The Flying Dutchmen at Ibrox | OneFootball

Our ex-manager’s unexpected exit was a shock for most, especially after his rhetorical response to media questions about his intentions in relation to the Newcastle position, but perhaps not untimely as we, once again, witnessed a worrying dip in performance on the field.

Last season was exceptional (and needed!) but Christmas had come too early for our team in the preceding years, seeing us throwing away a healthy and encouraging first half of the season only for the sterling performances to melt quicker than snow off a dyke in the post-festive break in the previous 2 years.

The appointment of Gio van Bronckhorst was definitely a welcome antidote to the sudden disappearance of SG.

2 games in, it could be said we’re getting ahead of ourselves but against the backdrop of some static, stale performances culminating in the humiliating defeat to Hibs in yet another cup catastrophe, a stellar performance against Sparta Prague and 60 or so decent minutes against Livingston suggest the Dutchman is off to a flying start.

Gio’s appointment was a shrewd one, not only for what he brings on the pitch but also what has come with him off the pitch.

There’s no question van Bronckhorst’s appointment as manager strengthened Rangers in a number of other areas, with a wealth of talent choosing to join him in the dug-out and coaching set-up.

Dave Vos leaving Ajax’ youth set-up to help develop the pipeline of talent which brought us the likes of Nathan Patterson bodes well. Rangers are in a good place at the moment but, like all modern football clubs outside the elite bubble, we’ll need to balance the books longer-term.

Ajax have led the way in developing a pool of young European talent who are not afraid or ill-equipped when it comes to punching above their weight on club football’s biggest stage. Rangers are a club with a proud history but the new Board are equally focussed on an ambitious (and prosperous) future and to achieve that, extended runs in European football and an academy feeding the first team or creating valuable transfer fees will ensure that Rangers can add to their illustrious accolades for many years to come.

SG’s record in the transfer market was average. He had a habit of signing bench warmers while sticking with his favourites leaving many of us in the stands bewildered as to why Sakala, Bacuna and others could only join us as spectators while others were seemingly guaranteed a starting shirt when their performance and endeavour (or lack of) may not have merited the manager’s loyalty.

Van Bronckhorst will no doubt have a challenging January as the transfer window opens, bringing new players in to realise his vision for our team whilst also letting go of those who’ve served their time and have perhaps seen their best days in a Rangers jersey but what all Bears should be getting excited about is what’s to come in 3 to 5 years’ time as the new regime beds in behind the scenes with the entire club, from toddler to team captain focused on returning Rangers Football Club to its rightful place at the top table in club football in a financially sustainable way.

This new regime and approach will ensure that Rangers are around and successful at all levels for another 150 years.