Rangers banter 6

20 Apr 2026 15:04:03
Quick question for anyone ITK on these topics but with the good news Ashton Scally has signed a professional deal here, I've been wondering about youth recruitment more specifically youth recruitment between us and Academies down south.

Obviously we've lost some fine talents recently like Hutchinson, Goodbrand, and Condie. I understand the attraction down south (better money and development). However we've also poached some talented youngsters from down south Lawson, Lovelace, Nsio, Steven's. In the case of Nsio and Steven's I understand they were at lower level English academies but Lawson (who looks a very good talent) and Lovelace were quite highly rated at rather large clubs/academies. Especially Lawson for Brighton.

After that long winded preface, my question is how is it we can attract/poach some good youngsters from down south like Lawson but lose some of our talents down south? What specifically are we offering to the likes of a Lawson etc that they aren't seeing down south? Is it the promise of first team football? If so why would our other talent leave? Obviously I understand it's very much case by case but I'm just curious how we can lose good prospects to England and yet still poach talent ourselves?
Cheers.

20 Apr 2026 16:01:18
Brilliant question, Dio, that I've no idea of the answer. Possibly, some would prefer the chance to play over the money at this point, and vice versa, mate. Could we also be paying a little extra than where they came from, plus the better chance of first team?

20 Apr 2026 16:46:18
It's a far better structure for development south of the border, money apart. Dio, maybe Lawson thinks he'll get a quicker chance at first-team football.
Lovelace was one I couldn't understand though, he was getting some minutes for Millwall as a 15-year-old, maybe not a lot, but must have been well thought of.
Liked Stevens, I don't think he could settle.

20 Apr 2026 16:58:03
Luck?

20 Apr 2026 17:59:47
Simple really. In Scotland at 18, and you haven't made first team, you're either loaned out or released. In England there is a better structure up to Under 23. In Scotland our leagues are small, so you're either fighting for top or relegation, and clubs won't risk a youngster. In England there are many mid table teams, knowing they won't win the league or go down, and can risk putting younger players on. For me, the SFA and Sky TV are the biggest problems in Scottish football.

Just look over the border at how well England are doing as a nation and clubs in world football. How about we replicate that same structure here, but the SFA are wanting the paltry millions off Sky TV for 4 Old Firms a season. Ditch the Sky deal. Re think all leagues structure to bigger leagues, re think cup ties where all teams start round 1 and, if no TV deal, create a subscription for punters to pay to watch their team each week.

20 Apr 2026 19:13:11
Cheers for the responses boys!

Davie,
I understand the reason why our youngsters go south. My main question was more, how are we able to attract youngsters like Lovelace and Lawson from decent English academies, seeing as we have a fair few talents going the other way?

20 Apr 2026 14:32:23
Fabrizio romano on X saying Ajax and shalke making contact with bailey rice, do Rangers have any desire to keep him and see him as a 1st team player, I know he's young but I've never seen much from him that I would be gutted if he left

20 Apr 2026 15:03:05
I've seen enough of him to say he won't make it at Rangers - unfortunately.

The lad has the technical ability, but not the athletic ability. I'm not sure if he will come good in that department, if it's a mentality issue (like Shankland in his youth) or a physical issue.

Ehl, why's your take?

20 Apr 2026 13:05:36
A potentially interesting 'Repair Shop' this Wednesday. Two of Ian McMillan's grandsons are taking in the ball used in the 1963 Rangers v Celtic Cup Final Replay. Hopefully a few good mentions for the Famous. For those too young to remember Ian McMillan, he was possibly one of the best ever British Prime Ministers, albeit small.

20 Apr 2026 13:32:27
I used to love the repair shop.
Thanks for that info.

20 Apr 2026 16:09:58
Ian became a pal of my dad's through football and them being around the same age. My dad liked him from the off. Gem of a guy.

