Many Rangers fans have turned to social media to react to reports stating that first team midfielder Greg Docherty is set for an imminent exit from the club to join Shrewsbury Town on loan.
Scottish television broadcaster STV claim on their website that a temporary deal for the 21-year-old is set to be completed on Wednesday after falling out of favour under new manager Steven Gerrard, having yet to make a senior appearance under the former Liverpool star.
A signing back in the January window, the former Hamilton man made 14 appearances on the way to the Gers’ third place finish, but looks set to join up with the League One side for the new season.
The Ibrox faithful were left divided over the news on Twitter, with some questioning what benefits were to be had from shipping him out to England’s third tier, while others felt he would be a huge success.
This is Futbol has rounded up a selection of the supporters’ best tweets:
https://twitter.com/DougieDon1/status/1026886492428398592
Can’t believe we would allow Greg to leave & keep Halliday.
— Dave (@dave_n84) August 7, 2018
Disappointed with that – I still think the lad has enough to make it.
— Mr King (@killieblue) August 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/RangersShirts/status/1026890406636793864
https://twitter.com/FRANNY1314/status/1026880866864254976
https://twitter.com/WillieEwing1872/status/1026891344206352384
I have a message for Docherty if he goes to Shrewsbury. Go there play your absolute heart & make sure when you return Gerrard has no option but to give you a starting slot. Rip it up son.
— THE REAL John Mason ? (@johnmasonrtid) August 7, 2018
Greg Docherty will get player of the year down there. Look forward to seeing him come back
— Stevie (@CultAvoider) August 7, 2018
Opinion
Docherty has been a player who has divided opinion for much of his time at the club and that is exactly the case with his exit seemingly imminent. At 21 he already has over 100 Premiership appearances under his belt, and so some fans might think that sending him to the third tier in England is something of an insult. Others may feel that game time, wherever that might be, is needed, although they would have surely wanted him playing at a higher level than Shrewsbury. Still, his career at Ibrox has not died, just stalled temporarily, and it seems certain he will be back to force his way into the first team sooner rather than later.