NafisaEx-Rangers interim boss Barry Ferguson has admitted that he was eager to sign Lawrence Shankland 12 months ago.
The Gers have finally completed the signing of their long-standing target, in a move that has surprised the Scottish Premiership.
Shankland captained Hearts through a memorable campaign, narrowly missing out on the final day on toppling both Rangers and Celtic from their long-held dominance at the summit of the table over recent years.
The 49ers made a major statement by bringing the 30-year-old to Ibrox, as the club aims to leave Danny Rohl with no excuses next season.
Shankland has now officially joined Rangers, but Ferguson may feel somewhat frustrated after revealing his own transfer story involving an attempt to bring in the Scotland international.
Barry Ferguson wanted Lawrence Shankland when nobody else did:
Rangers announced the signing of Shankland last week, with the striker confirming he cut short his holiday to return to Glasgow and ensure he put pen to paper for his boyhood club this time.
The number nine will now enjoy a short break before joining up with Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the World Cup, and will be hoping to return to Auchenhowie in strong form.
Former interim boss Ferguson had hoped to secure the job permanently just over 12 months ago, but it was confirmed after a final-day 2-2 draw with Hibernian that the club would appoint a new head coach.
He has since spoken out following Shankland’s signing, revealing that he personally pushed for the same deal last summer when the striker would have been available on a free transfer.
Ferguson said, as quoted by the Daily Record: “I drew up a list of targets. It was my list, nobody else’s. The name of Shankland was right at the top as the priority No.1. A free transfer and an absolute no-brainer.
“It didn’t work out that way for either of us. I do wish this had happened 12 months ago. I never understood why they didn’t see what I saw in Lawrence.”
Interestingly, Ferguson suggests that Ibrox decision-makers didn’t want to sign Shankland at the time, though if he is referring to figures like Kevin Thelwell, then that would clarify matters.
Shankland transfer delay may be perfect timing for Rangers:
Who knows what might have happened had Shankland joined Gers on any of the previous occasions he was linked?
But now the deal is done, there is no turning back, with his arrival potentially the first of many major signings to follow, as the timing could ultimately benefit the Light Blues.
On paper, Rangers are in their strongest position in years, which makes the arrival of the experienced talisman all the more exciting.
Rohl now has options, with Shankland offering the chance to deploy a two-striker system alongside either Youssef Chermiti or Ryan Naderi.
Bojan Miovski appears to be the main casualty at this stage, and his departure now looks increasingly likely.
Nafisa
