Smith Rules Out January Signings

[Broxi 10,589]

Rangers manager Walter Smith has warned fans - and his threadbare squad - not to expect any new signings during the January transfer window.

The Ibrox club remain firmly in the grip of the Lloyds Banking Group and, despite an improved financial performance through Champions League qualification for two successive seasons, the Rangers boss does not anticipate being able to add reinforcements.

It is a key issue for Rangers, with Smith's limited squad starting to feel the strain of competing at home and in Europe - and now facing three SPL games in seven days, starting with tomorrow's clash against St Mirren in Paisley.

To add to his worries, star striker Kenny Miller and goalkeeper Allan McGregor continue to stall over new contracts.

'As it stands, I'd say we won't be able to bring in players during January,' admitted Smith. 'If you are asking me that now, then the situation would be that there are no funds available for the window.

'We face the full season with one group and, as I've said all along, that is why we need a bit of luck. 'We've been a wee bit unlucky so far with Nikica Jelavic. We'll need a few breaks to get through it.'

Board meetings next week will address the issue, with Miller and McGregor still to be persuaded to put pen to paper on new deals. However, back-up goalkeeper Neil Alexander has joined Lee McCulloch and John Fleck by the current season - effectively signing for 'manager-in-waiting' Ally McCoist - while Sasa Papac has also been asked to extend beyond next summer.

Putting his shirt on it: back-up keeper Neil Alexander is happy to commit to Rangers

'We are trying to sign up some of the others,' added Smith, who is delighted with Alexander's decision to stay until 2013. 'I think the McGregor one (contract issue) is the same as Miller's. Martin Bain (club chief executive) has made an initial offer to them and it has come back (from the players).

'With Sasa, it is at an early stage, also. Martin has just started talking to him on that one. 'We are looking to get these guys signed up on new deals but it is not always easy these days.

'You don't need to have a long-term involvement to want to keep the better players at the club. 'What we need more than anything else is to try to expand the group we have here already. And to give them a hand by bringing in other players. 'But we don't have that capability at the moment.'

Cashing in on the likes of McGregor would enable Rangers to buy up to three new players. Spanish club Sevilla have been linked with the in-form keeper, who also has Manchester United among his admirers.

However, despite interest in the Ibrox No 1, Alexander revealed he signed his new deal without taking any soundings from McGregor over any possible move out of Govan.

'Allan's situation was not in my thinking,' said Alexander. 'But I have said often enough how highly I rate him as a keeper. 'I have to look after myself and my family. The club wanted to keep me and we agreed a contract which I'm happy with.

[ClintonGrey 365]

You think we would at least be looking for loan signings?

[Jimfanciesthedude 24,058]

worrying times

miller could sign a pre contract with someone in january could he not?

added that jelavic may take a while to get back to match fitness, and beattie isnt working out up here

[markybear 136]

I was convinced we'd go with what we've got anyway

No surprises here

[Clemdog 39,388]

Smith is always going to say this imo. I doubt he won't be looking out for a cheap player who could help us, or even a loan deal. It obviously depends on our situation but we have made some money from our performances in the CL, this is just Smith having an educated guess.

This could mean Walter Smith's last ever signing was Ricky Foster

[caseyjones 3,009]

There is no way that the squad can be considered to be 'threadbare'. Signing just for the sake of it, is not what is needed.

[delamonty 992]

Jela will be a like a new signing when he's fit (near January).

And, hopefully Webster finally gets off of his arse and plays. So there's 2 guys that we don't currently have at our disposal. Add to that perhaps Hutton if he shows he can do the business, Wylde etc. and we do have 'some' players that can come in.

I'm not overly concerned. Except... if we get injuries/suspensions to Boogy, Davis, Miller, Naisey etc. Those are our core guys (McGregor as well of course).

[simplythebest 11,437]

As he says, we're going to need some luck with injuries/suspensions to handle this.

Looks like contract situations are going to drag on just like with Boyd.

[JM1872 3,589]

Walters talking pish! of course he's going to add to the squad, be it loan deals or cheap deals that can enchance the squad.

[TravelingWilBEARy 4,319]

Walters talking pish! of course he's going to add to the squad, be it loan deals or cheap deals that can enchance the squad.

