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https://www.gersnet.co.uk/index.php/news-category/current-affairs/1528-from-regrets-to-rebuilds This time two weeks ago, I was full of excitement. I was in Spain, had my Europa League final ticket confirmed and Wednesday evening could not come quick enough. A fortnight later and, as much as our Scottish Cup winning efforts should not be downplayed, regret remains an unavoidable daily emotion. Time for some cathartic writing… First and foremost, losing to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville hurt badly. Yes, the players gave their absolute all in difficult circumstances: the temperature was stifling but, more importantly, no Morelos or Roofe undoubtedly cost us – even if the German side were tactically clever and ultimately deserving of the trophy. Of course, we can be proud of our efforts in reaching the final and being just one kick short of lifting it (be it by the foot of Goldson, Kent or Ramsey) is something I doubt any Rangers supporters would have envisaged last summer. However, losing the reward of winning the competition – both in a prestige and in a financial sense – just made the initial disappointment worse. Beating Hearts at Hampden soothed that Spanish hangover for a few hours but the sore head is still there. Season 2021/22 was an interesting one in many ways. Failing to secure Champions League group stage football was an early blow and, despite some inconsistent form in the first half of the campaign, losing Steven Gerrard was equally painful as we still topped the table. The board acted quickly and Giovanni van Bronckhorst was a popular replacement. Initial results were decent, performances improved and only a rejigged fixture list stopped our momentum at a crucial stage by the end of 2021. Post winter break, the outlook (domestically at least) quickly changed. Celtic strengthened their squad immediately whilst we left it very late in the window and could only bring in loan players. On the face of it Ramsey and Diallo’s reputations suggested quality whilst the potential of James Sands replaced that of the departing Nathan Patterson. Again, most fans were happy but draws with Aberdeen and Ross County before a humbling to a resurgent Celtic meant that by the end of February and further dropped points at Tannadice the league appeared beyond us. Already fans were questioning Gio and their concerns had some merit. To his credit, our efforts in Europe and progress in the Scottish Cup were maintained and, indeed, improvement amongst the squad amidst more tactical flexibility became more obvious. Wins over Dortmund, Red Star, Braga and Leipzig in the Europa League impressed whilst a vital Scottish Cup semi victory over Celtic and a credible draw at Parkhead in the league showed that whilst we could not retain our SPFL title, we still had enough quality to make a renewed future challenge. Nevertheless, with only the Scottish Cup to show for our 65 game endeavours, it is difficult to make the case season 2021/22 was a success. No matter these regrets though, we must move on and this summer has to be a busy one throughout the club. As it stands, a cursory look at the squad still shows a decent one on paper. However, if we delve a wee bit deeper then uncertainty seems to be the prevailing feeling. Various players are (or are soon to be) out of contract whilst several more are moving into their last year. This is the case from the goalkeeper to the attack. First team regulars McGregor, Goldson and Balogun are about to be out of contract. Meanwhile, Helander, Jack, Aribo, Kent and Morelos will be this time next year. Only John Souttar has been confirmed as incoming with Arfield and Davis extending their deals by a year as well. This means the football department has a conundrum on their hands and it needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. As seems to have happened with Connor Goldson do they allow shorter contracts to run down and try to get the best out of these players over one final season? Alternatively, do they sell now for reasonable sums to reinvest monies into replacements? Can they persuade them to sign new deals to deliver squad continuity ahead of further CL qualifiers on the horizon? One of the biggest positives in having a Sporting Director such as Ross Wilson is to minimise such headaches. Along with Andy Scoulding, Wilson is tasked with ensuring recruitment remains efficient and contracts an ongoing budgetary juggle. As such, it is an undoubted frustration that so many key players are in the same uncertain contractual situation with minimal clarity on their future. By mid-June, tens of thousands of fans will have renewed their season tickets and most will do so in anticipation of squad improvement. Add in the funds secured via the departure of Gerrard and Patterson as well as the substantial income generated by our run to Seville, it is safe to say supporters won’t be sated by further loan deals. Ramsey and Diallo appeared exciting but both lacked any sort of substance so whilst that need not mean the right loan at the right price can’t work, the emergence of home-grown players like Lowry and King should see less reliance in such gambles. Similarly, the overall contribution of some players has to be examined. For example, the quality of players like Helander, Jack and Roofe per se can be defended but their unfortunate injury records cannot. In addition to that, as much as experience in the dressing room is always welcome, how often should a Davis or Arfield appear ahead of a McCann or Lowry? Where is the line between stifling talent and properly developing it? Overall, the arguable first XI this season was McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic, Jack, Lundstram, Kamara, Aribo, Kent and Morelos. Add in five preferred deputies in Balogun, Davis, Arfield, Sakala and Roofe then only a few at best of these 16 players are likely still to be here for the season after next. That is a huge (and costly) turnaround over the next 12 months and will need to be carried out over the next three windows to offer some semblance of continuity. With that in mind, Wilson’s remit has never been more vital – both logistically and financially. The likely record-breaking income (though not clear profit!) from season 2021/22 and from any summer sales should offer enough working capital to make several signings up front and perhaps extend the deals of one or two existing players. Guaranteed Europa League group stage football at a minimum should also allow further changes in January with the opportunity for more next summer. I would be pleasantly surprised if we’ll need to book complicated journeys again for European finals in Istanbul, Budapest or even Prague next May but positive runs in at least one of these competitions will help balance the books outwith essential player purchases. In conclusion, I started this editorial with understandable regret from recent events. However, just over 1000 words later, and even with the uncertainty surrounding the squad, the excitement of the inevitable rebuild and the opportunity to see new players at Ibrox next season means I’m now looking ahead to what we can expect in season 2022/23. As always, the league title should take priority and we simply must offer more consistency and quality domestically but the European adventures of recent seasons and the necessary monies gained from such can be considered almost as important. Even so, no matter what we consider success or the context around it, the time for looking back has gone. The next step is now vital and we cannot stand still. In some ways, that was a fair criticism of the club last summer so it cannot be this season. We must move forward and with genuine authority.

