Rangers set for ‘enormous’ task at Auchenhowie in new transfer updates
Rangers are already more settled after Russell Martin’s appointment and fresh investment from the 49ers and Andrew Cavenagh.
The transfer wheels are in motion, and it seems like a couple of signings will be through the Ibrox door imminently.
Max Aarons and Kwame Poku are set to join Rangers, with the AFC Bournemouth defender expected to arrive on loan, while Peterborough United’s Poku would sign as a free transfer.
However, Keith Jackson has pinpointed a familiar problem facing the Glasgow outfit ahead of the new season.
Rangers face familiar issue ahead of Champions League qualifiers
Rangers fell 17 points short of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, meaning they face qualifiers to reach the Champions League.
The Gers have been in this position regularly and must pass two rounds of qualifying and a play-off to reach the Champions League group phase.
Rangers will discover their fate on Wednesday (18 June) when the draw for the second round of qualifying is announced.
Then, the Bears will face their future opponent over two legs towards the end of July.
| Champions League key dates | Event |
| 18 June | Draw for the second round of qualifying |
| 22-23 July | Second round qualifiers, first leg |
| 29-30 July | Second round qualifiers, second leg |
The 49ers and Martin face a significant job on their hands to overhaul the Scottish outfit, as pinpointed by Jackson in the Daily Record (17 June).
He wrote: “Given the enormous size of that task – and with Champions League qualifiers now only one month away – there is a familiar sense of urgency and the need to reinstate a revolving door policy in and out of the car park at the club’s Auchenhowie complex.
“Which is why Rangers fans cannot be blamed if they are beginning to suspect that the more things change, the more they stay the same.”
49ers must strengthen with haste after Jackson points
There is truth behind Jackson’s words as Rangers must act swiftly if they want a stronger side for the Champions League qualifiers.
It has been two years since the Bears were in the premier European competition; before that, it had been 12 years.
Whether the Champions League will be a priority is another question, but the Glasgow club would surely rather be in it, even though they do succeed regularly in the Europa League.
Rangers must balance a strategic approach with acting fast if they are to be ready come the end of July, with plenty of money coming in and out.