It would appear after Sunday's rank rotten performance that Allan McGregor is now appearing as some sort of scapegoat amongst certain sections of the Rangers supporters.
Fair enough, criticism should head McGregor's way following the dreadful error but the over-reactions to cash-in on him are just over the top.
For the past 3 or 4 years, McGregor has been a valuable part of the Rangers squad. This season, in particular, he was pulled off some fantastic saves and, to an extent, has kept us competing for the League Championship. So many crucial saves at crucial times when far too many of his team-mates have been under-performing.
Even in the Champions League, McGregor looked the only genuine class player within our ranks with some stunning performances at the highest level in European club football. From my vantage point in the top-tier of the Mestalla, I remember vividly McGregor producing 2 wonderful stops in the first-half, one in particular from Juan Mata after a clever free-kick. We were lucky to remain in the game against Manchester United for 80-odd minutes and we owed a lot to McGregor that night too.
Go back to Werder Bremen, Sporting Lisbon, Panathinaikos, Barcelona, Red Star Belgrade, previous games against Celtic and some world class saves in the SPL - from the top of my head, one from Richie Foran when the score was 1-1 at Ibrox and a number of saves up at Inverness in the recent fixture. His contribution in the CIS Cup Final of 2008 should never be forgotten either.
Save in Werder Bremen:
Save v Celtic - 1:20 in:
At international level, his performance against World Champions Spain was probably one of the best goalkeeping displays I've seen for a long time despite losing 3 goals.
For me, he is a top class goalkeeper. A proper Ranger as well and at times seems to be the only one who really wants to get tore into the opposition. Neil Alexander would be a decent replacement, but he isn't a patch on McGregor to be perfectly honest.
Selling McGregor for £5m-£8m solves what exactly?
The money will go straight into the pocket of Lloyds and our squad will get weaker. It would be near enough suicide to be selling McGregor, arguably, our best performer of the season alongside Steven Naismith.
Totally agree mate, one of the best goalkeepers in Britain. Behind Miller he's been Rangers best player imo.
The problem could lie that how good a keeper do Rangers need to win the SPL or at elast come second, is Neill Alexander good enough, probably.
Scottish teams need to learn to develop players and sell them on at their peak, Celtic missed this with Boruc, probably why McGeady left.
The problem as you said is the money doesn't then go to the clubs pockets, so why bother.
good piece and a great keeper.
Posted by raheel on 01/06/2011
best keeper in britain in my mind ofcourse
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About
Douglas Cameron is a football fan. His own particular afflictions are Rangers and Scotland. He is not a member of any official fan group and writes only for ESPN. He is not seeking to further a journalistic career but instead has taken up his therapist's suggestion he finds an outlet for his rantings.
Douglas Cameron is a football fan. His own particular afflictions are Rangers and Scotland. He is not a member of any official fan group and writes only for ESPN. He is not seeking to further a journalistic career but instead has taken up his therapist's suggestion he finds an outlet for his rantings.
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