Rangers have started the season with a new look, youthful back four that has a blend of experience and footballing talent. The defence has been a revelation so far this season and with captain Lee Wallace the oldest member of the back line at twenty eight years old there is no reason why this could not be the defence for years to come. Mark Warburton and David Weir where both defenders during their careers, with the later knowing Scottish football better than most having spent the twilight of his career playing at Ibrox.
The new line up sees summer signings James Tavernier, Rob Kiernan and Danny Wilson joining captain Lee Wallace as Warburton looks for a modern defence which can not only prevent goals but also join in the attack. James Tavernier is proof that the theory works having chipped in with both goals and assists this season, over and under lapping from right back. The former Newcastle full back joined the Light Blues in the hope of getting his career back on track following relegation to the English League 1 with Wigan Athletic last season but already his class has been telling curling in a fantastic free kick against promotion rivals Hibs to secure a 1 nil victory.
Mark Warburton has had a decision to make over the club captaincy whether to go with the long serving Lee Wallace or the returning, former Hearts captain Danny Wilson. The Gaffer decided that Lee Wallace had the correct skills to become the leader of the team following the departure of Lee McCulloch in the summer. The Scotland international has been a consistent performer for the Gers since joining in 2011, making the left back position his own with over 100 league appearances for the club. Lee Wallace provides an outlet on the left side of the field in attack but has developed into a very effective defender and now with the added responsibility of captaincy he will be marshalling not only his defensive partners but his team mates all over the pitch.
Rob Kiernan was the first of a trio of Wigan players to sign for Rangers, with Martyn Waghorn and James Tavernier also moving north of the border. The young centre back has looked calm and assured in defence instantly looking at home beside Danny Wilson as well as having the familiarity of former team mate James Tavernier with him. Kiernan was recently asked about the full backs that he has to cover while they are attacking. In relation to James Tavernier, the Republic Under 21 international said “…I’m sure Tav will have a great career. He’s obviously hit the ground running here and he’s a good lad who works hard so he’ll do well.” Then when asked about his new skipper Kiernan responded “He’s someone I think could play at a higher level and he’s someone who is well respected in our changing room.” This proves that the camaraderie is high within the changing room and will no doubt help the team progress through the season.
Perhaps the most important defensive signing of the summer was the return of centre back Danny Wilson. The pulling power of Glasgow Rangers, Mark Warburton and David Weir cannot be underestimated when it comes to this signing. Wilson was after all the Hearts captain who had led them back to the Premier League and yet chose to remain in the Championship to return to Glasgow where he had unfinished business having left the club in 2010 for Liverpool having came through the youth ranks at Ibrox. On his initial showings this season Wilson has slipped back into the starting line up and picked up where he left off, commanding the line, putting tackles in and giving the Light Blues a solid base to build attacks from. With the new look back four Rangers look set to push on for the rest of the season and anything less than promotion can only be classed as a disappointment.
