Rangers transfer claim made on Sportscene, Michael Stewart agrees
Rangers know they will have to make considerable alterations to their squad to compete domestically again next season.
Gers fans are looking ahead now to the imminent US takeover deal and subsequently the summer months, in which they will hope significant investment is immediate.
Ibrox is expectant for new blood to come in and take Rangers to the next level, with Celtic now having drawn level on 55 league titles after their win at Dundee United on Saturday (26 April).
Barry Ferguson’s side, meanwhile, were twice pegged back at St Mirren in a 2-2 share of the spoils.
Michael Stewart backs heavy summer of transfers at Ibrox
Rangers know they have to strengthen their squad this summer, which supporters are hoping is offered a huge helping hand by the incoming US consortium.
They have promised investment to help take the Light Blues up in competition, and everyone is currently in the dark as to who the new manager will be from this summer.
Ferguson will be on a list of candidates for the job, but it is likely the American owners will have their own shortlist – reinforced by the report in the week that 49ers chief Gretar Steinsson has already held talks with potential new Ibrox managers (The Athletic, 25 April).
On BBC Sportscene on Saturday night (26 April, 45:30), Michael Stewart accused Rangers of not having the players to have the drive or “spine” to consistently win titles.
Steven Thompson then mooted a huge summer of transfer activity including a necessary “clear-out”, to which Stewart nodded in agreement.
“You hear Callum McGregor talking for Celtic about their constant drive – Rangers just don’t have those types of players, they don’t have that spine,” Stewart said.
“Big job coming up in the summer, and a big clear-out,” responded Thompson.
Rangers underwent major squad surgery last summer, dispensing with a number of experienced players, but have been unable to perform domestically albeit with better fortunes in Europe – namely a Europa League quarter-final.
Rangers have four left to play
Rangers have four fixtures left in the Scottish Premiership, the next three coming at Ibrox starting with the return of the Old Firm (4 May).
Whatever Ferguson’s future has in store, he will always boast on his CV victory at Celtic Park last time out (16 March), after Hamza Igamane’s dramatic late strike secured a 3-2 success against their bitter rivals.
Aberdeen and Dundee United then visit Govan, before the season ends on 17 May away at Hibernian.
| Rangers – final four | Date |
| Celtic (H) | 4 May |
| Aberdeen (H) | 11 May |
| Dundee United (H) | 14 May |
| Hibernian (A) | 17 May |
While the games have some bite attached to them – the derby goes without saying – and Rangers fans will demand a strong end to the season, the primary objective is a strong summer.
Nils Koppen is uncertain whether he will remain in charge of the recruitment moving forward following the arrival of Kevin Thelwell or whether the two will work together, but at least moves are being made.