It makes sense that Goldson would wait and see when Gerrard left. The fact he's now signed another 4 year contract suggests the squad is comfortable playing under GvB, which I take to be a very good sign.

No, I vote the way I shot. One of the very few that continue to vote Liberal. I have been doing the Portsmouth sailings to St Malo and Bilbao for near thirty years. Take the car and tour around parts of France and Spain. This jaunt will be five weeks, going down the eastern seaboard then, a week in Cadiz. Return on the western side, straddling the Spanish-Portuguese border. If only Craig would do the decent thing and offer his Lear jet to the penurious members of Gersnet?

Woohoo. Great news! Obviously being named Gersnet player of the year for 20/21 made the difference.

Makes you wonder just how far this team could go if all produced their best at the same time, instead of a couple taking up main responsibilities as others fade. The January International break (including AFCON), saw Aribo leave on a high and come back with nothing in the tank. On the other hand, Morelos after having travelled thousands of miles for zero gametime, came back in seriously good nick and produced his best couple of months at Rangers thus far.

The Ukrainian players and their families might be suffering at the hands of a mad dictator but people in this country who've put up with Sturgeon for 7 years have no basis for showing sympathy to anyone.

And that is the thing. We were looking at losing a guy who had hardly missed a game in 4 years. Our most experienced CB and one who "gets us". And we were looking at losing him for free...... obviously his age goes against but we now don't have the worry of losing him for free over the next couple of years. Him and Souttar have the makings of a very good CB pairing.....

Do we actually need to sign another CB now? We have Goldson, Souttar, Helander, Balogun, Katic (?), along with King and Mayo. Bassey can also cover. I would leave it as is, and put the money into our front line.

I have just endured an eight hour drive to Portsmouth, a 36 hour ferry sailing to Bilbao and, a three hour drive to Zaragoza. Currently sitting outside the Cathedral del Salvador enjoying a cold cerveza pequena and I read big Connor has penned a new four year contract. I might head over and offer a prayer of thanks?

