OPINION
All Rangers fans must heed the indirect warning Neil McCann fired at a section of fans over their demand for success.
The former Gers player shared that he thought there would be a lot of fans left unhappy with Steven Gerrard if he didn’t add any silverware to the trophy cabinet this season.
McCann pointed out Rangers face a tough game with Aberdeen when it comes to progressing further in the Scottish Cup and seemed to suggest that if they didn’t lift any silverware he still thought Gerrard had done a very very good job.
“It’s a huge game, I was asked the question what I thought would be a successful season for Rangers and I thought if they could push Celtic all the way this year, get close, continue to improve under Steven Gerrard and get a piece of silverware in the trophy cabinet, it’d be a successful one,” said McCann on Football Centre (Sky Sports News, Monday March 11th, 12:20).
“I think the Scottish Cup brings an opportunity for that with Celtic in the draw, they’ve been separated, they have to take on an Aberdeen side who enjoy going to Glasgow, really tight match the last one, the draw, Derek has already proven he can go to the big grounds and come up with a game plan and get a result.
“It’s a hugely massive game for them as the Rangers fans demand success and if he doesn’t get something this year, they’d be a lot of fans who won’t be happy, but I think he has done a very very good job.”
McCann is spot-on to suggest that even if Gerrard misses out on the Scottish Cup, the job he has done at Ibrox deserves praise.
The Gers have looked a much improved side under the former Liverpool player and they have at the very least challenged for silverware, while also reminding Celtic of their presence.
However it’s fair to say that McCann is right to suggest that some fans won’t be satisfied with the job Gerrard has done if it does not lead directly to trophies.
They will make their feelings known and put pressure on Gerrard to deliver the goods sooner rather than later.
Given that the manager has proven to be a key part of the club’s improvement, his future cannot be risked by having fans undermine his position.
While supporters don’t call the shots at the club if they’re vocal enough, like Rangers fans are, they do end up influencing decisions such as whether it’s time to part company with a manager.
Gerrard deserves time and patience at Ibrox as it was a hard task handed to him to catch up with Celtic, and all should be done to ensure he isn’t forced out the door sooner rather than later due to frustrated fans.