Steven Gerrard backs Josh Windass to respond to Ibrox jeers

[ian1964 10,500]

Steven Gerrard backs Josh Windass to respond to Ibrox jeers and play key role in new look Rangers

When punters realised Josh Windass was being replaced against Shkupi in the Europa League qualifier, there was rapturous applause.

When a player’s number goes up on the subs board and his own fans cheer, most 
managers would either brush it off or ignore it altogether.

But not Steven Gerrard.

After his first competitive game in charge of Rangers on Thursday night, it would have been easy for him to sidestep the reaction to Josh Windass’ withdrawal.

When punters realised it was Windass being replaced by young Glenn Middleton against Shkupi in the Europa League qualifier, there was rapturous applause.

The Ibrox enigma, despite working hard, had failed to make a significant impact in the final third from his new role wide on the right.

But Scotland Under-21 kid 
Middleton quickly had punters off their seats with his pace and incisiveness.

Gerrard was well aware of the punters’ attitude towards Windass, a player he believes can be an integral part of his new-look Rangers.

But he has challenged the 24-year-old to deal with that scrutiny from the stands and emerge even stronger.

If he doesn’t, irrespective of how he has looked in training, you get the feeling Gerrard won’t hesitate to leave him out.

The new Ibrox gaffer insists that 
Windass’ position on the right flank won’t be his long-term slot in the side.

And Gerrard has backed the former Accrington 
Stanley player to come good. He said: “I felt the reaction from the supporters when Josh came off against Shkupi.

“But he’ll deal with that because he’s a strong lad – and the only way to win over supporters is by scoring.

“Josh worked his socks off in the game and could easily have had a couple of goals. He will play in different positions – I’ve told all the 
players that.

“We’ll play different 
systems and formations. And if we feel Josh is the best man for a certain role then he’ll play.

“In terms of the reaction, we all know what’s going to come. That’s what you sign up for at a club as big as Rangers.

“The fans love it. They’re desperate for goals, to be entertained and win. So are we. We all feel it on the sidelines as well.

“But the supporters will have gone home on Thursday night feeling exactly like me – pleased with a lot of it but 
feeling we should have won by more.

“I’ve only known Josh for three and a half weeks. I’m still trying to work out the character of not just him but all the 
players at Rangers.

“We’re still getting used to each other and are building relationships.

“What I will say is that he has applied himself really well since day one.

“I can see the players are keen to impress me. Against Shkupi I saw players trying to force the play and get in the headlines for the right reasons.

“It’s difficult to criticise that. That comes from honesty and players wanting to do well for the club and themselves.

“But we just need to relax sometimes, play and let it come.

“When you force it, you become 
disjointed and we were like that in the first half on Thursday night.

“In the second half we were more 
controlled, passed the ball well and 
created better chances.”

Another sub who impressed against Shkupi was Ryan Jack who improved Rangers’ tempo against the Macedonians and made a difference.

He could be in line for a start in Skopje for the second leg on Tuesday night and Gerrard is convinced they’ve got enough to go through.

He said: “Ryan was very professional when he came on.

“I felt we lacked a bit of discipline in the first half in that No.8 position (where Daniel Candeias was playing).

“When Ryan came on he gave us a 
calmness, made us pass and change the direction of play.

“That’s what the game was about, switching the play and getting in down the side because they had a lot of men in the middle of the pitch.

“I was really pleased for Ryan.

“And I’m confident we can go over there on Tuesday and score a goal.

“We don’t have to do it in the first two minutes so we won’t be going gung-ho.

“They’re the team who have to make the decision to play differently from Thursday night.

“If they camp in their own half for 90 per cent of the game it restricts them from getting chances on our goal.

“I’m sure they’ll have a different approach and when they take risks we have to be there to punish them.”

Gerrard was never going to be fazed by his first game in charge at a packed Ibrox and says it lived up to his expectations.

But he admitted, after less than a month in the job, he’s still getting used to being in the dugout, not on the pitch.

He said: “Nothing surprised me about the first game here. When you’re still searching for fitness and sharpness, 
whoever you draw in the Europa League is going to be tricky.