Talking pish and misleading the Press are two different things.

[Goianegra 4,600]

The January transfer window is stupid anyway. Never understood it for this level of football. As long as we don't lose anyone I'm not bothered.

[SirWalterSmithLegend 206]

Lets not jump to any, lets get to Jan first and see what happens, im sure if one of Davis, McGregor or Bougherra are sold, then of course we will spend cash. If no one leaves i dont expect su to spend any money at all. Add whatever we do have to Allys summer budget. A wee loan or 2 though may help us over the line domestically and get us through our last 16 tie in the Champs League.

[Muff 245]

It's November ffs, and how many times has Walter Smith come out with stuff like this!

I think we are crying out for at least a new player, but if we don't add anyone in January then that's the way it goes. We still have the squad to win the league - whether the manager uses it is another thing!?

As for Andy Webster, the guy will never be fit to play for Rangers, and I wouldn't be suprised to see him out the door in January. Punting Beattie would be another option, two injury-prone duds out the door may free some cash for a loan signing at least.

[caseyjones 3,009]

It's November ffs, and how many times has Walter Smith come out with stuff like this!

I think we are crying out for at least a new player, but if we don't add anyone in January then that's the way it goes. We still have the squad to win the league - whether the manager uses it is another thing!?

As for Andy Webster, the guy will never be fit to play for Rangers, and I wouldn't be suprised to see him out the door in January. Punting Beattie would be another option, two injury-prone duds out the door may free some cash for a loan signing at least.

Everyone knew that they were injury prone except, it would seem, our backroom staff. Poor judgement has cost us once again.

[ricksen_da_best 2,034]

goodwillie and conway, bring them both in and throw webster to utd as part of the deal.

[Muff 245]

goodwillie and conway, bring them both in and throw webster to utd as part of the deal.

Funny you should mention that. I was playing golf this morning and that is exactly what a Dundee United supporter said - seem's to be the rumours flying about the place, although mean's jack shit as we have heard it all before.

[1st_Jan_1994 4,868]

Funny you should mention that. I was playing golf this morning and that is exactly what a Dundee United supporter said - seem's to be the rumours flying about the place, although mean's jack shit as we have heard it all before.

Hope it's true.

Nothing against Webster, I rate him, but he's never destined to play a part for us.

[Muff 245]

I don't rate him and the sooner he's away from the club, the better. An absolute shitebag.

[1st_Jan_1994 4,868]

I don't rate him and the sooner he's away from the club, the better. An absolute shitebag.

Player of the year last season, though.

His mentality is in doubt however. Hateley has touched on it more than once in the past year or so. I'm convinced he knows something we don't and Walter Smith didn't sound pleased doing the Kilmarnock interview last week.

[ricksen_da_best 2,034]

Funny you should mention that. I was playing golf this morning and that is exactly what a Dundee United supporter said - seem's to be the rumours flying about the place, although mean's jack shit as we have heard it all before.

Yeah, seemed to be said most days during the summer that it could happen. But with Goodwillie seemingly getting the blame for all the trouble during the week, think i heard Houston saying today that David shouldn't have gone the young lads involved. Heres hoping he wants shot of him.

[rfcfraserrfc 262]

Dont need anyone

FTW

[delamonty 992]

With respect to Webster. I said on another thread, he could learn a thing or two from Edu.

I'm not talking about Big Mo's footballing ability -- which many will question. I'm talking about his willingness to pull on a shirt after he has sustained a 'real' injury. God knows how he played on in the ICT match. He came off at HT, when he was (probably) told to.

After the Killie match, you could hear the frustration in Walters voice. I'm not too sure whether it was 'frustration', or simply 'knowing' that Andy could have played had he been willing. (Like Mo).

Yes, Webster had a great year last year. It's a mental thing with him imho. He does not have 'it' to play for The Rangers. Done, dusted. Game, set and match.

Mo does have 'it' and I still see a player there. The guy plays when injured vs Valencia and still put in a shift. He won a lot of respect from me.

(Not strictly talking about football here Bears. But the willingness to play for The Rangers, and put yourself, your body, & your emotions on the line for the cause.)

A good case study here? Mo Edu vs Andy Webster. Interesting.