Ian Black
{Player Profile Updated 29/07/2012}
Date of Birth: - 14th of March 1985.
Height: - 5 ft 8 in.
Nationality: - Scottish.
Position: - central midfielder.
Current Club: - Rangers.
Estimated Market Value: - around 800.000 pounds.
Linked with: - N/A
Club Career:
-Black first signed a professional contract with Premier League club Blackburn Rovers.
-He joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle in July 2004.
-Black made his debut as a substitute on the 7th of August 2004 against Livingston.
-He scored his first goal for the club on the 5th of November 2005 against Dunfermline.
-He made 132 league appearances for Caley, and scored 8 goals.
-On the 2nd of July 2009, Black finally signed for Hearts after signing a pre-contract agreement in December 2008.
-He made his debut on the 17th of August 2009 as a substitute against Dundee United at Tannadice.
-He scored his first goal for Hearts on the 13th of February 2010 with a long range effort against Falkirk in a 3-2 win.
-In December 2011 with Hearts having problems paying wages it was reported that Black had taken a part time job as a painter.
-On the 30th of April 2012, Hearts announced that Black would leave Hearts in the summer.
-Black helped Hearts win the 2011/2012 Scottish Cup, defeating Hibernian 5-1 in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final.
-It was announced on the 28th of July that Black had signed a 3-year deal with Rangers subject to clearance.
-Black made his Rangers Debut in a Ramsdens cup match against Brechin City on the 29th of July 2012 in a 2-1 extra time win.
International Career:
-Black has only ever played for Scotland B team twice.
Club Statistics
Inverness Caledonian Thistle:
2004/2005 season - 13 appearances, 0 goals.
2005/2006 season - 31 appearances, 1 goal.
2006/2007 season - 27 appearances, 0 goals.
2007/2008 season - 35 appearances, 3 goals.
2008/2009 season - 38 appearances, 4 goals.
Heart of Midlothian:
2009/2010 season - 32 appearances, 1 goal.
2010/2011 season - 34 appearances, 1 goal.
2011/2012 season - 34 appearances, 2 goals.
Rangers:
2012/2013 season - 1 appearance, 0 goals.
International Statistics:
Scotland B - 2 appearances 0 goals.
General Comments:
Ian Black is a very physical midfielder, and by physical I mean he loves a good challenge and because of this he doesn't have the best reputation. Blacks work-rate and determination has never been questioned though, he may not be the most loved player but in my opinion, he is a very good player to have in your team. He's almost like a brick wall at the heart of your midfield that can win the ball back and start attacks. A lot of questions are being asked about why he has joined 3rd division Rangers, I think the fact that Black has joined them shows his determination, If Rangers make it back to the SPL with Black involved he will become a club legend just like the rest of the team, and I think he knows this.
Now let's move on to Blacks strengths, his work rate is very good and he has a determination to win the ball back and he does so superbly. He also has a good eye for a pass and can score some cracking goals.
His weaknesses, Sometimes he miss times challenges and looses his cool. This often results in a sending off. And for a central midfielder, he doesn't score enough goals for me.
Overall I think he is a decent player and will do an excellent job for Rangers. Black may have trouble winning over all the Rangers fans but I have no doubt that he will. He is a very good signing. I would love to hear everyone's opinion on Black and if I have missed anything out please leave a comment.
Summary of Black:
Strengths - Work rate, Determination, passing, vision, tackling, shooting (when he does shoot)
Weaknesses - Miss times challenges, looses his cool, doesn't score enough goals (even though he has a good strike)
The Business End of the Profile.
I believe a few SPL clubs wanted Black. (not sure which ones) He will do a very decent job for Rangers and his determination will only help the team.
Thanks, appreciate feedback.
Ed053-}