Prizes All Round
A lack of action on the pitch in recent times has led to frustrated twitching among the fans, eager for a return of the matches and an end to a pretty darn disappointing season.
The break in the fixtures was caused by Scottish cup semi finals being played, semi finals, of course, which Rangers engaged no part in, having been knocked out in a previous round, a fate which sums up their entire campaign.
This little hiatus from the matches gave the club a chance to hand out player honours voted for both the fans and players alike. Winners were Brahim Hemdani, Allan McGregor, Charlie Adam and Dado Prso.
Hemdani won the grand honour of Player of the Year as voted for by the fans. He has been as solid and consistent a performer for Rangers this season as anyone in recent memory. Never in the blaze of publicity, and never a source of any kind of controversy, Hemdani has gone about his business in the middle of the park with a minimum of fuss. While he might not scale exceptional heights in terms of his overall ability, he still manages to perform at a commendable level, and keeps a happy medium. He has also scored a couple of particularly memorable goals this season, such as the equaliser against Celtic at Ibrox, and the wonderful equaliser against Osasuna.
His all-round efficiency is to be admired, and while he does not engage in the ‘dirty work’ or the brave tackles et al, his use of the ball is extremely measured, and he is a very secure player.
The Young Player of the Year award went to Charlie Adam, a player who was plying his trade at Love Street on loan this time last year in the first division. His performances this season as a first team regular have been the source of much debate. While no one would ever suggest he is the worst player Rangers have ever had, his displays have not generally been especially inspiring. It is generally thought the award would have gone to Steven Smith had he not sustained that unfortunate injury in the Uefa Cup. As it is, the award went to his team mate Adam, who has scored some truly memorable goals. Livorno, Dundee Utd and St Mirren come to mind. There is no denying his left foot is impressive, but perhaps the youngster needs to add more dimensions to his game in order to really assert himself as a justified starter for the side.
The Players’ Player of the Year went to Allan McGregor, a goalkeeper who struggled for seasons in Klos’ shadow, then under both him and Wattereus. He was farmed out to SPL basement boys Dunfermline and on his recall to Ibrox found himself thrust into the starting 11 when new signing Letizi got injured. His performances were impressive, and when Letizi was restored by then-manager Le Guen, it drew the ire of the fans. It stood to reason then that the French stopper would commit a horrendous calamity on his return, before McGregor found himself installed permanently and Letizi was shown the exit. The young Scot has produce some commendable performances, not least his display in Inverness near the end of his former manager’s reign. His confidence has improved, as has his catching, and he is unquestionably an able shot stopper. He has recently been called up to the national side, giving some idea of his good progress.
The last award was the John Greig award which went to Dado Prso. Essentially this is a kind of lifetime achievement award for the player who gives so much to the club, and bleeds it. Prso very much attains this.
Indeed, these awards were a welcome distraction away from (or indication of?) just how lousy the season has been, and it is clear that things must get better next year.
The break in the fixtures was caused by Scottish cup semi finals being played, semi finals, of course, which Rangers engaged no part in, having been knocked out in a previous round, a fate which sums up their entire campaign.
This little hiatus from the matches gave the club a chance to hand out player honours voted for both the fans and players alike. Winners were Brahim Hemdani, Allan McGregor, Charlie Adam and Dado Prso.
Hemdani won the grand honour of Player of the Year as voted for by the fans. He has been as solid and consistent a performer for Rangers this season as anyone in recent memory. Never in the blaze of publicity, and never a source of any kind of controversy, Hemdani has gone about his business in the middle of the park with a minimum of fuss. While he might not scale exceptional heights in terms of his overall ability, he still manages to perform at a commendable level, and keeps a happy medium. He has also scored a couple of particularly memorable goals this season, such as the equaliser against Celtic at Ibrox, and the wonderful equaliser against Osasuna.
His all-round efficiency is to be admired, and while he does not engage in the ‘dirty work’ or the brave tackles et al, his use of the ball is extremely measured, and he is a very secure player.
The Young Player of the Year award went to Charlie Adam, a player who was plying his trade at Love Street on loan this time last year in the first division. His performances this season as a first team regular have been the source of much debate. While no one would ever suggest he is the worst player Rangers have ever had, his displays have not generally been especially inspiring. It is generally thought the award would have gone to Steven Smith had he not sustained that unfortunate injury in the Uefa Cup. As it is, the award went to his team mate Adam, who has scored some truly memorable goals. Livorno, Dundee Utd and St Mirren come to mind. There is no denying his left foot is impressive, but perhaps the youngster needs to add more dimensions to his game in order to really assert himself as a justified starter for the side.
The Players’ Player of the Year went to Allan McGregor, a goalkeeper who struggled for seasons in Klos’ shadow, then under both him and Wattereus. He was farmed out to SPL basement boys Dunfermline and on his recall to Ibrox found himself thrust into the starting 11 when new signing Letizi got injured. His performances were impressive, and when Letizi was restored by then-manager Le Guen, it drew the ire of the fans. It stood to reason then that the French stopper would commit a horrendous calamity on his return, before McGregor found himself installed permanently and Letizi was shown the exit. The young Scot has produce some commendable performances, not least his display in Inverness near the end of his former manager’s reign. His confidence has improved, as has his catching, and he is unquestionably an able shot stopper. He has recently been called up to the national side, giving some idea of his good progress.
The last award was the John Greig award which went to Dado Prso. Essentially this is a kind of lifetime achievement award for the player who gives so much to the club, and bleeds it. Prso very much attains this.
Indeed, these awards were a welcome distraction away from (or indication of?) just how lousy the season has been, and it is clear that things must get better next year.
posted by RangersMedia @ 7:38 PM
