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THREE years ago, Dave King spelled out just how important playing European football is to Rangers.
Speaking at the club’s AGM, he warned shareholders: « The club and company will only be self-sustaining when we’re consistently successful in Europe. » Last year’s accounts from Ibrox illustrate how accurate the former chairman was.
On the back of their run to the group stages of the Europa League, Rangers boosted their books to the tune of £14million.
They will include the income generated from the club’s second run to the group stages, one that extended into the last 16.
It’s all a far cry from the pain of Progres Niederkorn and all of the damage that defeat did to Rangers’ reputation.
This year, though, how many Gers fans would trade it all for domestic glory? Last season Rangers sold a three-match European package at £135 a head.
With 50,000 fans packing into Ibrox every second Thursday, it amounted to £4m worth of income. Under Covid-restrictions, that is wiped out.
TV deals are not as lucrative this year either, so while the prestige of an extended run in Europe is always welcome, some supporters are asking if it is more of a hindrance this season. No one inside Ibrox will admit it, but if ever there was a season to crash and burn, this is it.
After back-to-back runs to the group stages, they have already repaired the damage Progres inflicted upon them.
But it’s ten years since major silverware last set up home in the Ibrox trophy room and that has to be Gerrard’s priority.
As narrow-minded as it may seem, stopping ten in a row is the wish of most Rangers fans.
And if Celtic reach the group stages of the Europa League it could play into Rangers’ hands.
Again, no one at Ibrox will admit it, but the strain of playing Thursday and Sunday took its toll on Gers last season.
But an extra six European matches on top of a crammed domestic schedule could have an impact.
Rangers didn’t need to get out of second gear in Gibraltar, but Willem II will pose a much tougher challenge in Holland on Thursday night.
Should Gerrard’s men return from Holland with a victory, then it’s Galatasary or Hajduk Split lying in wait in the play-offs.
While the Rangers boss will be trying to mount a challenge at home and abroad, the group stages — this season at least — are still some way off.
Daniel Johnson is still a target with Gerrard keen to add at least two more signings before the transfer window closes.
Celtic boss Lennon says Brown could do with rest as he hints at midfield rotation
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SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
