Richard Gough slams ‘ignorant and disrespectful’ Rangers doubters as Ibrox legend fires ominous 10 In A Row warning
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Delighted Richard Gough has saluted Connor Goldson and the Rangers defence for their record-breaking start to the season while rounding on those who dismiss the achievement as “ignorant and disrespectful”.
Steven Gerrard ‘s side is yet to lose a competitive goal this season in seven league games, a new British record.
Gough was at the heart of the Ibrox defence for every one of their titles in their 9 In A Row era and knows exactly how hard fought clean sheets are to come by.
And he rounded on those who say the achievement is undermined by the standard of opposition.
He told The Sunday Post :“It’s easy for people to be saying Rangers are not playing against teams of any great note – but I think that viewpoint is ignorant and disrespectful.
“Clean sheets are clean sheets, regardless of who you are playing against.
“It’s great credit to the Rangers players that they have notched up seven clean sheets on the trot.
“It shows a high level of concentration for 90 minutes, and when games go into stoppage time.
“You only need to look at the amount of goals teams conceded in the closing stages of games to realise that it is not uncommon for players to take their foot off the gas when they are three or four goals ahead.
“So I take my hat off to the current Rangers team.
“Steven Gerrard has them well-drilled, and they are much tighter at defending than they were last season.
“That comes with having a working relationship between the goalkeeper and the back four.
“Jon McLaughlin has played in most of the games, and he has had James Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic in front of him in just about every game.
“I have to say Goldson has really caught my eye this season.
“He never seems to get caught out, never appears to be in trouble and that shows that he is reading the game very well, and getting his positional play spot on.
“Due to injuries here and there, there’s been one or two different players alongside Goldson in the heart of the defence, and they have all stepped up to play their part when called upon.
“So I see a real determination and desire in every game not to concede, and that is brilliant.
“However, there is a real tough test waiting for them at Hibernian, and they will all need to be right on their game.”
Gough has always had a good sense of what it takes to be a Rangers star and capture the hearts of the support.
He famously said that the demands are so high that you are judged on your last pass rather than your last game.
And he warned this season there will be no hiding place.
He said: “I always said that it takes at least six months for most players to really settle, and realise the demands of what playing for Rangers is all about.
“There is no hiding place on the park, and no hiding place off the park.
“It can take a bit of getting used to, but if you can overcome it all, then the rewards are amazing.
“For example, this year, it’s about stopping our friends from across the city winning another title.
“It needs to be done.”