20 Apr 2026 17:08:06
Re Ian Mcmillan. I was at Ibrox in the sixties when Mcmillan chipped the Killie keeper (Brown I think) from 18 yds. The keeper never looked round, he just faced Mcmillan and started clapping.

20 Apr 2026 17:08:45
Met Ian a few times, great guy

20 Apr 2026 12:57:04
There seems to be a lot of debate regarding the financial salary of Skov Olsen and the fee required to make his move permanent. I don't think that the finer financial details really matter. Based on current form, I wouldn't take him on a free with a pay as you play deal. I know a lot of fans also feel that he is not worth the risk either.

I'm sorry if my opinion is unpopular but I wouldn't risk our push for the title by including him in the team. We need 11 warriors on the park with their minds clearly focused on the job. It would be unfair and unprofessional to put such pressure on a player who, if you believe the rumours, can't cope at the moment. 🇬🇧🔴⚪️🔵.

20 Apr 2026 13:07:04
Ludicrous. We should support every player.

Warriors that have not won a trophy in front of fans?

20 Apr 2026 13:25:57
That should say league.

20 Apr 2026 13:28:54
Aphe, u have just contradicted yourself in that post, mate.

We should support every player? Then, u slate our own players. Remember, Olsen isn't our player with that comment.

Sorry for saying this, mate, but your support of Olsen at times seems stronger than your support for Rangers, mate.



The guy doesn't deserve a deal. It's as simple as that, mate. Loan or permanent, he doesn't deserve either.

20 Apr 2026 13:36:02
The consent pile on toward Skov Olsen is becoming increasingly embarrassing on here.

20 Apr 2026 13:38:27
Stevie, not what I was trying to say.

I was meaning how can 11 players be described as warriors when they have not won the league in front of fans?

I will support each and every one of the players.



I completely refute that I support the player more than Rangers.

It is my opinion that I think we should take the risk. You have a contrary opinion that is fair.

20 Apr 2026 13:41:58
I am finding the attitude from some people regarding Skov Olsen to be disgusting to be honest. If the man has a mental health issue, we should be supporting him in his recovery and helping him reach that. Constantly knocking him, knocking him back, etc. is not helpful at all, and an utterly shameful attitude to have. If he is not in the right frame of mind to play a part, then that is acceptable.

Mental Health is every bit as important as physical health. If he'd broken his leg, would folk here be saying he's not worth it? Honestly, some of you need to take a long hard look at yourselves before posting some of the rubbish you do, especially when there will be many people here suffering with bad mental health.

20 Apr 2026 13:43:24
Stevie, I understand why it may seem that way at times.

Try being the lone voice on a subject against the masses.

It would seem like you support your point over anything else at that point also.

20 Apr 2026 13:46:03
G4, it is getting boring, mate, but if he was on loan and playing well, these discussions would be happening, his transfer fee and salary need to be taken into account for the player on show.

20 Apr 2026 13:47:02
Great post Dtb.

20 Apr 2026 14:16:40
Folk are free to chat about whatever on here, and it's clear most haven't been impressed with Skov-Olsen so far, but the end of the season is when any decision should be made, so no point going over the same thing day after day on here.

All it's doing is getting folk arguing. Given the importance of the last 5 games of the season, that should be where our focus is.

20 Apr 2026 14:18:32
Aphe wasn't meant as a personal attack in any form, mate, just an observation.

We all want him to do well, Enoch, that we go and sign him, not a single poster on here wishes to be proven correct on the matter.

Lads, I agree we need to, as we will, support the player through his struggles. Even checking in on him as a club next season a few times to see how he's getting on would be high on my to do list.

But the fact remains, he doesn't deserve a deal and certainly not at a cost, that's for sure.

You could maybe argue for a free loan if it's only wages to be covered for 6 months, but not at a cost.

20 Apr 2026 14:29:37
Aph, firstly you've not been anywhere near the lone voice in regards to Skov, there's been plenty of support for him.
Secondly, is a player like Tav somehow any less of a warrior for winning a title with no fans, is that title any less than the ones won in front of fans?

