Rangers FC: 55 and Counting

Rangers are Back

Rangers Football Club finally ended their long wait to return to the top of the Scottish football league this past weekend. The SPL title win means it is 55 titles for Rangers, and more importantly, puts an end to their arch-rivals, Celtic, unbeatable reign.

It has been a rocky ten years for the Scottish giants, but at last, they are back at the top of Scottish football.

Beginning again 

In 2012, The Rangers Football Club plc entered into liquidation after falling upon hard times. Sevco Scotland Ltd, now known as Rangers Football Club Ltd, bought what remained of the club and secured the teams place in the SFL Third division.

Rangers had a big task on their hand rebuilding their reputation and their squad. A vast majority of their places refused to transfer to the newly formed club, leaving them with an uphill battle. 

One thing they could rely on was their fan base. Many had felt broken when the club liquidated but on their first home game back, 49,118 fans were at Ibrox to see their return in the 2012-13 season. Their magnificent supporters stood by their club despite playing in the lower ends of Scottish football.

Championship hurdle

The club breezed through the third and second division and started their final push to the SPL. The 2014-15 season saw Rangers FC enter the Scottish Championship. Rangers struggled to continue their dominance with fellow Scottish big boys Hearts and Hibernian in the league. This season saw Rangers reach the playoffs, however losing in the playoff finals to Motherwell.

Mark Warburton was announced as manager ahead of the 2015-16 season. Warburton guided the team to the Scottish Championship title and a return to the top flight in Scotland. It was also a season that saw Rangers reach the Scottish Cup final, beating Celtic in the semi-finals. They were ultimately defeated in the final against Hibernian.

Back where they belong 

After Warburton’s lack of success in their return to the SPL, Pedro Caixinha eventually took permanent charge of the club in 2017. Pedro’s time at Rangers has been described as “a desperate mess from start to finish” after he oversaw his team get knocked out in the Europa League against Luxemburg side Progrès Niederkorn. This game came at the start of a disappointing short spell at the club for Pedro.

In 2018, after swapping and changing the manager, Steven Gerrard took the role. Gerrard started well at Rangers, going 12 games unbeaten and reaching the Europa League group stage. 

Under Gerrard the team made drastic improvements, as well as being able to attract big names back to Ibrox.

Glory days return 

The 2021/21 season has been full of joy for Rangers FC, after 2019/20 was tainted by COVID. Rangers were crowned champions over the weekend, they are currently 20 points above their rivals Celtic. Even more impressively, Gerrard’s men are unbeaten this season with 28 wins and four draws.

There were jubilant scenes at Ibrox after Celtic drew 0-0 on Sunday. Players joined the celebrations at the stadium as they celebrated their 55th title win. This title now makes them the most successful team in Europe based on league titles.

Gerrard’s focus now turns to the Europa League, where they have been just as strong this season. If they were to be successful in Europe, that would certainly mark their return to the top in true style.

Rangers now turn their attention to the Old Firm Derby next weekend, which should see Celtic giving the Rangers players a guard of honour. The future looks bright for Rangers, with plenty of things for their fans to look forward to. 

We hope you enjoyed the article ‘Rangers FC: 55 and Counting.’ How far do you think Gerrard can take Rangers? What do you make of his tenure so far? Let us know!

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