When Glasgow Rangers entered administration and plummeted out of the Scottish top-flight to the fourth division, it hit rock bottom.
Now, eight and a half years later, not only are the Glasgow Rangers FC firmly back among the domestic elite, but Steven Gerrard has Scotland’s most decorated team back on top after winning the Scottish championship for the 55th time.
Glasgow Rangers FC Insolvency
Glasgow Rangers FC hit a financial roadblock in 2012. The club could not pay back its debts and entered administration, resulting in the sale of its assets. The original company was officially liquidated later that year. Thus, one of the world’s most trophy-laden organizations ceased to exist.
With top-flight clubs preventing the new Glasgow Rangers FC from inheriting the position of the old team, it had to be re-established in the fourth tier.
The 55-time Scottish champions weren’t stuck in the semiprofessional mire for too long, though. Glasgow Rangers FC won three promotions in just four years and returned to the Premiership, making a swift recovery. However, its four-year absence did allow Celtic to become the unrivaled dominant force in Scottish soccer.
A New Era For Glasgow Rangers FC
After three hugely disappointing seasons back in the top division, Glasgow Rangers FC secured the services of Liverpool soccer legend Steven Gerrard. This was anything but a straightforward decision, as Gerrard had no previous managerial experience in senior soccer.
Although accompanied by plenty of fanfare, there was a sense of uncertainty. Perhaps even a hint of desperation about the hire. This was very much a high-risk move with the potential for immense reward.
Three seasons into Gerrard’s reign, it’s fair to say that the gamble has paid off big time. Despite the 40-year-old learning on the job, there has been a tangible improvement from his side year upon year. Steven Gerrard tirelessly worked to refine his tactics and approach to the game.
As a result, the Glasgow Rangers FC team gradually began making up ground on its city rival.
Back On Top
With Celtic now in turmoil, the Gers have seized the moment. Undefeated all season, boasting a defense that has conceded only thirteen goals and having won all but six of its matches, Rangers clinched the Scottish Premiership title in early March.
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Steven Gerrard has also turned around Rangers’ fortunes on the continent. He guided his side into the latter stages of the Europa League last season and indeed in 2021, too, ending nine years without European knockout soccer.
So now the Glasgow Rangers players and Gerrard have some silverware to show for their extraordinary efforts.
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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ibrox_Stadium_Glasgow_Rangers_v_Internazionale(Milan)_2005.jpg (main image)