Rangers Report

Excuse us Americans for calling it soccer....

The bottom line is that corners do not generate chances at a high rate - regardless of how you take it. Rangers #1 priority is to dominate possession in the final third in order to create quality scoring chances & to keep the other team pinned back in their own end. It wears down the other team (think of all of those late goals we scored last season) because they are constantly chasing the play. Like others have already said - pumping crosses into the box means you are losing possession at a higher rate. The results suggest that management know what they're doing & the fact that so many top clubs in the world adapt the same approach says a lot.

10 of the 44 shots have come from outside the box. That means 77% of our shots are coming from a much more dangerous shot location. I think we take those shots from outside the box to loosen a defense up so we can take a shot with a higher probability of scoring. Last season, 5% of our shots from outside the box scored. Kicked shots from the heart of the box to the goal line ---> 24% were goals.

Rangers have 44 shots in two matches. That's an average of 22. Last season they averaged 17.2 in league play (four more than Hibs). I don't think shot generation is an issue.

I recommend giving this article a quick read. Also, it should be noted that Rangers have created seven shots on 21 corners so far. Only one of those seven were a cross into the box (it was cleared out to the Rangers player who took the shot).

We have started a campaign over at the Rangers Report to raise money to become a Club 1872 member. Check it out - http://therangersreport.com/2015/01/21/a-campaign-to-put-rangers-first-become-a-club-1872-member/ Thanks!

A little more on each of the players LINK & the statement from Vancouver saying that they are only with Rangers to train - LINK

A return to football in the sense that we had about 8 players when preseason began. As a fan, I remember the feeling that Rangers may never field a team again. Luckily we did & fortunately those few players did stick around (while they did).

I must admit I debated the use of 'piqued' here. A dig at McCoist is merited given that Lewis MacLeod really is the only youth prospect to come out of the last few years with any sell on value.

The Rangers Report Podcast sat down with Richard Atkinson of Supporters Direct Scotland to discuss the prospects of Rangers First. Give it a listen as you decide whether or not you plan on investing in the fan ownership plan. You can listen on Podbean or iTunes. Plus we'd love to hear some feedback on the pod as we incorporate more guests going forward. WATP

I remember at the time having the distinct feeling that Bell may be out for the long-term. Both Ally & some players saying "hopefully he's not out for a long time" I think the signing of Lee Robinson was Ally's way of saying - yes, Bell's out for a while.

Here's our Big Three preview over at Rangers Report - written by Shaughan McGuigan from Tell Him He's Pele

Jonny & John are back for the second episode of the Rangers Report Podcast. Topics include: A review of the friendly with Derby County & the flying head-butt of Bilel Mohsni What to do in the heart of the midfield? Rangers youth policy Allan McGregor's night on Twitter The matches with Hibs & Hearts & much more QOD - After the drinking at the rugby match - should alcohol be allowed back at Ibrox for match days? It's only their second official episode & it really is shaping into a really interesting & thoughtful show. You can listen on Podbean or iTunes. Would love to hear your feedback...

i feel that the pre-season tour of the US & Canada was necessary to get our foot in the door again. Rangers are a Scottish Championship side with aspirations of a return to their appropriate glory. Creating a brand overseas, in the US, would be part of that return to glory & this was the first step. Dean Shiels looked shit -without a doubt, along with Mohsni. Kris Boyd marked his return to the club by being woefully out of shape. This was made more evident by the crispness displayed by Kenny Miller - coming into his second training camp of the season (the other with Vancouver) so there's that. I think Darren McGregor has looked good, at times - when playing center back. Kenny Miller has proven that he should still thrive at this level even though his age would say otherwise. Zaliukas looked fine - but injuries will be a concern Surprises - Ian Black - seeing him in person was enlightening. He does the dirty work in the midfield that isn't appreciated enough. When he plays with confidence he is effecive - but as well know - when he is distracted by the opponent or by the ref - he's a detriment...but he's been real good so far.

The first episode is now on iTunes & got slapped with the 'Explicit' rating!