Since 2012, Rangers have lost the dominance that they once held in terms of domestic silverware despite an impressive climb up the European rankings.
A trophyless season used to be a rarity, sadly, in recent years, it has become the norm, whilst trebles make their way across to the east end of the city.
Those who were so successful in the past for Rangers are frequently seen in the papers, on podcasts, the TV and the radio, aghast at how far standards have fallen.
One such player is Maurice Ross, who has been doing the rounds on both the BBC and Open Goal podcast, talking about his career and the current malaise around his former club.
Posting on X though, the former Rangers right-back, has celebrated an anniversary of an altogether happier time, when even a poor Ibrox outfit would be too strong for the rest of the SPFL.
Maurice Ross reacts to 20 year anniversary of Rangers cup final goal
A poor start to the 2004/05 season couldn’t have ended more dramatically.
Going into the final day of the campaign, Alex McLeish and his cheaply assembled Rangers squad were two points behind Celtic.
The helicopter had to change direction and the Scottish Premiership title made its way to the Ibrox trophy room, Helicopter Sunday is a day that fans won’t forget.
It would add the league title to the league cup that had already been secured with Rangers scoring 12 goals between the semi-final and final, a 5-1 win over Motherwell at Hampden Park providing the springboard for further success.
First goalscorer on that day 20 years ago was Ross, who, can’t believe just how long ago it was:
“Deary me! 20 years ago! Time flies! What a day! Take me back for one last game!”
What has Ross said about Rangers’ soft centre?
Ross has never been one to hold his tongue and, having been brought through the Rangers academy with John Brown as a mentor, it is easy to see why.
The detail might not have been important, however, his comments on Rangers’ centre-halves couldn’t have been more accurate:
”Small things, and it sounds really silly and it’s maybe a wee bit archaic of me,” Ross preambled.
”But we’ve not had that cold a weather here, I’ve seen Rangers centre-backs wearing gloves three weeks ago, four weeks ago.
”The only two people on the pitch. Rangers centre-backs wearing gloves. C’mon, what’s happening?
”Two Rangers centre-backs. Not the number ten. Not the number nine. The centre-backs.”
Ross is right, it is an accusation that has been thrown at this Rangers team – it is too soft.
The next Rangers manager could do with players like Ross, Bob Malcolm, Steven Smith, Alan Hutton, Charlie Adam and Barry Ferguson, that McLeish had at his disposal.
