It has the feel of a transfer pursuit that could go to the very end of the window. But Morgan Whittaker won’t be left behind if Rangers get their man. That is according to one man who has watched the 22-year-old Swansea winger closely this season.
Whittaker netted nine times for Plymouth Argyle, where he was on loan, to help fire the Pilgrims to the top of League One where they have managed to keep big guns Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County and Ipswich Town at arm’s length. It was a huge blow when the winger was recalled by his Welsh parent club as they decide his next move in the final year of his deal.
Michael Beale is keen to land the player and, despite Swansea boss Russell Martin claiming otherwise on the eve of the game, he was left out of the squad for last week’s game against QPR where an appearance would have ruled out a January move to Ibrox. With less than week to go in the transfer window, it remains to be seen if Gers will get their man. But what will they be getting if the former Derby County man pitches up at Ibrox?
PlymouthLive reporter Chris Errington was a guest on the latest Record Rangers podcast and gave an insight of what the Ibrox legions can expect if he follows Todd Cantwell to Govan. Here’s what he had to say on the winger.
Will Rangers have a player on their hands if they sign Morgan Whittaker?
Chris: I would say so. He was very impressive for Argyle this season. Just to put people in perspective, Argyle have had a fantastic season in League One. They have basically been top of the table since the end of September and have 61 points from 28 games and have been holding off the challenges of strong clubs in Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich. They have had a fantastic season and one of the main reasons for that were the performances, goals and assists of Morgan Whittaker.
Without him, it’s fair to say, they wouldn’t be in as strong a position. They are a good team but Morgan Whittaker gave them that extra bit of creativity, flair and that little something extra that has allowed them to have such an excellent season. Losing him at the start of January was far from ideal for Argyle and they have to try to adapt since then. I’m sure a lot of Argyle fans will be watching closely to see what happens with him between now and the end of the window.
What is his best position?
Chris: He has said in interviews we have done with him that he likes playing in the No. 10 position. Plymouth Argyle play a 3-4-2-1 formation and the main striker has often been Ryan Hardie, the ex Rangers striker, who is doing brilliantly. He has been the main striker and two No. 10s behind him with Morgan Whittaker on the right.
Morgan has said on more than one occasion that he wants to play in that position more than any other. One of the reasons he did so well at Argyle was because he played in that role and could float around a bit and find pockets of space. Yes, he can pull out into wide positions. Could he play wide on the right? Yes he could. Could he play as a second striker? Yes he could. But in his own mind if he could play in the No. 10 role, centrally behind the main striker, then that would be his preferred position.
Could he handle the pressure of Glasgow and Rangers?
Chris: That’s always the acid test of any player joining the Old Firm. Plymouth is a one-club city with 300,000 people and he became very well known so he had a little bit of that attention when he was out and about. But obviously not on the same scale if he went to Rangers. He’s quite quiet, not particularly outgoing. He was polite to talk to in interviews.
He wasn’t shy but would let his football do the talking. He’s played at Derby County who are a big club. At Plymouth we had 27,000 crowds. He has played in the Championship so he’s had a taste of it. He would be well aware of what it’s like to pay at a big club and has had media attention at Argyle but you never really know until you take them to Rangers and pout them in that environment. He ticks a lot of boxes but would he cope with the he Glasgow goldfish bowl? I couldn’t tell you for sure.
How would League One compare to the Scottish Premiership?
Chris: I follow Scottish football a bit and we’ve had Paul Sturrock and Bobby Williamson as managers over the years and I watch highlights. I don’t think he’d be a massive goal scorer, although he got nine for Argyle in the first half of the season, but would create plenty. It’s difficult to judge the step up but Derby, Sheffield Wed and Ipswich have strong squads so that’s the level he’s been at. He’s regarded as one of the top three players in League One so I think he’d perform well in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers and Celtic have such high demands but anyone who has seen League One this season would tell you Morgan Whittaker was one of the very best, creative and exciting to watch so if anyone could make the step up then it’s him. Joe Aribo was very good at Charlton but Morgan Whittaker is getting as many good reviews as he did before he went to rangers so if Joe Aribo can do it then I don’t see why Morgan can’t. Rangers sign players because they’re good players but they’re not readymade so there’s always a little bit of a gamble. He has potential, he’s 22.
Could he do it in tough away games?
Chris: With the greatest respect to Burton Albion and Lincoln City, they aren't the most glamorous destinations. Burton is three-and-a-half hours and would be the equivalent of going to some of the venues in the lower half of the Scottish Premiership. I didn’t see a difference in Morgan’s performances from Home Park to away games. Argyle’s results at home have been unbelievable with 13 out of 14 wins and they have had more draws than wins away from home. I wouldn’t say he was noticeable for not showing up in a tough away game on a narrow pitch.
The best example I can give you was Cheltenham Town on Boxing Day, one of his last performances for the club. It’s a narrow pitch and they are hard to break down with long throws and you have to roll your sleeves up. Argyle won 1-0 with a Morgan Whittaker goal. He won the ball just inside the Cheltenham half, made a good surging run and got a shot away with his left foot from 20 yards and Argyle won it. It was a tough away game, against the sort of opposition he might face away from home in Scotland. I don't think that will be an issue going by the 31 games I watched him. His consistency levels were good.
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