23 Aug 2025 17:08:32
Our transfer business this summer has raised eyebrows, with a notable reliance on loan deals rather than permanent signings. On the surface, it may look like a lack of ambition, but in reality, it reflects a pragmatic approach from the new board.
The reasoning is simple: this season is seen as a testing ground for Russell Martin. The club's hierarchy are keen to see how the manager performs before committing to large financial outlays on permanent transfers. Loan players carry far less long-term risk – they strengthen the squad for the current campaign without tying the club to contracts that may not fit the vision of a future manager should things go wrong.
If Martin succeeds, Rangers can look to convert the best of these loans into permanent deals or back him with stronger signings next summer. If he fails, the club avoids being stuck with a squad full of players hand-picked for a coach no longer in charge. In that sense, the approach is not only cautious but also clever, protecting Rangers from another costly rebuild.
We may have hoped for bigger transfer moves, the strategy shows that the board are prioritising stability and flexibility. It's a calculated gamble – but one that could save the club significant money and upheaval in the long run.
23 Aug 2025 17:24:10
Tt i'd rather the board had full confidence in a manager so we didn't over rely on loans also i thought we were buying players to fit a system regardless of the manager. I thought we started with good buisness but too many young inexperienced players will get us nowhere and if 3 of our back 4 are loans and the other ooc that's a new defence needed next summer
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23 Aug 2025 17:26:06
Twisted that sounds feasible but my understanding was that players mostly weren't picked for the manager anymore. so we have 6 permanents and 4 loans so we are still 'stuck with' the permanent chosen for the manager. you are right in that the next manager might not fancy the loans so we aren't stuck with them but Djiga in particular isn't at a price we could afford and we have no options that I am aware of on any others.
also re loans out we would expect them all to be on loans by same logic if the next manager would actually want them.
as I say your theory may be right but my understanding was as above.
23 Aug 2025 18:06:06
Twisted probably the best post I have read since the takeover.
23 Aug 2025 18:06:54
Excellent take TwistedT. and I have agree.
23 Aug 2025 18:16:08
Careful tonic is such a logical explanation allowed on here.
23 Aug 2025 18:20:14
I'd say it's all down to ffp rules.
23 Aug 2025 19:00:14
TBH, I don't have a problem with Loan deals.
Wish we'd have signed Matondo and Danilo on loan deals.
23 Aug 2025 19:02:33
Well that says 2 me they don't trust him and haven't from the start or am I missing the point?
23 Aug 2025 19:04:20
@angus
Fair points mate, I get what you're saying. I just think the difference is the permanents we've brought in are mostly younger lads on decent resale value, so if a new manager comes in they're still assets for the club rather than dead weight. Loans on top of that just give us extra flexibility without the long-term risk.
You're right we can't buy Djiga at the price mentioned, but that's exactly why the loan makes sense – we get the player now, see how he does, and if it works out maybe revisit it. If not, he goes back and we're no worse off.
I still reckon the board are playing it smart here. We've overspent in the past on players who managers didn't last long enough to use, so this feels like a safer approach until Martin proves himself.
23 Aug 2025 19:07:26
Why would we buy for a system like this when hardly any managers would play this way in our league?
The whole thing fries my brain.
23 Aug 2025 19:26:40
Excellent post twisted. ?.
23 Aug 2025 19:28:36
Am sorry but I don't agree if we have a manager and the way you have put twisted is the board don't trust Martin as this season is seen as testing ground is worrying for me. Just go and get a manager that we (the board) have full trust in.
23 Aug 2025 19:29:58
Also the loans in the defence are the issue yes one is ok but potential having 3 of the back 4 week in week out on a loan is wrong in my opinion.
It's complete madness.
23 Aug 2025 19:59:18
Twisted I agree with most of your post other than the testing ground part as most of our support won't see it the way we do. For me I'd rather have a settled manager that we would let mould a squad into his way and I just don't think Martin will be given that time with our current supporter unrest. I like any other true supporter of the older generation that have seen real troubled times but our current support ( and I don't mean this in a bad way as they're the future of our support) want instant success which won't be guaranteed. Loans with option to buy with a set figure rather than obligation is the way to go 100% but let's get the next 3-4 games out of the way and I truly hope we get the desired results or I think Russell may have a hard time holding his position.
23 Aug 2025 20:03:11
Excellent thought process twisted. Very feasible.
23 Aug 2025 20:04:41
If that's correct then why didn't they just pick a manager that they do trust and have confidence in enough to back?
It kind of demonstrates a lack of experience or know how to be able to select a competent guy to be in charge of the team .
If true that's a frightening take on what we have now running our club.
23 Aug 2025 20:13:28
Makes a lot of sense mate but hardly inspires confidence in management, or that trying to take a long term view of improving just to need to rebuild again. 10 in so far yet GKs and STs unchanged and Defence will need complete rebuild.
23 Aug 2025 20:31:39
Brilliant point paulydon, we've been lead to beleive we are buying players for a system no matter the manager, so why have most got previous with martin if it's meant to be Thelwell making these decisions. As paulydon says we ain't hiring another manager that has same tactics as martin, unless the want ibrox empty, so is that really the case or just chat?
23 Aug 2025 20:49:27
Agree with paulydon about would we get another manager that wants to play like RM. In saying that the 49ers stated style would be attacking and pressing which we have seen very little of so maybe get someone in to play that way.
The 49ers looked to select the new manager to fit these parameters and were given names of Ancelotti and Rohl but Thelwell added Martin but goodness knows why.
23 Aug 2025 21:18:56
Tt1872, so if the board decide Martin isn't the answer, they drop him then give the loaned players back to the club they're loaned from and we start all over again, the same problem
Will keep arising if tm fails this season then eh (rm) not tm.