AFTER so many years playing amid the glitz, glamour and riches of English football, you might not imagine that the prospect of a return to the Scottish game would be one to excite the likes of Charlie Adam. But as he mulled over that possibility yesterday, his eyes seemed to light up.
Heaven knows, it isn’t the thought of one last payday that is getting the 33-year-old’s juices flowing. Slim chance of that. Rather, he feels that the increased competition in the Scottish top-flight is what is proving to be a beacon to those who previously left the country in search of their fortune down south.
Adam’s former Rangers teammate Steven Davis seems likely to sign for Rangers for a second time soon, while Ross McCormack too seems set to return to Motherwell. Players who might not still be at the peak of their powers, but who are certainly far from being over the hill either.
Adam may well follow suit in returning to where it all began, and if he does, he is enthused by the challenge that would await, rather than harbouring any notions about heading north to wind down his career.
“It’s been incredible, and I’ve really enjoyed it from the outside,” said Adam. “There’s more interest for everybody with Steven Gerrard coming in.
“But it’s not just Rangers and Celtic, you look at the level of Kilmarnock, they’ve been incredible. I saw a stat the other day saying they have collected more points than the Old Firm in 2018.
“When you look at the budgets, Steve Clarke’s done a remarkable job there. Aberdeen are pushing, Hibs have struggled of late but them and Hearts have been up there.
“It’s an open title race now. There’s three or four teams that can win it. Realistically, can they win it? Probably not.
“But it’s nice to see it’s not just Celtic, who have dominated in the last seven years.”
The wider rude health of the Scottish game apart, Adam has also been impressed specifically by the job that his former Liverpool teammate Gerrard has done in revitalising Rangers.
The win over Celtic at Ibrox and the fact they are level on points with the champions, albeit having played a game more, has given the Ibrox faithful hope that they can at least go toe to toe with Brendan Rodgers’s side this season, and possibly usurp them in the seasons ahead. Adam believes that Davis will have been sold on making his return to the club on that vision.
“It’s not about the money,” said Adam. “He’s obviously been told about the project at Rangers. He’ll also have seen from the outside and he wants to be part of it.
“They are within touching distance of being successful and he’ll feel his quality can add to that and help take them to the next step. He’s obviously had a chat with the manager and club and has been happy with that.
“Rangers is a big pull for any player. To get someone like that back would be a great piece of business and hopefully he can add one or two more.
“It absolutely makes sense to me. He’s still a top player. He knows the club and has the experience.
“That’s something you are always looking for and he can play in that no.10 position, linking the play between Morelos and the midfield.
“You need to get him on the ball to be effective but for Rangers it’s a sensible deal.
“It’s a good piece of business if they get it done.”
Adam was only too happy to give a gentle reminder to the Rangers management team – and anyone else for that matter - that he is also available in January. And what’s more, that he is younger than Davis.
“He’s a year older than me,” Adam laughed. “He’s played for Northern Ireland, but he’s not played an awful lot for Southampton this last six months or under the new manager.
“He’ll be wanting to be out playing and showing everybody Steven Davis is still a good player. I have no doubt he is.
“Rangers don’t have too many experienced players. There’s Allan McGregor and maybe Ryan Jack, but after those guys, the rest are a young group.
“To have that kind of leader going in there will be great business for the club.”
Whether Adam himself gets the opportunity to return to Ibrox, or anywhere in Scotland, remains to be seen. But what is certain is that he steadfastly believes he can still be a major influence at whatever level of the game his next opportunity presents itself.
“I want to play for as long as I can,” he said.
“I’m not just thinking about the next six months. I’m thinking long-term.
“I still feel I can play. I’m still fit. Because my game has never really been based on being quick or anything, I’m not going to slow up.
“I still know I can get around the pitch and affect games and show people I’m still a good player.”
*Charlie Adam was speaking at a William Hill media event. William Hill is the proud sponsor of the Scottish Cup and Scottish Football.
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