Progress has been slow but steady for Rangers since Steven Gerrard took over as manager in the summer of 2018.
The Liverpool legend has brought the Gers onto more of an even keel with their Glasgow rivals Celtic, which is reflected in the betting odds when using your William Hill bonus code on the latest SPL action. Stevie G has earned three wins over the Parkhead club, but they remain cut adrift in the Scottish Premiership title race. Given Celtic’s dominance in recent seasons this is hardly a surprise, but the nature with which Rangers have fallen away this season is a concern.
The Ibrox club had lost just once between the start of the season in August and mid-January and were right on Neil Lennon’s side’s tail at the top of the league. However, a run of four wins from their last nine league matches has seen Celtic open up a 13-point gap at the top, with just a handful of matches still to play.
Some of the blame for such a poor run of form must lay at the door of Gerrard, with the rookie manager perhaps showing his inexperience in the way he managed the recent downturn. His honesty in the media has also come in for criticism, with Gerrard being often over critical of his squad and the quality at his disposal.
While there is of course a balance to be had in the media, the former England man does have a point. Celtic’s current squad has far more strength in depth, with the group being carefully built over a number of years by first Brendan Rodgers and then Lennon. Rangers on the other hand have been through a few years of turmoil, with a series of managers departing in the last few seasons.
Since Gerrard’s arrival there has been progress in the recruitment department and the additions of Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo are examples of their improving approach. In order for the club to chase down Celtic though, they need much more of this strategy over a prolonged period. Celtic are well-established as the dominant side in Scottish football and it will likely take more than Gerrard and his side to bridge that gap. Years of success have seen them grow to a position of strength in the transfer market when compared to their rivals and Rangers are included in that.
With improved scouting and talent spotting though Rangers can close the gap and if they are able to find a few more gems like Hagi, they can take Celtic even closer next season.