Rangers F.C., one of the biggest names in world football, returned to the Scottish top-tier following their promotion from Championship at the end of the 2015–16 campaign. However, their return to Scottish Premiership generated a mixed response among their worldwide fanbase.
The Gers were throughout dominated by their age-old rivals Celtic F.C. in the Old Firm derby and finished 39 points lower than the Hoops ( who are still unbeaten in domestic competitions and won their sixth consecutive league title with 30 points ahead of runners-up Aberdeen), but managed to secure a third place finish in the league and qualified for the first qualification round of the Europa League competition.
They also progressed through to the semis of both cup competitions ( Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup) but were knocked out by bitter rivals Celtic on both occasions.
Rangers FC Players Who Impressed This Season:
Rangers played under three managers during this campaign. Firstly, it was Mark Warburton who was sacked in February after falling behind to Celtic in the title chase. Graeme Murty was appointed in a caretaker role before former Al-Gharafa boss Pedro Caixinha was announced as new Rangers manager on a three-year deal.
The squad was reshuffled repeatedly, but 37-year old veteran Kenny Miller was their most consistent performer and became Rangers’ top scorer in Premiership with 11 goals. Arsenal loanee Jon Toral too had an impressive campaign in the middle of the park and youngster Barrie McKay enjoyed a productive campaign on the wing.
Players Who Disappointed The Most:
Many Rangers players lacked consistency during this campaign. But a few high-profile signings disappointed the most. Former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton was brought in on a free transfer with high expectations. But the controversial former England international was handed a suspension by Rangers following his training ground brawl with teammate Andy Halliday and had his contract terminated with immediate effect. Swiss centre-back Philippe Senderos, another Premier League veteran, was shown a red on his debut for the Gers and made only a couple of further appearances after that.
Season Status:
The management was expecting a title challenge on their return to the top-flight of Scottish football, but Rangers are currently much behind their bitter rivals Celtic FC in terms of quality and consistency. A third-placed finish should be treated as a decent campaign and they must keep on making rapid progress in order to close the gap with Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.
Areas of Improvement:
Although youngsters David Bates and Myles Beerman have shown plenty of promise defensively, the departure of veteran Clint Hill will force them into making defensive reinforcements prior to the next campaign. Kenny Miller, Martyn Waghorn and Joe Garner had a decent outing upfront, however, they must look for a marksman who can add 20+ goals-a-season. Experience is also needed in midfield in form of a playmaker who will control the game from the middle of the park and link up well with the attackers.
Expectations From 2017/18:
Rangers had a number of promising outings and own all attributes to challenge for title glory in coming years. But they must make proper recruitments and bring consistency in order to terminate Celtic’s dominance and reconquer the league title for the first time since 2010-11.
