Jack Butland even managed a smile when reminded of the Rangers fan who insulted him outside Ibrox after a 3-1 loss to Aberdeen in late September. The dog days of autumn seem like a lifetime ago.
Butland’s expression was a study in remorse. The Dons’ failure in the Scottish Premiership came after they had been thrashed by PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League play-off, suffered a setback against Celtic, and lost to Kilmarnock on their debut. It’s not what he had anticipated.
He recalls a tale of how, at a crowded Ibrox last summer, he signed with Rangers and participated in Allan McGregor’s testimonial match against Newcastle United. Although he believed he understood the purpose of the club, that day was a bit of an education.
His predecessor’s legacy was embraced by the crowd, as he peered about the stadium. He desired a bit of it for himself since it was so strong.
That sounds like me, I was thinking. What do I mean, you know? You might partake of that in moderation,” Butland remarks.
What he received in the first several months was a little different. A small amount of fan ire and team misunderstanding. A glimpse of Glasgow life from the other side, when you are the target of derision and dominance from across the city.
The 30-year-old remembers working under Michael Beale, saying, “As a group, we were scrambling.”
“Our situation wasn’t favorable. It was wrong, and it wasn’t going to go as planned. We were heading into a dead end at a cul-de-sac. We didn’t feel like we were making progress toward our goals.”
Significant changes have occurred. With a championship secured, the team leading the league, European knockouts to follow, outstanding individual performance from Butland, and rumors of an England
That changed in October when Philippe Clement took over as manager. Things became obvious once more, as if a fog had cleared.
As the first victory Butland had ever experienced, winning the League Cup was a seismic moment.
“It was just relief and an overload of emotion that I’d finally got one,” recalls the man.
It was witnessed by his two small sons. “A special, special day.”
However, he claims that the Belgian is all about focus, clarity, and relentlessness. Butland does not divulge much about his boss.
“He is perceived by many as a large, evil figure,” he says. Though if he so desired, he could be, he’s not. Despite being the media’s big bad wolf, he exudes a sense of confidence in us.
From a tactical standpoint, he has been gradually imparting knowledge to us about how he wants us to play. It’s all about being effective, creating opportunities, moving the ball forward with efficiency, and being very hard to stop.”
When they replaced Celtic as the league leaders, was there no bunting at the Auchenhowie training ground at that time?
“No,” he replies with a grin. “One game at a time was the dreary cliché. That has been the situation ever since the manager took over. Now, it’s ingrained in the boys. All that matters is the next game—game, game, game. There’s no time for you to relax.
Although the Premier League club’s offer during the January transfer window was encouraging for Butland as it indicated that he is being noticed outside of Scotland, it was an unfeasible move.
“Not one,” he replies. “I haven’t felt this connection and feeling at a club in a long time,” the speaker said. That is difficult to give up.
“It’s been a really unique time in my career, the eight months I’ve spent here. This brings the happiest feeling because it’s the culmination of my patience and persistence.”
His career started with Birmingham City, when as a young player he occasionally shared a training field with Joe Hart, a six-year senior who was on loan from Manchester City, during the 2009–10 season.
Though Butland jokes at how they might lose, he wants to say good things about the current leader with title rivals Celtic.
“As much as I love the guy, he’s on the other side right now,” he replies. “When I saw him playing goalkeeping for England, I knew I had to be this guy.”
“Joe is someone I respected, but I also saw as a target. In the end, I wanted to be with him. I really admire him, and he served as a tremendous role model for me throughout my career.”
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