What a difference four years makes. That’s how long it’s been since Rangers last travelled to Cowdenbeath’s Central Park.
Back then, Rangers weren’t exactly at the peak of their powers. In a season which would eventually see us knocked back from promotion by Motherwell in the playoffs, we toiled in Fife.
The scoreline ended 0-0, but for once it isn’t the final score which is catching people’s eyes.
We’ll leave that to the Rangers line-up on the day. No wonder we struggled so much back then.
Look at that team. It’s doesn’t exactly provide the most nostalgic viewing.
Only one of those players remain at the club – Lee Wallace. All those years of toiling in the lower divisions seems to have taken its toll on the wing back. He’s not exactly at the peak of his powers any more either.
Where are they now?
XI – GK – Lee Robinson, DR – Darren McGregor, DC – Lee McCulloch, DC – Marius Zaliukas, DL – Lee Wallace, RM – Kenny Miller, CM – Nicky Law, CM – Kyle Hutton, LM – Haris Vuckic, ST – Kris Boyd, ST – Nicky Clark
Goalkeeper Lee Robinson is now at Dunfermline Atheltic.
In defence, Darren McGregor – a stand-out that year – is at Hibs. Lee McCulloch was a loyal servant to Rangers but was very poor post-2012. He has since retired after a brief spell as Killie Manager. He is currently the Assistant Manager of Lechia Gdańsk in Poland. Marius Zaliukas doesn’t have a club since being released by Lithuanian side Žalgiris.
In midfield, Nicky Law, still only 30, is plying his trade at League Two Exeter. Kyle Hutton, once touted as a hot prospect at Rangers, is at Dumbarton. Kenny Miller, who was playing on the wing that day, is at Scottish Premiership Dundee. So far, he’s probably doing the best of the bunch.
On the other flank, Rangers most impressive player that year was Haris Vuckic. The Newcastle United loanee restored a bit of pride to Ibrox. He’s now with relegation threatened Eredivisie outfit Twente.
Up front, Kris Boyd, like Kenny Miller, is still playing in Scotland. Boyd turns out for surprise package Kilmarnock. Nicky Clark is currently at Dundee United, trying to resurrect his footballing career.
Of the eleven, only three play in top flight football. Miller, Boyd and Vuckic. The rest have stalled and most have been shown up to be the poor quality players we sort of always knew they were.
Tonight, Rangers return to Central Park with a different side altogether.
But anyone travelling up to the match should have a look at that lineup. It shows just how far we’ve come.
What a difference four years makes.
