Ibrox View: Defoe comments on Rangers title aspirations will be popular with hopeful fans
RANGERS OPINION
Jermain Defoe has proven to be a popular figure for Rangers ever since he arrived at Ibrox last January.
The veteran hitman has been in amongst the goals from the word go, and has registered 25 strikes and eight assists in 52 appearances for the Gers in all competitions.
But Defoe’s popularity stretches beyond his on-field exploits.
The 37-year-old has really bought into the ethos of life in Glasgow, whether it be running around his garden during lockdown blasting ‘Simply the Best’, or more recently, backing himself and his teammates to finally topple Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking to Football Fancast earlier this week, he said: “I said it when I signed, I believe it’s only a matter of time before it happens.
“Celtic fans give me a bit of banter about it on social media but I do genuinely believe it’s only a matter of time.
“For one, Rangers fans are special. They travel everywhere.
“And then when I look at the coaching staff, the manager and his presence, and the whole team, the club has everything it needs to be successful.”
And there are reasons to be hopeful that Defoe could be right too.
We may have fallen away significantly in 2020, but for the first half of the season, right up until the point of that stunning victory over the Hoops at Parkhead in late December, we not only matched them stride for stride, but genuinely looked as if we had the measure of them too.
Likewise, Steven Gerrard’s record in the dugout is improving at a decent rate as well.
His points per game average has risen from 2.00 to 2.31 this season, and his side have won 67 points in 29 league matches.
It took him 33 matches to win 66 last term.
Moreover, the boss has reiterated his hunger to continue his work at Ibrox, and you would hope that given enough time and patience, he can continue to keep this growth going.
Sure, there is still work to be done, but Defoe’s comments on the matter show that there are reasons to be optimistic, and will likely prove very popular with an expectant fanbase.
In other Rangers news, Steven Gerrard pushing for Gers reunion with Liverpool 22-year-old.