Rangers will need to consolidate

Press, 28 February 1981, Page 12

Rangers will need to consolidate

In his final of three articles previewing the 1981 Rothmans Soccer League season. DAVID LEGGAT looks at the problems facing Rangers.

The loss of nine players from the 1980 squad, totaling 199 Rothmans Soccer . League appearances between them, has left Rangers sadly short of experience as it prepares for its second year in-the top league. Those nine players provided the core of Rangers squad last' season, and the losses include three of the regular defenders. Trevor Blake, Alan South and John Oliver. This has forced the Rangers coach. Mr Nick de Meyer., to shuffle some players and to introduce new ones in an effort to bolster his resources. Brian Reeves, who in addition to being an impressive goal-keeper, also provided booming long clearances for the sharp Rangers strikers to latch onto last winter, has decided to have a year out of the national competition; Oliver, Blake. Malcolm Parker and Geoff Taylor have pulled out of the top side, although Taylor has stayed on as team manager; South and Gordon Faichnie have moved to Christchurch Mogal United; Luke Campfens is in Auckland; and Rob Campfens is overseas, though he is expected back during the season.

Mr de Meyer has chosen to rely basically on the young players within the club, but his squad does include 10 players with some sort of experience of national league soccer. However, he could still do with another player or two of ability *to strengthen his hand for what will be a demanding year. The goal-keeper will be Mike Fulham, who had five games in 1980. He represented the New Zealand under-16 team, and has a chance to prove himself at top level. The reserve goal-keeper will be Tony. King, a former youth team player from within the club.

The likely back four, at least for the start of the competition, will be Scott Dewar on the right. lan France on the left, with John Souter, again captaining the side, sweeping behind Tony Steer.

Souter will have a key role, holding the defence together, while Steer could find it difficult replacing South, who performed particularly well in 1980. However. Steer acquitted himself well at right-back last season, and his strength and determination should be an asset.

Dewar had 12 games last season, varying between midfield and defence, but he seems certain to be restricted to the back-line this winter. France will be hoping to put behind him his only league appearance, the opening match of 1980 when United overwhelmed Rangers. 5-1. and France scored an own goal.

The other candidates for defensive roles are John Boatwood, a useful utility player, whom Mr de Meyer rates highly, and Gerard Kemp, the former Technical player.

The midfield could be the vital area for Rangers. Unless they can win a reasonable share of posession. goals will be hard to come by.

Paul Glasson is certain to fill either the right or left side position. Only Warren Quirke and Graham Storer have bettered Glasson’s tally of 61 national league matches for New’ Brighton, and his skill, work-rate and tenacity could be a highlight of the side.

lan Cowan will be the central mid-fielder. His powerful shooting and thrustful running should complement Glassons style of play. Marcel Verweij. John Maguire and Terry Neville will be battling for the third position. Verweij can be. used as a striker, while Maguire, formerly with Technical, and Neville, who has played all his soccer for Rangers-, are solely mid-fielders. Neil Francis seems likely to be Rangers best attacking player, and will probably be used wide on the right, where he can get some room to move. John Brand has joined from Western, and will provide Rangers with an obvipus target man. Brand is strong in the air. and is a centre-forward of the old school, a big. powerful player, who prefers the

most direct route to the goal, and is a good finisher. Steve Welford's best asset, his speed, should be fully utilised on the left side and both Welford and Francis could also find plenty of work for themselves feeding off any glancing headers Brand can provide. Grant Hughes, at 19. has shown promise. His speed and energetic approach could earn him. a place in the front-line.

Mr de Meyer has a big task in front of him. The best Rangers can realistically hope for is a middle-of-the-table place. If he can get Rangers there, he will be able to look back on 1981 with considerable satisfaction.