RANGERS fans can look forward to the return of European football at Ibrox on Thursday night with renewed optimism following a strong week for the club.
We have had the departure of Mike Ashley, the striking of a new kit deal which will bring millions into the coffers plus the arrival of new signings Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera.
In addition, there has been the sight of chairman Dave King making a very public show of leadership as he outlined the club’s vision for the future.
His comments have been very strong, especially the ones concerning the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic.
Leigh Griffiths was clearly unimpressed to hear King’s view that the gap between the clubs should have been even greater last season, given the advantages in the Hoops’ favour.
He questioned how – given they had finished 39 points ahead of Rangers, twice beaten them 5-1 and won all three domestic trophies – that could be the case?
I agree. I have been involved in Scottish football for many years now and I can never remember the gulf between the Old Firm being wider.
King’s latest statement – that Celtic only really have two-in-a-row rather than six because the years Rangers were out of the leagues don’t count – is sensational.
I would expect them to make a huge stir because followers of the Hoops will not be impressed.
Realistically, Brendan Rodgers and his players should smile politely, say nothing and move on.
As the record books prove, they have the titles and the medals in the bag. No one can take that away from them.
For me, King’s comments are actually more aimed at the Rangers support than anyone else.
It hasn’t been easy for them watching Celtic run up the numbers in the last few years.
Last season, in a remarkable campaign which saw the Hoops undefeated in all three domestic competitions, it was the songs about heading for 10 in a row which were heard loudest and most frequently.
By suggesting they have two-in-a-row, not six, and that Celtic will not get close to 10 is the sort of defiance the Ibrox support wants to hear.
In the end, though, it is going to be the performances on the pitch which matter.
Pedro Caixinha has been given the backing to go out and get players, and he has done just that by bringing in eight new signings.
More could soon follow, with the likes of Graham Dorrans and Jamie Walker wanted by the Light Blues.
Of the ones already here, we know all about Ryan Jack and Bruno Alves. The rest we have to take on trust.
I can’t see Rangers having any difficulty against the team from Luxembourg, Progres Niederkorn, on Thursday.
It is how they do against tougher European opposition later on and, most importantly in the first Old Firm derby at Ibrox on September 23, that will be of real interest.
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