Barry Ferguson knows Rangers’ performances are not yet up to the standard expected – as he set a timeline for them to kick into gear.
Philippe Clement went through a major summer transformation with a number of high profile names exiting the club while he was busy in the market bringing in fresh faces as he continues to put his stamp on the Light Blues. They faced an unusual 8pm start on Sunday night against St Johnstone due to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run and knew going into the game that they had to bag all three points with 100 per cent records remaining with Celtic and Aberdeen after late wins earlier in the day over Ross County and Hearts.
A Vaclav Cerny double – including a brilliant first goal – secured the points in what wasn’t a vintage display. Legendary skipper Ferguson concedes it was far from brilliant but with so many new faces he reckons punters need to give the side time to gel and come together as he put a CHRISTMAS timeline on things clicking into gear for the Belgian boss and his troops. He also picked up one key positive to come out of the 2-0 triumph over Saints under the lights at Ibrox.
Speaking on Go Radio, in response to caller Derek, he said: “In terms of last night, I was at the game and I am sure you listened to Philippe Clement after it., It wasn’t a brilliant performance. I think with the amount of signings he has made – we are in the first week of October – I think you need to give it to Christmas time. You do need to allow players to settle in, I totally get you don’t get time in the West of Scotland. Could they be better? Yeah, 100 per cent. The manager has admitted that but we will just need to wait and see what the coming months bring.
“The positive that I look at from last night is another clean sheet domestically. It could have been a lot better. Good to see [Iansi] Hagi come on as well but obviously got sent off which is not ideal. Overall, I am not going to sit here and say everything is rosy in the garden but Rangers could be a lot better.
“They have to win. I know Derek said he doesn’t fancy them to win anything and I totally get that and that is his opinion. But Rangers have to win trophies this season.”