Earlier today, Rangers confirmed their pre-season programme of practice games.
With covid restrictions and logistical difficulty biting hard, a close season training camp abroad appears very unlikely to happen.
An alternative plan to head to the St. Andrew’s resort in Fife had been mooted but still no confirmation has been provided – the squad could end up staying at ‘home’ at their Auchenhowie base for the duration of the close season training period.
For now, four games have been declared, with up to two more set to be unveiled in the coming days.
📅 PRE-SEASON: #RangersFC is today pleased to unveil a number of additional matches and activities that will prepare the champions for @ChampionsLeague qualifiers and competitive domestic action.
All the info 👇
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 28, 2021
Schedule
One week from now, the fans will get their first glimpse at the likes of Fashion Sakala and Nnamdi Oforborh, as they join Steven Gerrard’s champions on the pitch for the first friendly game at Firhill.
5th July – Partick (A)
10th July – Tranmere (A)
17th July – Arsenal (H)
21st July – Blackpool (A)
23rd July – Planned open training session – Ibrox.
The official statement from the club included:
“We have agreed further plans for the final weekend of pre-season. Information will follow later this week.”
The Arsenal game is already in place but some fans have voiced an opinion that another high-calibre opposition test is required.
Online speculation had previously mentioned a potential home game against Brighton on Saturday 24th July.
There is also one free midweek slot in the last week of july before Rangers Premiership campaign begins, followed days later by Champions League qualifiers.
Perhaps we could see European opposition jetting into Glasgow or a brief overseas stop for Rangers to play a game on the continent?
All will be revealed very soon.
With the players returning to work today, the usual tests and fitness checks will occur ahead of the training getting underway on the pitch.
That moment is imminent – Rangers are back!