Mark Warburton has defended his sides transfer policy and will continue to search for players in the English lower leagues for fresh talent.
Rangers have been busy this January, having brought in young winger Harry Forrester, Polish ‘keeper Maciej Gostomski, and somewhat controversially recruiting Accrington Stanley pair Josh Windass and Matt Crooks. It is also reported that Rangers have had a bid for Brentford midfielder Toumani Diagouraga rejected.
Despite the activity, some regions of Scottish football, as well as ‘Gers fans have been critical of Warburton’s business in recruiting players from England’s lower two divisions.
Warburton answered the critics by insisting he has found gems in England before, including a reference to Leicester star Jamie Vardy, and will continue to do so. The ‘Gers managers also picked out Andre Grey after he was signed from Luton for £500k and then sold to Burnley for £9 million in the summer whilst Warburton was Brentford’s director of football.
“He (Andre Grey) came from Luton in the Conference to Brentford in the championship for £500k. That was a huge jump but he dealt with it… i don’t know what his value is now but I imagine it’s at least £12million.
Our job is to spot players who we think can develop and move on to the next level.”
Warburton was answering questions in relation to comments Accrington shareholder Andy Holt made via twitter. He criticised Warburton for not contacting the Accrington managers directly and hit out at FIFA rules which allow clubs in Scotland to play lesser compensation fees than clubs in England.
Warburton’s response was to play down the row saying that these are the rules:
“I think the frustration rightly or wrongly is more with the system than with the way we have conducted our business. Rangers have done everything by the process and, I hope, professionally.”
Warburton also confirmed Rangers are still looking to bring in one or two more experiences players before the window slams shut on February 1st.