“There were a few nerves from us but 
I expected that. The players gave me 
everything but I’m a perfectionist.

“I’m always searching for things we can do better.

“Of course, it’s different from playing. You have to deal with an awful lot more thinking and preparation.

“You have to make big decisions and some of them have nothing to do with football.

“But I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t driven by success. I want to give this job 
everything. I know I’m in a huge job at a big club so I have to keep improving.”

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/teven-gerrard-backs-josh-windass-12918821

[Gonzo79 13,937]

Extremely disappointing.  My enthusiasm has diminished considerably.

 

A player with no guts is first pick.  That's another couple of humpings against the scum on the horizon.  

[Malangsob 1,223]

He just speaks from a common sense point of view. 

2 hours ago, ian1964 said:

“We’ll play different 
systems and formations. And if we feel Josh is the best man for a certain role then he’ll play.

Yeah, exactly. He is learning his personnel. Gym time...practice time and competitive pitch minutes are two different animals. He is simply seeing where his men fit in. Players like Windass are an enigma. Windass actually worked in this game. SG is simply giving the guy the benefit of the doubt before he reaches a conclusion. 

SG is on an island. He has to work with the resources in his possession. This is a puzzle that takes time. 

 

2 hours ago, ian1964 said:

“They’re the team who have to make the decision to play differently from Thursday night.

“If they camp in their own half for 90 per cent of the game it restricts them from getting chances on our goal.

“I’m sure they’ll have a different approach and when they take risks we have to be there to punish them.”

More common sense. Shkupi can't hang back and are going to have to push the issue at some point. This will create space and opportunity. I don't know if we are gonna have 'The Flute', so once again it will be up to Morelos up front.  Gonna be interesting.

[Malangsob 1,223]

2 hours ago, Gonzo79 said:

Extremely disappointing.  My enthusiasm has diminished considerably.

 

A player with no guts is first pick.  That's another couple of humpings against the scum on the horizon.  

 What do you think our record is gonna be after the first five? 

[buster. 4,852]

Best not to focus on one player.

 

It's not rocket science, the team as a whole gets the win, loss or draw and the manager, who picks that team is responsible.

 

 

[Rousseau 9,640]

At least the manager recognises his strengths. 

 

I'm intrigued that RW won't be his long-term position. Probably right. 

 

Jack didn't catch my eye, but I think we were a little more solid, and we did start to screw the nut, pin them back, when he came on. 

[der Berliner 3,351]

Windass is obviously young enough to learn and use his talents better. Not least under the guidance of someone like Gerrard or McAllister. People - me included - still remember his performances after the Old Firm goal at Ibrox when he simply failed to deliver and live up to the role that he was given. Even more so by Murty picking him ahead of a second striker, no matter what. That is history and WIndass, much like Gerrard has to do his job properly and if, at the end of the season, the results and trophies come back Ibrox way, we all will appreciate it accordingly.

 

Over the last few years we have developed a tendency to put every game and not seldom certain players* under the microscope. With Gerrard coming in, that trend has been intensified and people go ballistic about who played where and what sort of impact this or that chap may have after such a sterling / rubbish performance. The terms "best / worst ever" ave been flung about like people have reduced their mental glossary down to the level of a Liverpool dock-worker. Sign of the times maybe, but every now and then we should step back and relax somewhat. As well as realising the current status quo in terms of players we have, players we'll get, new coach, new tactics ... and not just with us, but also the opposition.

 

*Obviously, Windass deserves all he gets ... ?

[Bill 13,717]

I thought we were a far better team after Ryan Jack came on. He needs game time but, for my eye, he would be one of the first names on the team sheet. Time will tell.

[Gonzo79 13,937]

8 hours ago, Malangsob said:

 What do you think our record is gonna be after the first five? 

After Thursday night, I think this season will be similar to last season.  

 

I hope I'm wrong.

[Malangsob 1,223]

6 hours ago, Gonzo79 said:

After Thursday night, I think this season will be similar to last season.  

 

I hope I'm wrong.

You ever go over to a person's house and when you move your hand to pet their dog it winks its eye and dips its head? You know why it does that? Cause somebody in that house whips the shit out of it. 

You kinda remind me of that dog.