A true, modern day Rangers icon, Steven Davis has amassed 360 appearances over two spells at Rangers, scoring 27 goals and getting 70 assists in that time. Northern Ireland’s most capped player has been named Player of the Year twice, won four league titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups, along with reaching two European finals. Stats that not many Rangers players, in recent times, can claim.
Unfortunately the thirty-eight year old has suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament which has ended his season, the timing couldn’t be worse for him as his contract is coming to an end this summer.
Everyone knows his strengths, he keeps the ball incredibly well and controls the midfield making sure the ball is always moving. In his aging years his pace may have taken a hit but he’s shown he’s still capable of lasting the full 90 minutes when he gets the chance. Before his injury though, he only managed eight SPFL appearances, three of which were from the start and averaged a total of 45 minutes playing time per game.
Let’s look at the stats he put up this season;
- 1 Goal
- 90% Pass Accuracy
- 74% Accurate Long Balls (on 2.1 Per Game)
- 57% Total Duels Won
- 62% Ground Duels Won
Exactly the numbers you would expect from Davis, these numbers highlight his passing ability and also his knack of winning the ball back. Although maybe not considered the strongest in the tackle, he uses his body very cleverly and is always in the right place at the right time to pick the ball up.
So, his contract is up this summer and he won’t play another game this season. Has he played his last game for Rangers? It would be a shame for him to bow out this way but should sentiment mean he gets a new deal?
For everything he has given to the club he deserves a proper goodbye but that shouldn’t come at the cost of paying him for another year, should it?
He will turn thirty-nine half way through next season, can Rangers afford to keep him around? He would be someone that is excellent to have around the dressing room but, again, is that enough to merit another years extension?
What are your thoughts? Would you give Steven Davis a new contract or should his deal be allowed to expire and the club can celebrate what he’s given to the club off of the pitch?