Rangers are my third team (hard to follow SPL right now in US), and I am thrilled to hear they are giving Clint Mathis a trial. What do hardcore Rangers supporters think? Where on the pitch do you think they most need him, up front or mid?
Rangers need a forward, someone who will score goals. If he doesn't suit that role thay probably won't sign him. Then again Rangers signing policy can be weird...
Well, Scottish Morton, that's kinda what I thought, and I'm guessing/hoping Cleetus is "ready" for the job.
It will be interesting to see Cletus in Europe. Whether he can raise his game (and straighten out his lifestyle and conditioning issues) enough to play at that level has always been the question that has dogged him. There is no doubt that he does show flashes of the brilliance that gets teams like Rangers interested, question is whether he can be a consistent performer or not. He is a free agent, so no transfer fee to MLS. He has also had a look-see from Leicester.
In an article about his training with Leicester there were some rave reviews for him from a couple of their players.
sky Sports interview: http://www.soccer.com/channels/xml_news.php?story_id=6004123 "You can just see how good he is," Stewart said in an interview with Sky Sports. "He is real class. "You can see why even Bayern Munich wanted to sign him, he has got everything. "Everything he does is pin-point, you hear people talk about how good somebody could be, but he really could be great in The Premiership." Leicester forum discussion: http://www.leicestershire.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2157 Rangers article: http://www.sport.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1307232003 You see this quote come up a few times. Classic.... "He will spend a week in Scotland, but then has to travel back because he is appearing on the David Letterman Show, which is just an indication of how big a star he is in America"
I will be sorry to see Cleetus leaving MLS, only because it's always nice to see an out-of-shape, loudmouth, hothead, over-rated player on any other team in the league of the team you support. But I suppose if he could be cloned then both Old Firm teams could have a copy and I would be almost as happy
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=284746&cc=5901 "Rangers chairman John McClelland has confirmed Ronald de Boer will join Michael Mols and Henning Berg out of the exit door at the end of the season. The trio will all be out of contract and McClelland revealed there were no plans to offer extensions. He told The Scottish Mail on Sunday: 'Players who don't go out of contract this year, but will do next year, are those we are in discussions with about extending deals. " So this is the cash that will be used to sign Mathis I presume....
=/ i really dont want Clint to go to scotland, just because i'll never get to see him play. BUT, Rangers will be a lock for Europe every year, so it can't be all that bad. Clint could really *#*#*#*# some people up in Scotland.
Mathis is a lazy, overrated slob. If Rangers need a striker, you don't need him. He didnt do jack sh!t this year in MLS, so I am kind of confused why he is getting such rave reviews...?
Because the Europeans see a talented player who just needs a swift kick in the butt. Right. Now off you go.
Actually, he had a torrid start this season. IIRC, had like seven goals in six games, scored in four or five consecutive. Then... basically dropped off the face of the Earth. See my post above. What Metros says, Kick in the arse.
Mathis was the leading scorer for the Metros this year, and got off to a great start, but faded later. I think Clint got frustrated and bored with the whole thing. I don't know if his prior injury had something to do with his play, but he seems to have lost a crucial step.
Ive heard nothing about this from anywhere but this site and that sky article but given the cash situation at rangers at the minute my granny could likely land a trial with them, and shes been dead for 40 years, still an improvement on shota arveladze though.
Mathis Horny for Rangers This is datelined 1/12. Source: Rangers web site. http://www.soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Americans_Abroad/page_93_62829.shtml If he signs I'm going to have to go into Chicago to see one of the Old Firm games this year. I'll gladly pay $20 to see Bobo knock his dick in the dirt.
Rangers have an illustrious recent history of signing players who then lose at least half a season or more due to ankle/knee injuries - don't they? Is this something most "Yanks abroad" and Mathis fans are aware of?
Rangers arent interested unless players have a serious recurring injury, they even tried to sign ronaldo when he was out for 4 years.
I imagine if Clint has the same kind of year with Gers as he did with the Metros, he will end up with the reserves. In MLS he is a bit of a commodity. In europe he is just another striker trying to make the first team. If he is not ready to work his butt off, he'll be sitting on it.
Well now I'm all for Americans doing well abroad especially on a big club like Rangers. BUT, I think Mathis is way past his prime and has a bad attitude. Hey, maybe new scenery would turn his career around...we will have to wait and see...doubt it though.