Rangers Banter

04 Jun 2026 15:43:37
Just a quick question for EHL or anyone else with knowledge on this topic

You discussed Findlay Curtis being developed into a more central role (also a deeper role if I'm not mistaken) and that it was advised he get experience outwide to aid in his development. This is of course not unusual to my understanding, similar has happened with Myles Lewis-SKelly at Arsenal and Foden at Man City (with Pep also indicating he wanted to get him into a more CM role than CAM).

My main question is what differentiates these players from those who immediately see first team minutes in their intended position, like a Lennon Miller, Gavi, pedri etc. how do some players step right into their 'true position' and others don't. Also what differentiates players being developed out wide and then coming central to career wide players.
Hopefully that question makes sense and any insight is much appreciated.

04 Jun 2026 17:30:56
Great question and one that sits right at the heart of player development philosophy versus profile-driven pathwaying.

At a high level, whether a young player begins in a wider, more creative position before progressing centrally, or is integrated centrally from the outset, is typically shaped by a blend of development philosophy, individual attributes, and system needs.

Players who start wide often exhibit strong dribbling ability, flair, 1v1 creativity, and natural attacking instincts. These qualities provide an excellent foundation for progression into more central roles over time, particularly as No.10s or advanced midfielders, once their tactical awareness and decision-making mature.

In contrast, players who are placed centrally early tend to demonstrate high levels of scanning, positional discipline, and composure under pressure. They are usually more comfortable operating "around the ball", linking play and managing tempo, rather than simply playing "on it" in isolated moments.



One factor that is often overlooked is physical development, particularly the impact of biological maturity in youth football. Early developers, who may have a physical advantage in duels and contact situations, are often trusted in central roles earlier.

Meanwhile, late developers are more frequently positioned in wider or higher areas, where there is generally less immediate physical pressure.

This is a really interesting aspect of player development, and one I'm particularly passionate about. The examples of Pedri and Gavi are great ones. Both developed within the Spanish system, where bio-banding approaches are more commonly used, as opposed to the age-banded structures typically seen in Scotland. This allows players to develop their technical and cognitive qualities without becoming overly reliant on physical advantages, which can have a significant long-term impact on their progression.

Hope that answers it.

04 Jun 2026 18:03:58
Brilliant question, Dio, same for the answer, EHL. 👏👏

04 Jun 2026 15:26:29
Will the Refurbishments of the stadium be completed before the 1st game unlike previous works.

04 Jun 2026 14:53:02
I've not exactly been following Raskin for Belgium, does anyone think he'll be a starter, or is there players before him. Him having a good world cup could really benefit us. I don't think he'll be short of suitors, but a really good world cup could bring a bit of a bidding between clubs.

04 Jun 2026 15:20:08
I think he's a starter for Belgium BB4. He has established himself in their midfield. Good luck to him, it increases his value the better Belgium do.

04 Jun 2026 15:24:54
I'm pretty sure he is a regular now, BoyBlue.
Previously it was between him and Axel Witsel, who is now pushing 37 and in the squad.
He started in the recent win against Croatia before being replaced by Witsel after 80 minutes.
So I would expect him to play more than he doesn't.


He seems to fit right into the role expected of him for the National team.
A good WC, like you say, and I expect plenty to be after him.
I like him. And I would have built the team around him a couple of years ago, but feel the Rangers midfield is needing a freshen up and overhaul.

04 Jun 2026 15:44:21
He played 80 minutes for Croatia the other night, so it's a fair guess he'll start.

04 Jun 2026 15:51:41
Yes, Raskin, it's a starter. Has taken Witsel's place.

04 Jun 2026 16:05:54
Cheers lads. Mph, I like him as well, but feel he's gone a bit stagnant at Rangers, either that, or he maybe needs better around him. If he's playing 80 mins v Croatia he's definitely a starter.

04 Jun 2026 16:24:25
Him, Tielemans and Kdb, I think. 🇬🇧

04 Jun 2026 16:59:56
Not too shabby, Super Ally. 😉

04 Jun 2026 17:24:17
He's that good, he played 80 mins for Croatia too, De Boer. 🤣🤣

04 Jun 2026 13:55:56
Well troops window opens soon so maybe a bit of excitement or maybe not with players mentioned 🎣.

04 Jun 2026 15:10:36
There's always excitement Davie, from my part anyway. Absolutely love all the rumours, going and having a look at potential signings, it's something most enjoy, I would think.

04 Jun 2026 15:26:58
I think we've had our fingers burned that often with some who were going to stroll it that there is always a wee bit of apprehension until they have the scarf above the head and I'll all in.
Miss Aph, posting for all those names he brings to the forum.

04 Jun 2026 15:27:48
Boy Blue, excited also. First time since 2012, I think we have everything to succeed on and off the park. I know 55, but think if transfers are correct we could go on and do really well domestically and in Europe.

