Michael Beale has inherited a Rangers squad that many believe to be way short of the quality on show across the city however it is not wise to write off the current Ibrox crop.
The majority of the group at Rangers were European finalists only 202 days ago yet many pundits believe they are far from good enough.
(Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Much criticism has been directed at the recruitment and the overall strength of the current group of players representing Rangers.
This is the same squad that managed to secure Champions League football at Ibrox for the first time since 2011.
There is no doubt they have been below par and were humbled in European football’s greatest competition but it’s more than capable of getting back on top in Scotland.
Celtic have enjoyed a recent spell of dominance in the league and to some that seems like it is not going to end anytime soon.
Ange Postecoglou is spoken about as one of the best young managers in Europe but i think its fair to say that domestically he is yet to be properly tested.
A surprise is waiting for Celtic and their hold on the Scottish title
Celtic’s rebuild to where they are now was swift and sure however it came at a time where things were less secure at Rangers.
They have benefitted from Steven Gerrard’s exit followed by the appointment of Giovanni Van Bronckhorst and don’t forget Gerrard’s Rangers were 6 points clear when he left.
The recruitment across the city has been spotless over that period and their football dominant but this Rangers squad was poorly managed not poorly put together.
From very early in his tenure it was clear Gio was not the man for the long winding road of a title race despite his performance in cup competitions.
The passive and slow style was always easy pray for Celtic’s viper like set up and that was always going to slow the title charge down.
Players became bereft of confidence after multiple humblings and rumours of arguments within the set up began to take a toll.
The likes of Ryan Kent were also not given the freedom to express the fullness of their talent under the Dutchman.
People are also quick to forget that even under the underwhelming style of Gio, Rangers did get the better of Celtic at times.
The major difference now is the players are playing for a man who they enjoy working for and that goes much further than appreciated.
Beale’s full flowing attacking style brings the best out of the creatives in the side and also gets fans on their feet and excited.
It’s a way of playing that allows for momentum and makes the intense challenge of a title race much more enjoyable.
Ross Wilson has stood by his recruitment and even though some critics have a fair point the likes of Yilmaz, Lawrence and Tillman are going to benefit hugely.
Young players will also add energy and competition to the squad which will see new life brought in through recruitment in January.
The Old Firm will be an electric encounter and Rangers will match Celtic for intensity, skill and flair.
More importantly the hidden talent of some of Rangers’ best will be back on show under Beale and they will stay the course for a season.
The Rangers set up is far more prepared to catch up and overtake their bitter rivals than most are willing to admit.
The title may be disappearing over the horizon this season but next year will be a very different story.
A story that could see some pundits eating humble pie.
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