Goldson signs new 4 year deal - great news and the official tweet announcing it is a belter

I’ve asked him numerous times , but he’s a stubborn old bugger .

Well that should save us a few bob Now if we could just get a goalscorer as good as Ralph was

Each to their own but I think we both know B_H revels in being the contrarian.

Nope, not an immediate priority now but may change depending on the future of 2-3 of those players.

I know you're an auld duffer but they do have these things called planes... I noticed @BrahimHemdaniwas an Alba candidate the other week - have you joined the Green party?

It's always a little sweeter when it comes out of the blue like this. Well done to Ross Wilson and his team.

Wow! As good as any signing we'll make this summer. I am absolutely delighted by this!

I'm also in the not too bothered about Scotland national team much these days, but I hope we qualify for the World Cup and if we have to beat Ukraine as a result, then f**k them! I have some sympathy for the innocent people whose homes have been destroyed or been forced to flee in the face of a powerful nutter's ego trip, but that sympathy doesnt for one second extend to the football team, most of whom are millionaire professionals who left Ukraine years ago and only go back for international meet ups. The condescending claptrap in the media is nauseating.

The Cedric Itten Story "If They Could All Be Motherwell" Now in paperback. Hasta la nunca Cedric .

They all take their turn for that. It’s what many of our fans mistake for supporting the club.

I know we've rightly questioned his injury record, but I think this is a good signing. He has consistently been one of the best performers in the league, and he's still at a good age. Being a Scot, he'll understand the club, too. Stylistically he fits, being a big powerful lad that can play a bit and likes to dribble with the ball. Moreover, as a pre-contract signing, it's not costing a lot - if injury comes back to haunt his time here. Solid, sensible signing.

As with any signing there's an element of risk and the lad's injury issues over the years increase that here but to get him for free and, considering his development in recent years, then this was a sensible move for the club. Lads speaks very well here. Welcome to Rangers, John!

I don't think Seville has really sunk in for me yet. Still, getting there was way beyond expectations. Every transfer window is huge at Rangers but this one is particularly important due to several first team mainstays leaving and a new manager wanting to make his mark. I'm nervous but also excited about what's to come...

Now very short in numbers up front. Presume GvB has one or two in mind

Good start to the window.

I could not be less interested. That's not true - I would like to see Scotland fail to qualify. I don't know why.

I had the misfortune to stumble across an official Scottish national team post on social media yesterday and the weirdos who wear skirts to a football match certainly didn't give the impression they'd miss Jack. They've renamed him 'Cryan Jack'. I hope they all miss their trains home tomorrow night. 🇬🇧

Davis for an extra year is fine by me.

Tavernier based on relative consistency.

Not even glorious failure,...just failure.

Don't forget those ridiculous Glengarry hats. 🤣

Apologies if it's been posted elsewhere, but I see that ex Rangers coach Michael Beale has been appointed as head coach at QPR. It will be interesting to see how he fairs going solo.

"Ats pure wun us ra leeg at hus.."

Definitely.

No she’s not. Cows are generally placid, well-doing and productive.

Was for Mikailichenko I believe.

Genuinely shocked at this one - in a good way. Looked a certainty to be going. He'll need to be as solid as ever because out of Souttar Helander and Balogun (if he stays) they'll play about 15 games each in a season! I forgot arguably our best CB - Big Calvin

Genuinely one of the best tweets I've seen from a football club 😂 Brilliant news 👍👍

One down, plenty to go. Shame for Itten, I thought there was a player there, but a wee bit unlucky not to get a run when he was in form to see if he could compliment Alfie but probably better he moves on. If we have recouped our money on him (which we definitely should have or someone isnt doing their job properly) then we can reinvest it in someone that may fit in better.

Looked like a sensible signing at the time. Young player off the back of a good season, plenty of potential. Didn't work out and we all move on.

While we have clearly gone wildly off track and I apologise for my part in that, I don't think you can separate the sporting and political here.

Well said.

Aribo, Morelos, Lundstrom and Bassey were all excellent for parts of the season, but for consistency (and some of these goals in Europe) I'm going for Tav.