What's the Timeline for Pandur's Readiness?
Rangers' new goalkeeper Ivor Pandur must accelerate his preparation after confirming a July 20 arrival at Ibrox. The 26-year-old, signed from Hull City, has only 11 days to build match sharpness before the Premiership opener against Dundee United on July 31. Goalkeeping coach Allan McGregor acknowledged the compressed timeline, citing Pandur's participation in the Championship play-off final and Croatia's World Cup campaign.
How Does This Impact Rangers' Preparations?
With Rangers currently holding a 2nd place position in the Premiership (69 points, 19W-12D-2L from 33 games), maintaining early momentum will be critical. The squad's recent form shows a mixed run (WLLLL), though they ended last season with a 5-2 victory over Falkirk on May 16. McGregor emphasized modern football's demands: "Players have to come back ready" due to summer fixtures and minimal downtime.
What Comes Next for the New Recruit?
Pandur's arrival coincides with Jack Butland's departure to EPL newcomers Hull City on a two-year deal. The Croatian international will compete with existing options during two pre-season friendlies before the league campaign begins. Rangers' next fixture is a home match against Saint Etienne on July 22, offering a platform for Pandur to integrate ahead of the Dundee United clash.
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