Are the Rangers Coming?

What can we look for with Rangers, heading into the new SPFL season. Transfers, trophies and more all to be fought for!

OPINION PIECE

Scotty

7/8/20262 min read

How many false dawns have we seen in the five years since we clinched title number 55?

Last season, Danny Röhl dragged us back into a title race after almost every Rangers fan had the chance to say, “I told you so,” to the board over the Russell Martin appointment.

The same signing strategy that had already been tried and failed under Michael Beale and Giovanni van Bronckhorst was repeated: dipping into the Championship market for players who simply couldn’t cope with the pressure of playing for Rangers.

From Tom Lawrence to Joe Rothwell to Thelo Aasgaard, it’s a market that has only produced the odd success. Yet Rangers have gone back there again with the signings of Ross McCrorie, Ivan Panduur and Dan Neil.

McCrorie and Neil both bring leadership and experience, which brings me to Derek McInnes and what he appears to be building. Along with the signing of Lawrence Shankland, he’s added experience to a squad that lacked it last season. He seems to be creating a core of players who will grow into the jersey rather than crumble under the pressure, and that gives me genuine optimism for the season ahead.

Unlike some of his predecessors, McInnes doesn’t need to learn what it takes to win at places like Rugby Park or Pittodrie. He’s managed successfully across three Scottish clubs and, for me, was the obvious appointment for Rangers.

What are the expectations?

For me, the expectation is simple: McInnes must bring the league title back to Ibrox.

Rangers have to re-establish themselves at the top of Scottish football, and that means backing the manager properly in the transfer market.

One area that still needs attention is out wide. Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama aren’t the players to consistently provide for our strikers. Last season showed that, as both struggled for form, consistency and sustained runs in the team.

If there’s any possibility of bringing Mikey Moore back for another season, Rangers should do everything they can to make it happen. I’d have him on one wing and Findlay Curtis on the other following his successful loan spell at Kilmarnock.

McInnes’ style of play relies heavily on effective wingers, so the club has to deliver the players he wants in those positions.

It’s also pleasing to see Rangers being linked with Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson this summer. If he arrives to strengthen the midfield, I’d expect him to inherit the captaincy following James Tavernier’s departure.