Rangers Champions League draw LIVE as Russell Martin set to learn Euro fate
Ten months ago the Rangers players trooped off the sodden Hampden turf after a miserable Champions League night.
They had just lost 2-0 to Dynamo Kyiv at their temporary home with their European dream crushed.
Now they have renewed optimism with a new manager and a new era under the ownership of 49ers Enterprises.
And they will at least play their first qualifier at Ibrox Stadium, unlike the start of last season when they endured a miserable start to the campaign away from Govan due to a construction cock-up that haunted their whole season.
Russell Martin didn't experience UEFA 's premier competition during his playing career so it will be a first for the new Light Blues boss.
They face three qualifiers in a bid to reach the revamped league phase and will find out their first opponents today.
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Scottish Sun
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Pep Guardiola warns he will swing the axe to trim Man City squad with 17 stars' futures in doubt
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The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Naismith on Rangers' 'hostile' UCL trip and key Martin aim
A trip to face the Athens-based side was one of Naismith's most memorable as a Rangers player for all the right and wrong reasons. "That was one of the most hostile places ever," he said. "It was on the run to the UEFA Cup Final. I remember, even from the warm-up, Gate 13, where the tunnel is. That's where the Ultras are. Naively, I was laughing and joking, coming out for the warm-up. But the next minute, there were glass bottles, coins, all sorts getting launched at us. Every time you went near the tunnel, you had to sprint in and sprint out. It was really hostile, that's my biggest memory of it. The night turned out to be really good for us, with Nacho [Novo] coming on and scoring to make it 1-1. It was a brilliant environment to play in, but very hostile. Read more: "You can talk about an atmosphere but until you're in it and experience it, it's just words. When you do experience it, it's a case of what way are you going? Are you intimidated or do you think this is good? That's the real root of whether you're going to be a success at Rangers or Celtic. It's about mentality. Do you go into that environment and think I'm up for that, I like a bit of this - or do you say, don't give me the ball because I'm scared? If it's the latter, you won't be a success." In drawing Panathinaikos, Rangers missed out on facing Servette of Switzerland and Norwegian champions Brann. "When you look at the teams they could have got, it's definitely the toughest opposition," added Naismith. "On top of that, you've had a takeover, a new manager and a squad rebuild that needs to happen. But as important as Champions League and European success is, if they missed out on this one but made the next 10, that's proper success. You have to understand where Rangers are at. "It's tough for any team competing in Europe. That's the toughest part, how early it is. The Old Firm have both been put out in early rounds in the past. You can train as much as you want and have friendlies - but you can't replicate that intensity of competitive football. It's going to be really difficult." New head coach Russell Martin has yet to dip his hand in European management. His possession-based, attack-minded approach could well set the heather alight in Scotland, although in the Premier League with Southampton, it failed to bear fruit. Ange Postecoglou was criticised for his refusal to switch it up on the European scene while at Celtic and Martin might face similar reproval should he remain stubborn on the continent. Regardless, his systematic style will be beneficial for his squad, according to Naismith. "It definitely makes things easier as a player when the manager has a clear, definite way of playing. "Players want simplicity in terms of their role. The style can be complex but as long as the player can understand it simply, it makes it easier. Russ' style is one that players will enjoy. The players who will find it most challenging are defenders. Because he'll ask them to do certain things and be in certain positions that can be uncomfortable. There will be a higher risk because if you're not in the right position it can be really costly. But every other player will be rubbing their hands because it's so enjoyable. "It's the way you wanted to play football growing up. He's worked on it for five years and has been successful. At every club, he's made them a better team and improved players. The proof of that is the sale of players he's worked with. They've moved on for a profit compared to when he brought them in." As well as playing alongside Martin at Norwich City, Naismith lined up with Max Aarons, who is set to become the new gaffer's first signing, all going well. "Max has got really good attributes. He's a modern-day full-back. He's not the tallest but very comfortable on the ball, quick and dynamic both going forward and defensively. "Probably the biggest thing I remember about Max is his attitude with sport. As a young player he was so deceptive to learn and get better and be better. That's why he got into a good Norwich team in the Championship and into the Premier League and eventually Barca come and ask him for you. That tells you a lot about him. "His career has maybe stumbled recently but he's definitely somebody with a high potential. He's got good experience and he's played at a really good level against some top players. I think he'd be a good signing. I think he's somebody who would raise the quality of the squad. If we go back to the previous remit, he's probably been signing young players and developing them. I think he's somebody who comes in and challenges right away." 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The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Steven Naismith bangs drum for Shankland to Rangers move
Naismith worked with Shankland at Tynecastle and thinks he would fit seamlessly into life in Govan and could play a similar role for Russell Martin as Kris Boyd did under the great Walter Smith. "In one respect, I'm surprised [Rangers haven't made a move for Shankland]," he said. "I'm surprised because I think he's as safe a bet as you're going to get to scoring goals in Scotland. I think what goes against him is probably his mobility and people looking at him. But for me, he's a really intelligent player now. Read more: "He's a good link between midfield and attack as well as a goal scorer. The other dynamic which I think would probably come into any thought of signing him is his age. "He's somebody who's probably seen in and around his prime. I've seen it with Kris Boyd at Rangers, who was probably similar in terms of their goal return. Walter Smith never played him in Europe and never played him in Old Firms. "But Walter Smith was a manager with loads of experience and knew how to handle him. Now I'm not saying Shanks is like-for-like but those are the kind of challenges that you have to think [about]. "I know in one respect it's on a free transfer. But I'm sure Shanks will definitely have some offers because for two seasons he's been unbelievable. "He's really intelligent. Where he picks positions up, his touch. He's got a real finesse about his touch. And then he's got that calmness in the final third that makes him different. "So, I definitely think he could fit in. He fits a lot of the criteria." Shankland has scored 40 goals in his previous two seasons at Hearts. Currently out of contract, it remains to be seen where his future lies. The centre-forward is more than familiar with Rangers and having a key core of players who understand the club, its values, and the unrelenting demand for success, is crucial, according to Naismith. "If you look at the most successful Celtic and Rangers teams, they've had a core group of British players, players that have grown up with an affiliation," he added. "You cannot underestimate how valuable that is. And that's not just guys that start every week. That's guys within the squad that will do anything to be part of the squad. And they might just be coming in as squad players, but a lot of the guys grab the opportunity and take it."
