As Rangers embark on a new era under the leadership of manager Derek McInnes, the club's latest friendly match against Saint-Etienne offered a glimpse into the work that lies ahead. While the result, a 2-1 victory, was encouraging, the performance highlighted the team's status as a work in progress.
The match, Rangers' first public appearance after a series of closed-door friendlies, saw Lawrence Shankland score his first goal for the club, an early penalty. Ben Godfrey also impressed at the back, showcasing his composure and leadership as team captain.
The New Faces
The summer signings made their first impressions on the Ibrox crowd, with Ivor Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Godfrey, Dan Neil, and Shankland starting the match. Cammy Devlin's energetic display in the second half earned him the man-of-the-match award, a testament to his industrious nature.
However, the game itself lacked the intensity and creativity often associated with pre-season fixtures. Rangers, playing a 4-4-2 formation, struggled to create many clear-cut chances, and defensively, they appeared vulnerable to Saint-Etienne's pacey attacks.
A Work in Progress
McInnes, who watched from the sidelines in a suit and tie, will have noted the areas that require improvement. With just one more friendly against West Ham before the Premiership season begins, the manager has a lot to ponder.
Unfortunately, he won't be in the dugout for the opening fixture against Dundee United due to a four-match ban for comments made about a Celtic penalty award last season. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the already daunting task of rebuilding the team.
Reviving Spirits
The appointment of McInnes and the influx of new players have undoubtedly brought a sense of revival to the club. The departure of former manager Danny Rohl and ex-captain James Tavernier, coupled with a string of disappointing results last season, had left Rangers in a difficult position.
The arrival of players like Pandur, Devlin, and Shankland, along with the impending signing of Vanja Dragojevic, signals an extensive and costly rebuild. But after the turmoil of the previous campaign, it's a necessary step to restore the club's fortunes.
A Long Road Ahead
While the friendly win against Saint-Etienne provided a boost in morale, it's important to remember that the true test lies in the upcoming league fixtures. Rangers fans will be hoping that the new signings can quickly gel and deliver the results needed to propel the club back into contention.
The journey ahead is a challenging one, but with a mix of talent and determination, Rangers can aim to turn a new page in their history.
