And so it begins for PLG II

Good morning to all,

How are we all this morning?

You'll have to excuse the source for the below but I thought it would be a decent talking point even if there isn't a hint of truth in it.


Workaholic Pedro Caixinha could move to quell a potential dressing-room rift at Rangers after shocking his squad by giving them just nine days off for the entire summer.

Record Sport understands the Portuguese hardliner is considering u-turning on a decision to order his players to report for pre-season training on June 1.

That order – which was given out earlier this week – has caused major turmoil behind the scenes with captain Lee Wallace and striker Joe Garner urgently rearranging their wedding plans and at least one member of the Murray Park staff complaining to the club’s human resources department.

But last night Caixinha was considering relaxing his edict by adding another four days’ downtime to his summer schedule. After Rangers crashed out of the Scottish Cup on Sunday, the curtain will officially come down on their season at St Johnstone on Sunday, May 21. The players are then expected the following day to empty lockers and receive specific instructions for keeping their fitness levels ticking over.

Former boss Mark Warburton had informed the squad this season that – unless they reached the season finale at Hampden on May 27 – they would be given a full three weeks for rest and recuperation between May 22 and June 12.

But Caixinha has ripped up that arrangement to the astonishment of his players – having previously promised 10 days off even if they had made it to the Final.

Record Sport understands there was an angry reaction inside the club’s training HQ when the players were first informed of the June 1 start date which would have seen them go back to work a full four weeks ahead of their opening Europa League qualifier.

It’s understood Wallace, who could be part of the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifier with England on June 10, was granted one day of special leave to celebrate his upcoming wedding.

Even if Caixinha caves in, Garner and his fiancee are still likely to face a dilemma after splashing out thousands on a lavish reception and honeymoon.

A number of team-mates have also been considering pulling the plug on their own family plans or catching early flights home.

And at least one of the staff members inside Murray Park, who work with or around the first-team squad, is believed to have lodged an internal complaint.

The furore has erupted in the wake of a woeful Scottish Cup capitulation against Celtic and with days to go before the pair meet again at Ibrox in the league.

Record Sport also understands Caixinha has ripped into his players and accused some of deliberately failing to follow his tactical orders during the first half of Sunday’s defeat. But he is now expected to offer an olive branch by giving players and staff an extra four days off.

A source said: “It’s been a stormy few days that’s for sure. Most of the guys had already got their holidays booked up for after the Scottish Cup Final on May 27.

“After being told by the previous manager they would not be expected back until June 12 they thought they’d get a couple of weeks off to rest and relax in the sun with their families after a long season.

“Let’s just say there have been a great deal of unhappy faces around the place and that includes the manager after Sunday’s performance."


I must admit, when I read it I felt a degree of sympathy for both Pedro and the players. If the players had made plans having been given assurances they would be off for a minimum of 10 days after the Scottish cup final then they have every right to feel aggrieved, especially if they have made holiday arrangements.

On the other hand, Pedro will want to ensure he gets his message across well in time for next season and by doing this he's possibly sounding out who's going to cause trouble and who doesn't have the desire to work under him.

As ever, these things can be taken with a pinch of salt but I don't think anyone is surprised that a story like this has surfaced already.

NNH