New Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been appointed at just the right time.
The Ibrox side has arguably two of the biggest fixtures of their season so far coming up over the next seven days. A Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hibs at Hampden followed by a crunch European tie against Sparta Prague at Ibrox.
This is the sort of atmosphere the Dutchman should thrive in. While he won’t officially be in charge against Hibs, it would be the perfect start if Rangers were able to successfully negotiate these two ties and put a marker down for the rest of the season.
The fixtures are just the beginning of a hectic spell, however, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst faces a baptism of fire.
This period in the season is usually overcrowded with matches, especially with Rangers still being involved in every competition.
After the Sparta Prague tie, Rangers face Livingston, Dundee, and Hibs in the league before the last Europa League Group A fixture against Lyon on 9 December.
Depending on how the Sparta match goes, we could require a positive result against the French team to stand a chance of qualification.
The Ibrox side then faces a run of six Premiership matches in a frantic 22-day spell which could prove to be vital in the title race, culminating in the Old Firm tie at Parkhead on 2 January.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst certainly has the pedigree to lead Rangers, but this testing period up until the winter break could prove to be decisive.
If his team get through these fixtures unscathed and still sitting top of the table, then it would take a brave man to bet against us relinquishing the title.
Meanwhile, the new manager faces some big decisions with several key players out of contract in the summer.
