After the events of 14th February 2012, much of the next decade to follow would be a very dark and stormy period in the history of Rangers Football Club.
Everyone knows the story of what happened and the long, arduous ‘journey’ that the supporters experienced, as the club made it’s way back up through the lower leagues of Scottish football and the provincial towns which became effective signposts along the way.
Mark Warburton got the team over the line in 2016, just before a Scottish Cup Final that flattered to deceive after the highs of the Old Firm semi-victory. It wasn’t until Steven Gerrard tok the reigns in the Summer of 2018, that the recovery would be truly underway. That particular challenge climaxed last May when James Tavernier held the SPFL Premiership trophy aloft and with it, Rangers 55th league title.
Off the pitch, there is so much that could be written and many bitter, dark events.
In recollecting just some of the moments of the last decade, I took to Twitter earlier today to make some sense and understanding of what was lived and experienced by the club’s dedicated supporters, the one true lifeblood of the club.
Enjoy.
14/2/12 – 10 years on, a lot of thoughts in my head today.
I remember the weird feeling as the news broke, at my then workplace trying to get my head around what was unfolding.
The fall was dark and severe but yet worse was still to come, on and off the pitch.
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) February 14, 2022
- On the pitch, some of the stuff was a nonsense and dreadful to watch. Initially, the 3rd division was a relief and an adventure. It soon became a torture. We never truly recovered until Gerrard.
- I think of the grounds and towns in Scotland we’d never met before, protests, the people you met, shared experiences, joy, anger, disappointment. People who helped the supporters, those who stood with us and others who had no interest.
- Charlatans like the captain of industry Murray and his ultimate legacy. Whyte, Green, Ahmad, Somers, Stockbridge, Easdales, Llambias, Ashley. Know them by their deeds.
- I cried at the news of the 2015 EGM and the hope for ‘normality’ to follow. The likes of King, Murray, Gilligan, Park, Letham and others deserve our respect and their efforts won’t be forgotten.
- In the Gerrard era, we regained respect on the pitch at home and in Europe, those Europa League campaigns of 18/19 and 19/20 were fantastic.Despite Covid, last season’s title triumph was iconic and the Rangers support marked the occasion in style.
- This season’s title chase will be very close and with it, a much sought return to the Champions League and its riches. That is the here and now. The last decade is gone and closed but will never be forgotten.
- Football is the single most important, unimportant thing in many of our lives. Rangers provides so much to our identity, expression and interests outside of family and work. Try to enjoy it for what it is, a wee bit more.
Here’s to the next decade!