Rangers, although returned to the top-tier of Scottish football a couple of seasons back, the darkest days of club’s history allowed Celtic, their famous rivals, to register sheer dominance in the Scottish Premiership and further raised their quality under Brendan Rodgers in past two campaigns. The Light Blues have not only clinched a ‘double treble’ during the Northern Irishman’s two-year regime but also humiliated the age-old rivals time and again in Old Firm derbies.
The Gers, meanwhile, are eyeing a change of fortune from the upcoming term and appointed iconic Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard as their new manager. Gerrard, who played under Rodgers during his final years at Anfield, will be on a mission now to dethrone the champions and reclaim the long-lost glory in one of the most prestigious and historic football clubs.
Gerrard does not hold any previous managerial experience at a senior level but has already exhibited his influence in striking new deals at Ibrox. Jon Flanagan, the former Liverpool fullback, has been their newest addition on a Bosman deal, however, the Glasgow giants are likely to miss out Dylan McGeouch, one of their prime transfer targets, who is also available for free upon expiration of his contract at Hibernian.
Neil Lennon, the Hibs boss, tried his best to convince the midfield star to pen a new deal at Easter Road, but the Scotsman is rather keen on joining Sunderland, currently demoted to League One, but rebuilding under Jack Ross – the former St Mirren gaffer who led them to a Championship return and now accepted the challenge of restoring the pride at Stadium of Light after back to back relegations.
McGeouch, the 25-year-old Scotland international, was a fringe player at Celtic but gradually earned the first-team status since joining Hibernian and played a crucial role in their top-flight return last year. He flourished further throughout the 2017-18 season and eventually excelled as their key midfield resource en route to a fourth-placed Premiership finish, thus earning a place in the Europa League first qualifying round alongside the Glasgow giants Rangers where he enjoyed a brief stint in youth ranks.
The Light Blues have already strengthened their last line of defence bringing in veteran custodian Allan McGregor and also wrapped up deals for Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic as central defensive options. The loan move of wide attacker Jamie Murphy has been made permanent and the inclusion of versatile Scott Arfield on a Bosman deal must work as a significant transfer boost at Ibrox.
Although Gerrard deligated a season-long loan move for Liverpool starlet Ovie Ejaria, Rangers already got an array of midfield stars last season in form of veteran Graham Dorrans, Ryan Jack, Jason Holt and Andy Halliday alongside Jordan Rossiter, Greg Docherty and Jamie Barjonas – the youngsters who hold a high reputation back in Scotland. But the crowded midfield lacked fluidity, versatility, as well as creativity at times and the addition of hard-working McGeouch, would have sorted a few things out in the middle of the park. Yet the failed attempt won’t be a big blow for the Gers who are likely to monitor alternate options sanctioned by Steven Gerrard.
