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-}