The countdown has begun with five games until the end of a season that started badly and never improved for Rangers fans.
An opening day draw with Hearts, defeat in the Champions League qualifiers and then a heavy loss at Parkhead in the first Old Firm derby saw many calling for Philippe Clement’s head.
Defeat at Pittodrie saw Rangers stay in third place, miles behind Celtic and Aberdeen, and the league campaign looked all but over.
Barry Ferguson was brought in as Rangers manager, tasked with steadying the ship, the reality being that nothing has improved, if anything, performances have gone even further downhill.
It’s time for those who have failed so often this season to spend some time on the bench and in the stands and this is how Rangers should line up for the rest of the season.
How Rangers should line up for the rest of the season
Liam Kelly is living the dream playing for Rangers, however, the Scotland international isn’t the long-term answer between the sticks.
With nothing at stake, it is the right time to reinstate Jack Butland and see if he can regain his confidence.
Due to Ridvan Yilmaz being injured against Athletic Club, Ferguson doesn’t have much choice at left-back.
Jefte has played more games than he or anyone else probably expected him to, but he now needs to start learning from his mistakes.
It is a similar story at right-back, Ferguson said he would start Dujon Sterling over Tavernier earlier in the season, and the skipper is lucky that his younger teammate is injured.
Centre-half is one of three areas that Rangers need to address in the summer, however, Clinton Nsiala’s emergence is promising.
It has to be remembered that the 22-year old has still only played a handful of senior games and will make mistakes.
Judging by his performance against Athletic, he has learned from his nightmare against Kilmarnock.
Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande are good enough to have the team built around them, but they need some help.
A deeper role for Ianis Hagi and new look forward line
Playing Ianis Hagi in a deeper position could save Rangers millions if he can be persuaded to sign a new contract.
What it also does is allow for three more dynamic forwards to play.
There should be no place for Cyriel Dessers with Ferguson the latest manager to fall under his spell.
If Albert Einstein was still alive, he’d have a new definition of insanity – picking Cyriel Dessers and expecting different results, especially when there are other options like Danilo and Hamza Igamane.
Another player who needs to be given a chance is Oscar Cortes.
The season is a write off, but if Cortes can rediscover any of the form that saw him star in the Under-20 World Cup, then next season would instantly look brighter.
Rangers fans have been battered from pillar to post since last summer, at least spare them the misery of not having to watch the same players who have tormented them all season.
