Having spent the past four years in unknown territory outside the Scottish first division, Rangers are steadily preparing themselves to ride to the top.
Rangers overcame the odds of Hibernian and Falkirk to emerge as the Championship winners for 2015-2016 and has already decided to part ways with three of their players, who made quite a name at the club in the bottom tiers.
Nicky Clark, Nicky Law and winger David Templeton will be leaving the club.
Law made over hundred appearances for Rangers since 2013 when he arrived at Motherwell. He last featured in a 0-1 defeat in April against Livingston, who ended the Championship finishing second from bottom.
They retain the talismatic duo of Kenny Miller and Martin Waghorn at the front. Goalie Wes Foderinham would remain as one of their stalwarts for the upcoming season after a brilliant performance in the Scottish Cup final, which Rangers eventually lost 2-3.
Midfielder Gedion Zelalem’s future is in hold ever since last year when he acquired a US citizenship. Though he enjoyed a sublime 2015-2016 season yet Rangers’ boss David Weir will have the prospect of loaning him out rather than permanently bidding him adieu.
Apart from the outs and the skepticism bordering some players this upcoming season, the biggest in could potentially be Joey Barton from Burnley. the team whom he safely navigated to Premiership promotion this season, with Middlesborough.
Mark Warburton is intensely hopeful that the ex-Marsellie and Manchester City star would be an instant hit with Ibrox fans and players. Though the star midfielder has been at the centre of controversy for many a time, ex Rangers Midfielder Ray Wilkins is hopeful that with his ‘drive’ and ‘attitude’, he would benefit the Rangers incredibly.
Recent reports indicate Rangers might splash £1.5 million to hire the services of Leeds United striker Greg Stewart to bolster their attacking link. Warburton has been a fan of the striker and wants to bring him in as early as he can. Leeds and Rangers have already entered negotiations considering the player’s future.
Roosters16
Guest
Good to see a Rangers related article on the roar, being my team since birth (literally born into the shirt) While we won the semi final against celtic, that game and the final v hibs showed up that the squad needs a total turnover for the premiership with a few exceptions which you mentioned. Joey barton will provide a massive injection of work ethic and quality in the middle. Otherwise with the exception of wallace we need a whole new starting defensive line. The SPL and scottish football needs a strong rangers, just as it needs a strong celtic, aberdeen, hearts etc..... this makes the attitude displayed towards the club by other fans and chairman during the calamitous years bewildering. The biggest mistake the club made in the face of outright hatred and jealousy was not moving down south to the english leagues when they were relegated. Even if the english football league did not accept an admission bid into league 2, starting in the conference/national league would be financially better than starting in scottish league 2 (fourth tier) anyway. We also averaged more than celtic this year who couldnt even sellout a home game for their title party. Beat fans in the world no contest.