clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

After Aberdeen, what does Mark Warburton need to do to turn around Rangers' season?

Mark Warburton can improve things, but he'll need to sort out a few problems to do it.

Rangers v Celtic - Betfred Cup Semi Final Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Get Barrie McKay back in form

McKay's indifferent displays have been one of the most disappointing features of this season, but after a period removed from the starting line-up, his reinstatement against Aberdeen transformed the side. As well as playing two fine passes in the build-up for Lee Hodson's goal, McKay was instrumental in carrying the ball up the pitch throughout and also freed Lee Wallace for his shocking miss in the first half. His range of passing and creativity are unmatched by anyone else in the side, with the possible exception of the crocked Niko Kranjcar. If he can continue to play like he did against Aberdeen, many of Rangers' attacking woes will be over.

Find a better plan away from home

One of the most damning figures of Mark Warburton's reign, even stretching back to the better days of last season, is his record away from home in big games. We've played seven against Hibs, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Celtic and Hearts away and lost them all. Some of those featured some fine play and some were disasters, but it's clear that this side struggles to sit deep and counter-attack, and when they can't outpress and dominate their opponents, seem to have no way of winning games. Finding a plan that works, whatever it is, is essential.

Nail the January transfer window

The January transfer window presents an opportunity to right some of the wrongs of the summer. A lot of players have been linked, mostly midfielders, and there's no question we're light there with Niko Kranjcar and Jordan Rossiter out injured, with Josh Windass also struggling to get a run and Matt Crooks looking a bit shite. Goals from midfield would also be a huge help, as we've been sorely lacking in that department. Elsewhere, an alternative centre-back to Philippe Senderos might not go amiss either.

Get a striker functioning properly

The jury is still very much out on Joe Garner, who has hardly been a prolific goalscorer since making the move north and has divided the supporters on whether his all-action brand of general physicality, diving, running and wellying it over the bar from 25 yards are what we need right now. Joe Dodoo and Martyn Waghorn have both been highly inconsistent in supporting cameo roles, but it's time to find the right balance between giving someone a run and dropping someone when they're not scoring to make sure we get the most out of our attack.