Manager gets late fixture postponement wish granted after Rangers rant
Rangers have flourished in the early days of Russell Martin’s tenure, and there is reason to be upbeat.
Djeidi Gassama struck a double blow to Panathinaikos across the two legs, with a goal home and away.
Furthermore, Jack Butland reminded Rangers supporters of his ability with two standout displays between the sticks.
Now, the Gers are to face Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the third round of Champions League qualifying, and a postponement has been confirmed.
Postponement confirmed after Rangers Champions League triumph
Gassama wowed John Souttar and Peter Lovenkrands after his performances across the European tie.
The Bears trailed Panathinaikos in the second leg and were prepared for a nervy climax, but the winger came to the rescue.
Rangers’ victory means that they will face Viktoria in the next round, and if they win that, then they will have to face a play-off to reach the group stage.
- Rangers defeated Panathinaikos in the second round of qualifying
- They will now face Viktoria Plzen in the next round
- If they win that, they will play in a play-off to reach the group stage
However, the proposed fixture has disrupted the Czech side as they have postponed their third Chance League fixture with Mlada Boleslav.
The match was pencilled in for this weekend, but due to their clash with the Ibrox club next Tuesday (5 August), it will not go ahead.
A statement from Viktoria Plzen on Thursday (31 July) read: “Due to Tuesday’s match in Glasgow and the associated travel, we have asked the LFA and Mladá Boleslav to postpone Saturday’s match.
“We very much appreciate the fact that both sides complied and we can now fully concentrate on the very important match of the third preliminary round of the Champions League, which is important for the whole of Czech football due to the coefficient.”
The announcement comes after Plzen head coach Miroslav Koubek hit out at the scheduling following his side’s win over Servette, claiming he would not even have time to unpack his bags.
“The players are euphoric, but our schedule is a killer,” he told reporters.
“I don’t know if I should even unpack my bags, there’s no time for anything, not even to study Rangers.
“Some associations make it easier for clubs and postpone their league round at such a moment. With us, it is automatic only in the case of the play-offs.”
Martin rasies the bar at Ibrox
The former Southampton manager was considered an underwhelming appointment by some, given his record in management.
However, he has already demonstrated his qualities at Ibrox and is out to prove a point to the doubters.
| Competition | Result |
| Champions League | Rangers 2-0 Panathinaikos |
| Champions League | Panathinaikos 1-1 Rangers |
Last season, the Bears started so well, but fizzled out in a worrying way, which led to Philippe Clement being given the boot.
Martin will be aware of this and will need to instill a strong mindset within his Rangers squad.
On current evidence, he has raised standards, and some of his new signings are already looking assured.
Of course, there is a job to do, but supporters will be feeling optimistic heading into the next round of the Champions League.
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