It was a long, hard struggle for Rangers who were demoted to the third division following their debt. After being in the limelight along with Celtic for quite a while and forming a duopoly with their Glasgow neighbours, not many thought they could get back as soon as they did. A season and half ago, they suffered a heartbreak after losing out in the playoffs and in came Mark Warburton who took over the managerial reigns. They haven’t looked back since.
Warburton’s approach last season was pretty straight forward; the team used a 4-3-3 setup and their winter signings played a key role in the second half where they pretty much ran away with the league.
Their form in the second tier and the surprise win over Celtic in the Cup semi-final last season made a lot of pundits ponder that Celtic’s perch was perhaps in trouble. However, the competition in the Scottish league isn’t as meek as many deem it. Although Rangers have picked up their form of late, they haven’t been able to challenge Celtic and it isn’t a big of a surprise as the Hoops have better resources. To be fair to Warbs, he’s done a fantastic job and talks of him being sacked a few months ago were a bit fool-hardy.
Best XI
Considering it’s going to be a calendar year review, the best part will be from the first half of the year when Rangers sealed promotion to the top tier. The team functioned really well and scoring goals wasn’t a problem at all. The two full-backs, James Tavernier and Lee Wallace almost played as wingers as they had a massive say in the attacking third and had an avalanche of assists to their name.
Rob Kiernan and Danny Wilson played well together and have been the preferred choice at the heart of the defence even now. The two are young, but have shown experience that belies their age. Foderingham has produced some jaw-dropping saves at times and makes the XI.
In the middle, Andy Halliday is the engine. His mobility helped the team counter most of the breaks, which was becoming the only ploy of playing against the Gers when they were in the second tier. Alongside him, Jason Holt formed a solid partnership. Forrester’s signing added more sting to the attack. In the last few months, injuries haven’t been kind to the Gers but when fit, the aforementioned trio are arguably the best they have. Although a full fit Jordan Rossiter might have a say in that.
Barrie McKay adds the flair to the attack. He is that player who can make something happen in a dull game and makes the best XI. Martyn Waghorn, who had a sombre spell in England, was a regular goal-scorer earlier this year. Kenny Miller, for whom age is just a number, showed he still has his touch.
Best XI: Foderingham; Wallace, Kiernan, Wilson, Tavernier; Halliday, Holt, Forrester; McKay, Miller, Waghorn
Best player
Andy Halliday is one player who is a must in the team sheet. The tenacious midfielder has been touted as captain material by many Rangers fans and unsurprisingly so as he does have the leadership qualities. A tough tackler and a vocal player in the midfield, and his pace is another facet which makes him indispensable to the team.
Worst player
Joey Barton’s spell didn’t last long, did it? After a fall-out with Halliday, he never really stood a chance. On the pitch, Barton often looked clueless and considering his age, patience wasn’t something that Rangers could afford. His contract was cancelled in acrimonious circumstances and that’s another failed spell in his CV which does have a lot of nonchalance attached to it.
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Best moment
Wasn’t a tough one. Promotion to the top-flight undoubtedly stands out the most as it wasn’t an easy process. They right players had to be signed, the right tactics had to be employed and most important of all, the backing of the fans was needed. For that, the team had to play good football and Warbs ensured that. Beating Celtic in the Cup via penalties was another standout moment.
Worst moment
Losing 5-1 to Celtic was a body blow. The anticipation prior to the game was massive and although Celtic failed to challenge them in the Cup game the previous season, the Hoops were the favourites as they had stepped it up a notch under Brendan Rodgers.
Rangers were cagey in the opening minutes of the game. They were already trailing by the time Senderos was sent off in what was a chastening debut and the game finished with the team conceding five and Mousa Dembele scoring a hat-trick. Not the best of evenings.
Rating: 7.5/10
The Gers have a seven-point lead over Aberdeen and even though Celtic are running away with it, the fans will be pretty content. Being so far behind Celtic will, of course hurt, but considering the progress their team has made under Warburton, a title showdown with Celtic is not far off. For the time being though, strengthening their hold on the second place should be the priority.