I honestly don't understand why people make comments like that, to suggest it maybe wouldn't have happened if there were fans, or why make the comment at all? I think any football fan, even most Celtic fans, know that nobody was stopping us that year.

A full season unbeaten, just to prove it wasn't a fluke, basically the same team went to Europa final, with fans packed to the rafters, mate.

20 Apr 2026 14:33:19
Well said Dtb. 👍👍

20 Apr 2026 14:35:41
Well said, Huey. It's a Rangers forum, and everyone has a right to post their thoughts, good and bad, on every player. Skov Olsen, for me, has been utter dug meat so far. That's what my eyes tell me. Is what it is. 🫡

20 Apr 2026 15:06:04
Let's see how he gets on after another longer period working with the coaches on the grass. 🤞 He shows us how good he really is and pushes us towards a title.

20 Apr 2026 15:38:37
Boyne criticised Olsen, yes, but he also stated it was unfair to put him under undue pressure if he is having problems at the moment, so where is the problem.

20 Apr 2026 16:13:09
Great post Boyblue. 👍

20 Apr 2026 16:47:00
DTB, I completely agree with what you're saying about mental health, however it's also been clarified, though missed, that no one actually confirmed Skov had mental health issues and it's now suddenly grown arms and legs and been presumed he has. However, even if he has, it's still a reasonable debate as to whether or not to pursue a player who appears to be struggling to be a success here for whatever reason.

I certainly don't think it's been particularly shameful or disgusting debating his performances or his potential transfer.

20 Apr 2026 17:41:43
I agree with the sentiments of Boyne in relation to Aso, but it's not fair to just major on him. We have 5 cup finals to play, and yes, we do need 11 warriors, guys who are willing to sweat blood and tears to win every game. I think we might need to win at Hearts and not get beat at Celtic. As poor as Celtic are, I don't think they will drop too much.

Forrest and McGregor have over 50 major trophies between them. Let that sink in compared to Tavs 3. I am sick of failure, they can be no excuses now, no passengers. They will all come back from Spain with a nice tan, this is now on Dr, they all have to deliver.

20 Apr 2026 18:44:19
Thanks Seeker. Aph, I hope you don't think I was having a go as I wasn't, mate, just comments like that annoy me, just wanted to put my point across that's all.

20 Apr 2026 18:47:12
Probably be a report on it now, Kaiser, it wouldn't be a surprise if it is.

20 Apr 2026 18:50:10
Not at all, BB4, and I personally count every title as important as the other.

I just don't like that warrior tag.

Purely as the entire team, but primarily the leadership group, have been called cowards and have been given the "bottle it" tag in regards to pressure situations.

So my question was, how can that group be called warriors?

20 Apr 2026 22:24:29
If all titles have same importance, I'm not sure why the no fans part was mentioned, Aph. Let's leave it there though, mate. 👍

20 Apr 2026 11:51:35
Player A versus Player B.
Player A:-
Goal conversion – 11%.
2 assists.
Accurate passes opposition half – 76%.
Big chances missed – 6.
Accurate crosses – 18%.
Loses possession on average – 11.
Ground duels won – 40%.
Player B:-
Goal conversion – 14%.
3 assists.
Accurate passes opposition half – 83%.
Big chances missed – 1.
Accurate crosses – 24%.
Loses possession on average – 8.
Ground duels won – 63%.
Statistically player B is better.
Player A – a lot would willingly pay the £15-20 million for him.
Player B – a lot wouldn't pay the £8 million for him.
Potential versus Regaining Form.


From a fans perspective we always love a player that could be described as bums of seats versus playing the percentages.
In case you are wondering, Player A is the much-championed Moore. Player B is the much maligned Olsen.
I wouldn't sign either.
I'd much rather give one of our own a chance next season.
Player C:-
Goal conversion – 5%.
1 assist.
Accurate passes opposition half – 66%.
Big chances missed – 3.
Accurate crosses – 20%.
Loses possession on average – 9.
Ground duels won – 53%.
Step forward, Findlay Curtis. No outlay on a transfer fee.