04 Jun 2026 16:09:22
I agree, things off the park look to be improving, but we have a lot of changes to make, that's the problem, unfortunately. We need 5 defenders just to fill the holes from last year, before we even get to replacing those who are not cutting it.

04 Jun 2026 17:03:22
Love Euro nights, Davie. Also really important to the club financially, but we really need a title, mate. Yeah, much more stable for first time in a long time.

04 Jun 2026 09:50:27
On a rather sad note there's a new documentary called "invisible wounds" in which terry butcher talks about the very sad passing of his son chris who suffered from bad PTSD 😢🙏Terry and his wife also talk about the terrific heartfelt charity work they do to help families and loved ones who are trying to deal with PTSD and they're patrons of the group combat2coffee, which was formed to help people and families suffering from this terrible illness to talk about it and do everything to help them 🙏 Just giving everyone on here the heads up this is on ITV4 tuesday 9th june at 10pm 🙏I'll absolutely be watching 😢🙏Ally mccoist, gary lineker and alan brazil all speaking on the documentary 🙏

04 Jun 2026 11:25:04
Our brave soldiers get treated like dirt. They put their lives on the line and that's the thanks they get. Disgusting.

04 Jun 2026 12:08:54
If there is one group we should support and celebrate more than any other in this country, it is our armed forces, every one of whom is a hero in my eyes.
I regularly donate to Erskine, who were wonderful carers for my Dad in his later years.

I am proud to donate but angry that this brilliant cause is not fully funded by the Scottish Government.

04 Jun 2026 12:17:54
Absolutely spot on here, Boabeyg. 👍 The government does nowhere near enough for the outstanding bravery of the men and women of our country who serve us with bravery, honour and distinction. 😢 God bless each and everyone of them. 🙏

04 Jun 2026 13:38:42
When Covid hit Boabeyg and visiting family wasn't allowed, I let everybody know I wouldn't be buying Christmas gifts and instead donated the money I would've spent to Erskine. I have donated to a different charity each year since. Was accepted by some and not so appreciated by some family members, but I get more out of the charity donations and Erskine is a wonderful charity.

04 Jun 2026 15:24:56
Love that JFM, something we could all try to do more often, even in these tough times financially.

04 Jun 2026 15:29:02
Well done, JFM10, great gesture.
We did similar a few years back in regards to Christmas cards.
Made a donation to Macmillan Nurses instead.
Know loads who now do the same to various charities.

04 Jun 2026 16:08:08
I used to attend Veterans First Point at the Erskine Hospital in Edinburgh for PTSD. Great service every fortnight. Labour came in and it was closed. Nothing after that point.

04 Jun 2026 16:18:23
Well said lads. 👏👏👏

04 Jun 2026 07:48:34
It's all went very quiet on our alleged interest in former Liverpool midfielder bobby clark 🤔

04 Jun 2026 07:57:40
I'm a nosey, impatient sob, so it's doing my head in not knowing what is happening. 🤣🤣

03 Jun 2026 16:26:16
How would we all like to see Lewis Ferguson model the new kit reveal
?

03 Jun 2026 16:33:42
Would be class mate.

03 Jun 2026 16:47:23
Not going to happen.

03 Jun 2026 17:45:28
Talking about our new kit, I thought our new home kit would have been launched by now. 🤔 Does anybody know when it will be launched. 🤔

03 Jun 2026 18:44:18
With high heels and crotchless panties.

03 Jun 2026 19:03:17
Ma auld dear got wan in turkey coops. 😉

03 Jun 2026 19:07:04
Agreed, seems later than usual.

03 Jun 2026 19:14:59
Cuillin, 😂😂 fantastic answer.

03 Jun 2026 21:21:08
Club must be wanting a certain player or player to model it. 🤔

03 Jun 2026 22:00:23
Is this a hint Ayrshire? 😁

03 Jun 2026 22:19:14
I think it will be Tavernier to promote his testimonial. 🙈

03 Jun 2026 23:11:02
There was a leak and suddenly turkey specials were appearing on every dodgy site that sells fake gear. I think Umbro, Castore or whomever manufactures the kit pulled it because of the fakes and are redesigning it, and that's why it's not revealed as yet.

04 Jun 2026 06:04:31
Good one, Robbielogan. 😁 If that was the case we'll be playing in last season's home kit again. 😲🤪

04 Jun 2026 07:51:46
Robbie, what happens to all the kits already manufactured.

04 Jun 2026 08:13:31
Most of these are made in Turkey anyway. And, even if that was true, within a few days of our relaunch the replicas/rip offs will be on the shelves anyway.

Don't think we would discard 1000s of shirts potentially for something that will inevitably happen.