Rangers are making a mistake by gifting Liam Kelly a new Ibrox lifeline
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Credit: Imago Fri 20 March 2026 10:41, UK Liam Kelly looks set to be offered a new deal at Rangers, but this could prove to be disastrous for the long-term future of the club.The 30-year-old goalkeeper has been back-up to Jack Butland this season, but has rarely been given minutes on the pitch, making just three appearances to date.His last came in the 8-0 victory over Queens Park in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup, with Danny Rohl rarely trusting his number two.Now, with the Daily Record on 19 March confirming that Kelly is set to be offered a new deal, this would be disastrous, as it would allow Butland to go another season without proper competition between the sticks.Much of Rangers’ transfer strategy has been baffling in recent years, and it appears that their goalkeeping department will continue to decline next season. 🔄 Rangers Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Ibrox boardroom. VISIT THE RANGERS TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Keeping hold of Liam Kelly will damage Rangers’ goalkeeping department long-termButland has been the undisputed Rangers number one throughout the current campaign.While his performances at the start of the season were exceptional, these have declined in recent weeks.Jack Butland’s Scottish Premiership stats this seasonPer 90 minutesSaves 3.07Goals conceded 0.83Goals prevented 0.25Clean sheets 0.40Errors that led to goals 0.10Save percentage 78.6%Butland has a mixed set of stats.
Credit: FotmobThe goalkeeper has made multiple costly mistakes against Porto, Kilmarnock and Livingston over the past couple of months, yet has remained in the net.Much of this is due to Kelly, with Rohl clearly not trusting the Scotland international to come in and do a better job.Now, with the 30-year-old set to be offered a new deal, it appears that the status quo will remain going into the new season, which is simply unacceptable.If Rangers want to become the dominant side in Scotland once again, they have to dramatically improve their goalkeeping department. Mistakes cannot be awarded endlessly, and without a competitive number two, Butland will continue to remain unpunished for his mistakes, and the Gers will continue to decline in the Scottish Premiership.What is the contract situation with James Tavernier?Football Insider recently revealed that Rangers are weighing up whether to offer James Tavernier a new contract.The Gers captain is another star whose deal is set to expire in the summer, with a decision yet to be made on his future.Rangers are therefore leaning towards offering him an extension to his current deal, although they have yet to make a firm decision, and no talks have been held.However, it remains to be seen if the 34-year-old is at Ibrox next season, or if Rohl decides now is the time to move Tavernier on.
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