We're building something different at Rangers, a squad put together to fight for every blade of grass. It's not glamour alone; it's about togetherness, having leaders throughout the team and players who will raise standards week in, week out. That shift is why I'm feeling optimistic.
Why togetherness matters
To be fair, the game has become too individual at times. You can sign top talent but if they're not connected little cracks appear. Togetherness shows up in pressing as a unit, covering for one another, and keeping standards high even when results don't go our way. That's the backbone of any title challenge.
Leadership beyond the armband
We've been a bit short of real leaders who take responsibility. When we lost Connor, you could see how much that mattered, a personality at the back who organised and anchored things. Tav did his best wearing the armband, but you could argue he wasn't the type to grab games by the scruff of the neck and drag the team through tough spells.
What we need are players who police standards on the pitch without waiting for instructions. Players who shout, who lead the press, who step in when concentration drops. That's why having leaders all over the pitch matters more than one figurehead.
Why I'm optimistic
Players like Shankland, McCrorie and Neil feel like the sort who take responsibility. They don't hide. They'll drive standards in training, demand more in the dressing room and put their bodies on the line on a Saturday. You can see how that rubs off on the younger lads and brings a different intensity.
That kind of make-up is what wins the SPFL. It's not always pretty football; it's graft, organisation and a refusal to give up when things go against you. If we keep building this way, adding quality and leaders in positions that need it, the club will be better equipped to challenge.
It won't happen overnight and nobody's pretending we've got everything sorted. Managers and staff have to keep instilling that mentality, and players must back it up on the pitch. But watching the group develop a proper spine gives me faith, and that's a rare feeling.
So yeah, very optimistic right now. You can feel the shape of a squad that's ready to scrap and lift standards. That's the foundation for bringing silverware back where it belongs.
Related Articles
About Rangers News Views
Rangers News Views offers daily Glasgow Rangers coverage including match reaction, transfer analysis, SPFL context, tactical breakdowns and opinion-led articles written by supporters for supporters.