20 Apr 2026 12:19:28
Regardless of the issues, be it fitness or mental health, for me, Skov hasn't done enough to justify spending that outlay.

The point of a loan with option is to assess the player before purchasing. Fair to say, he came with a huge reputation and expectation and has been average so far, unfortunately.

It's a big risk for us to be paying that on a player who hasn't been outstanding unless he turns something round in the next few games.



I also wouldn't spend the £15m mentioned on Moore. He is a lot younger and huge potential, but again it's too much money to spend on one player; risks are too large for me.

We may regret not spending the money on either of them, but too risky for me, where we are currently.

20 Apr 2026 12:38:13
Stats are always a good starting point, but when you consider Moore and Curtis are more likely to play an adventurous ball, it is more likely they lose possession. Curtis is more direct - more likely to make a yard and put in a cross. For Moore to be top class, he needs to gain a yard of pace. Olsen is probably the most complete player, but has more experience, so we would expect that.

Olsen and Curtis are more switched on defensively. For the money, Olsen is better value than Moore - but clearly Curtis is better value than both. Whatever, even with Curtis returning, we need another wide player. Does Bajrahmi come back into the reckoning? Do we take the risk on Olsen? Is there another option out there?

20 Apr 2026 12:53:03
The sample size is important when quoting stats, so I don't think that you can use stats to compare Curtis and Moore and conclude Curtis is better.

20 Apr 2026 12:54:46
Personally I would take the risk on Olsen and use Curtis in Moore's place in the squad.

Room for both players.

20 Apr 2026 13:24:02
Interesting comparison MPH, personally wouldn't pay the fees mentioned for either player. Big difference is Moore is a kid and likely only going to get better. Skov's career has stalled, and it's just hoping he rediscovers form.

In his last game, he improved his stats, yet his performance was described as indefensible by even Aph. Room for Curtis to play too, even if we do sign one of them.

20 Apr 2026 13:29:21
He improved his stats by missing an effort on goal, Kasier.

20 Apr 2026 13:40:00
I'm sure he got an assist in that game, Star, but was still subbed and slaughtered for his display, so not all about stats.

20 Apr 2026 13:45:49
Kaiser, what I would caveat that with is Moore could also stall. There is no guarantee in either player.

1 would be less costly and less of a risk than the other in my opinion.

A poor 14 months in a career is common.

1 bad transfer.

We can get him back to Brugge and Nordsjaelland levels.

20 Apr 2026 13:49:22
That is what I am meaning, mate. He got an assist for an effort on goal.

20 Apr 2026 13:50:54
If it wasn't for the money involved, I would bend over backwards to get Moore to Ibrox, only 18, and the bums off seat is bang on the money, as for stats, that's fair enough, but a player that beats players causes havoc in defences and opens up space for others, what you can see with ure own eyes can make a mockery of stats, in a few years the boy will add consistency and numbers for the statos.

20 Apr 2026 14:03:55
I think you forgot another stat when comparing them - passes backwards to defenders. I'm pretty sure 1 wins that one hands down. Only 1 of the 2 players is constantly looking to make things happen. The other continually passes the buck.

20 Apr 2026 14:35:32
Where's Angus when u need him. 😇

20 Apr 2026 15:59:10
In my opinion, Olsen done nothing to merit a contract. Tell him that, then say another 6 month loan and go win that contract. If not, we send him back.

20 Apr 2026 16:55:12
Both are too much of a risk for me, mate. Moore hasn't stalled and has improved while he's been here, unlike Skov, but is simply far too expensive for our budget. And Skov is too expensive for a "let's hope he improves player", especially after his try before u buy loan. For me, for both, as they say, I'm out.

