It is being reported that Rangers have written to Dundee United to let them know that they are interested in speaking to United’s captain Jon Daly about a proposed Bosman move to Ibrox.

The move could prove that this new Rangers regime are going to step up and start with a new era thats ready for the 21st century.

It seems to be ridiculous in 2013, that Rangers signing an Irishman from Dublin is seen as a step forward.

Nationality, religion and race shouldn’t come into a managers or fans mind when signing a footballer.

Only a few decades ago in 1989 it was a huge news story when the Gers bought a catholic striker by the name of Mo Johnston, who also happened to be a former Celtic player. Back then the fans were disgruntled and unsure, hating change especially that change! A lot of that ill feeling was forgotten when Mo scored a late winner against his former side after only a few months at Ibrox.

Since then, Rangers have signed many catholics without much fuss. Lorenzo Amoroso would become the first catholic club captain in 1998. When it happened no one batted an eyelid.

But in that time Rangers have still not had a first team player who was born in the Republic of Ireland.

Before the second world war Rangers actually had three players represent them who were Irish. But nothing since 1934.

Rangers and the fans are very proud of their British heritage and traditions. Ibrox is emblazoned with red, white and blue every home game with Union Jacks peppered around the stadium.

Now the thing with Britain that many people seem to forget is that this island has always been ‘swamped’ with different cultures and nationalities. We have had the Romans, the Irish, the Afro-Caribbean’s, the French, Asians, the Vikings and the Eastern Europeans ‘flood’ our nation.

That has been the case for centuries!

Yes we have a part of the population that always moan about ‘foreigners’ and ‘taking our jobs’ but every single time Britain accepts diversity and welcomes its new visitors who eventually see Britain as their new home.

Charles Green and the new Rangers board have said nothing will stand in their way, as they make Rangers a strong footballing institution again. If that means rebranding the stadium and calling it after ‘Sports Direct’ then so be it.

If that means signing an Irishman, then they should do that too.

Rangers have had Irish personnel in the recent past with youth players and coaches but this step would be the biggest yet.

For Ally McCoist it will be about Jon Daly’s capabilities as a footballer.

Daly fits the bill as far as Rangers are concerned. He is a strong powerful goalscoring striker. He is available on a free, which means he can be registered as a Rangers player in September when the club’s transfer ban is lifted. Jon is a leader on the pitch and at 30 is hitting his peak years.

In the Third Division, Rangers have found that pace and/or power are major factors in getting past the opposition. By bringing in Daly, he will lift pressure off of Lee McCulloch who can go back into the heart of defence or midfield.

The Dubliner is better and more consistent than current strikers Fran Sandaza and Kevin Kyle.

So in all ways this move makes sense for Rangers.

It will be interesting to see if Jon signs up for the Gers. It will take a strong minded player to become the first Irishman to sign on at Govan in 79 years. Then you add the factors that he will have to drop down the divisions and have people questioning his ambition like they have done with David Templeton and Ian Black.

It would be great to see this transfer happen. As I am sure Jon Daly would be a hit for Rangers as a player and then no one will care where he is from.

Posted on March 5th, 2013 by scott
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