Ended 1-1. I had to do some work, annoyingly and missed it. Reviews were very "meh" on Sands, but any time Gers ties, esp "not Celtic" no one in blue will be happy. Sounded like a weak Gers game all the way around.
Nailed it. You missed nothing, Work was probably better. I enjoyed my hour long conference call more than the game. I went down to row on my erg machine as I had taped the match. Snooze fest. He went the full 90 and hasn’t played for a while and that’s something bt “anonymous” would not be a harsh description.
There were apparently a bunch of EPL scouts there for Calvin Ramsay (ManU, Spurs. Soton, Leeds and a few other I can't recall off-hand.) fwiw. Would have liked to see him play.
It was just a very boring and sloppy game overall. I think Sands did just fine all things considered: new league/team, 1st game played in a while, playing CM rather than CDM. I think the last one is a biggie... I am not sure I have ever seen Sands play that position. Didn't get that many touches but he must have been over 90% in passing. At any rate... I do wonder if NYCFC would have beaten Rangers today because I don't see a big difference between the leagues at all.
Not gonna lie. I was rowing away remembering what Ramirez and Harkes looked like in MLS, and wondered what a home and away would look like with a better MLS team. I’ve thought this from time to time in the past, but always thought MLS teams didn’t have the savvy, coaching or experience to compete away from home. Sure they could tie and battle at home, but away they would be out of their depth. Not anymore. Would love to see it. We’ll see how Sands looks after a few matches. LBH, NYFC plays more possession, triangles, movement then what we saw from Rangers. I bet it was an adjustment for James. Fav UK announcer moment. Player tackles someone. Goes through the ball and stomps, with studs on the players foot. Ref gives a yellow. Fair enough. Announcer says? I don’t even know what to say. They give a yellow for everything now. This was during the first replay. On the second when it is obvious and blatant he ignores it. If it wasn’t so typical it wouldn’t be worth mentioning, but the old guard is funny, and stuck in the 60’s and 70’s still.
80s and 90's too, when you could still tackle from behind and as long as you got the ball first, all bets were off for what happened next.
With regard to the positioning, he already has showed his versatility as the coach noted after the game. Sands' performance/individual skills will improve in Scotland. I look forward to a Rangers game a month or so from now when he is fully oriented to the Scottish game.
James Sands "gelled quick" in positive Rangers debut - SBI Soccer “It’s not an easy game, so I thought he did well tonight in a game that was tough for the whole team,” Van Bronckhorst said in a postmatch club interview. “I think he did better in the second half, especially when we put John [Lundstram] in midfield with him and it created a nice block there. We did well after the penalty kick to shut the game down and avoid letting up a winning goal.” Sands started alongside Glen Kamara and Ianis Hagi in Van Bronckhorst’s 4-3-3 formation and showed positive signs in his European debut. The 21-year-old completed 84% of his passes to go along with seven of 14 duels won and one interception Capt. Tavernier speaks
Hmm... don't recall that many missed passes. I recall the long ball over the top to no one.... and I remember another right to the strikers foot that was tackled out of bounds by the defender. Thanks for posting the facts... but I still maintain that he did fine in his debut. Nothing flashy... but nothing poor. Most importantly... he looked like he belonged and only gave the ball up once (I think?) and was able to nick it back so it didn't lead to a chance for the opponent. All-in-all... a decent debut IMO.
On the bench: 🆕 This evening's #RangersFC side to face Stirling Albion in The @ScottishCup.👉 Full team news: https://t.co/Ekx495WqSk pic.twitter.com/yVVfB74i0A— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 21, 2022 Scottish Cup match on ESPN+.
With Aribo and Nigeria crashing out in Africa, Rangers get him back sooner, at least. Will be good to see Sands with a closer to the full team. Wonder how much time off they give Aribo. Gers play Wed, as do Celtic. Twitter is awash in memes of Ranger's fan celebrating Nigeria's loss so Aribo is sure to be back before Celtic game...
fwiw, reports that Aribo will be back for Ross County this weekend. Hagi is out for the rest of the season with injury. If I had to guess, I'd imagine we see Sands start tomorrow. Gio mentioned he was better with Lundstram in the midfield with him creating a "block." With Hagi down for the count, guess we likely see Sands-Kamara-Lundstram with Aribo stepping in for either Sands or Lunstram (of a combo) when he returns. Gers already linked with a Hagi replacement up front. 1486063037387845633 is not a valid tweet id
🇺🇸 @MauriceEdu on James Sands.Read an exclusive interview with Edu in tonight's matchday programme, available at Ibrox or order online for delivery worldwide 👇— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 26, 2022 Also, Bacuna headed out, to Birmingham City. Also, Livingston added Soto, but word is he's not cleared for today's Livingston v. Gers. Sands is likely to start.
Rangers team vs Livingston: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic, Kamara, Sands, Lowry, Wright, Fashion Jr, Itten.Rangers subs: McLaughlin, Simpson, King, Lundstram, McCann, Barker, Roofe, Arfield, Jack.💙⚽ pic.twitter.com/XWLxB3NIkD— Rangers FC & Linfield FC (@bluesbrothers86) January 26, 2022
How are none of these SPL games being broadcast on Paramount +? Don’t they know the demand for CCV, Sands, and Mueller action??
0-0 at the half. Reviews re Sands are fairly meh, which is not surprising when your team ain't scoring. They miss Aribo something crazy, I think.