20 Apr 2026 18:34:42
Took a chance on Olsen and it failed, need players fit, healthy and ready can't be nursemaids on what he is costing, return to sender

20 Apr 2026 08:25:03
Not Rangers related but lot of talk on here of mental health amongst players and posters. anyone struggling in whatever way it's best to get it out rather than build it up. We're all 1 here, all Rangers fans and the only judgement you will get from me for writing a mental health post is I'm glad you have said it as I'm sure you feel better by talking about it.

Remember it takes a real man/person to talk about their problems.

20 Apr 2026 09:09:03
Davie, great post, my friend, but after seeing some comments, I understand why some won't speak out in forum.
I think I will keep counsel moving on also.

To some, a high salary/ capital and healthy bank balance means you lose the right to have feelings or personal problems.



I guess that is a mark of society. It's only okay to have mental health issues if you are not wealthy.

20 Apr 2026 09:17:41
Your health is your wealth and that includes mental health.

20 Apr 2026 10:39:12
Aphe, I'm pretty sure, from reading the exact same comments as yourself, nobody is saying that just because you earn decent money that you can't have feelings/personal problems.

Pretty sure people were just saying that it isn't worth spending that kind of money on someone with those kind of problems as there are plenty of examples in football of brilliant players who lost their way due to said issues.

20 Apr 2026 10:54:03
That is it, bigbluejim, the money he'd cost and his salary for what we've seen in a Rangers jersey, but making out his salary affects our feelings about his mental health is way off.

20 Apr 2026 10:58:21
Aphe, I don't agree with that at all, and I think you are using Skov Olsen as a benchmark, which you are entitled to do after the last few days, but footballers, rightly or wrongly, have always been held to a different standard. You, me, and others have had wobbles on here at times, and all of us have backed the person at the time, and hopefully helped them get through whatever was going on at the time.



Anyone with mental health issues, and I mean anyone, can come on here at any time and speak out, and they will get support on here. That's what I believe.

20 Apr 2026 11:19:42
Wonder if his mental struggles and lack of confidence affect his ability to cash his weekly 5-figure wage.

That was one of the comments.

No fork footballers are human beings and should be held to the same standard as everyone else.

Does my position in football mean I forfeit the right to have personal problems?

20 Apr 2026 11:33:39
Rangers have a duty of care to Olsen for the duration of his loan.

After which, he needs to return to his parent club for further care and attention.

He is not a player we should spend £7.5M or offer a multi year contract to, imo.

20 Apr 2026 12:01:14
My last post should say Strom.

No idea what I am finding difficult between differentiating between you and Fork the last 24 hours.

Maybe I should discuss things with others for a while. 🤣

20 Apr 2026 12:34:10
Davie, thanks for the care and consideration of your original post.

A couple of things my daughter-in-law suggested when I was struggling a while back.

Start the day by remembering what you are truly grateful for - could be anything, but for me it's the love and support of friends and family, good health, not being stuck in the middle of a war zone, watching kids being killed and maimed.



Second, in the evening, write down three good things that happened during the day to set up a platform for tomorrow.

Probably sounds silly and trivial, but it has helped me quite a bit.

20 Apr 2026 13:49:04
Aph, barring a couple of comments maybe, I've been really impressed and encouraged by all the support with regards to mental health issues. This has definitely become something of a safe place to say it and there's been loads of threads offering support recently.


We all debate and argue about all sorts until serious issues mentioned, and then it's all good. Even with Skov, if he does have issues, most have wished him help, but just question if he's worth the hugely expensive risk based on his performance so far.

20 Apr 2026 16:01:53
Jardine, anything that helps, whatever it is, is good for you. Remember, though, majority of the time it's just good to talk and let it out, buddy. Sense of relief after that I feel.

20 Apr 2026 07:39:14
{Ed's Note - Greenaway has posted a new article entitled, Chelsea's Bigger Problem Behind the Scenes