The signing of Jack Butland by Rangers has been described as a “terrific acquisition,” but according to Kris Boyd, he cannot be considered a substitute for the “irreplaceable” Allan McGregor.
The announcement came on June 6th that the former Crystal Palace goalkeeper had signed a pre-contract with Rangers and would join the club on July 1st. Butland’s arrival marks the third new addition to the team as manager Michael Beale revamps the squad, replacing outgoing veterans.
One of those veterans is the 41-year-old McGregor, who achieved over 500 appearances for Rangers in his final season at Ibrox. Despite Boyd’s delight in Butland’s signing, he emphasizes that there is no comparison to McGregor. Speaking in his Scottish Sun column, the Sky Sports pundit stated, “Butland is a terrific acquisition. But I’m not buying the fact he is a replacement for Allan McGregor. Greegsy has proved time and time again that he is irreplaceable.”
Boyd further expressed, “Butland is the new No 1 who will take control of the jersey. However, McGregor and former Ibrox legend Andy Goram were just simply in a class of their own.”
Acknowledging Butland’s impressive credentials as an England international, Boyd acknowledges that his career may not have reached the heights it should have. Nevertheless, he affirms that Butland is an outstanding goalkeeper with the opportunity to establish his own legacy at Ibrox. Boyd adds, “I’ve always been a believer that the main striker is the most important position on a football pitch. But, the goalkeeper is a close second, and you need to get that role correct.”
The comparison between Butland and McGregor, who has completed over five centuries in appearances for Rangers, seems incomparable. Even if someone like Gianluigi Buffon were to join Ibrox, they would not be able to replace McGregor’s status as a Light Blues legend. However, everyone has to start somewhere.
Butland, at his age, still has several years ahead of him in his position. While his career may have tapered off in recent seasons after initially being highly regarded, he now has an opportunity to prove himself at Rangers. It is impossible not to draw parallels with fellow former England international Joe Hart’s revival at Celtic across Glasgow.
If Butland can have a similar impact during the Beale reign as Hart did during the now-concluded Ange Postecoglou era, it could go a long way in turning the tide in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers’ manager has made a strong start to his summer transfer business, with Butland currently being the headline arrival. However, there is still plenty of work to be done before he can confidently mount a title challenge, taking advantage of the uncertainty at Parkhead.
In conclusion, Jack Butland’s signing for Rangers is being celebrated as a “terrific acquisition” by Kris Boyd. However, Boyd emphasizes that Butland cannot fill the shoes of the “irreplaceable” Allan McGregor, who has completed over 500 appearances for the club. While Butland has much to prove, he has the chance to create his own legacy at Ibrox. The focus now shifts to the potential impact Butland can have during the Beale era, drawing inspiration from Joe Hart’s revival at Celtic. Rangers’ summer transfer business is off to a promising start, but there is still work to be done to mount a real title charge in the Scottish Premiership.