deals to protect the club.
— Sean Bissett, PGA (@SeanBissettPGA) January 22, 2018
Rangers fans… what do you think? Let us know!
