Even Rangers manager Philippe Clement must suspect he is not going to have a quiet Christmas.
Not only are there plenty games for him to keep his mind on but pressure is mounting every moment rivals as Celtic hold a sizeable lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. The Belgian manager has reeled in Jimmy Thelin's Aberdeen and can now set their focus on chasing down Brendan Rodger's troops. There is still a long way to go in the race and many Govan supporters will wish to put 2024 behind them. A poor summer window and first half of the season domestically has been merged with turmoil in the boardroom, with the Ibrox rotating door a source of ire from all in light blue.
However, the Rangers faithful will be dreaming of a return to glory this season. For a bit of fun, Record Sport has come up with five things every fanatic would love to find under their Christmas tree this year.
New signings
Clement confirmed Rangers will not be able to keep Vaclav Cerny at the end of the season unless there is some dramatic change in the club’s financial situation. On loan from Wolfsburg, the Czech international has been electric but would fetch a fee of £6m-£10m. Perhaps a loan extension could be announced next month to keep the winger at Ibrox.
The club will be in need of a centre back with Panamanian defender Jose Cordoba slipping from their grasp in the summer in favour of a move to Norwich. Experienced Spaniard Joan Jordan was on the cusp of signing on the dotted line to replace John Lundstram in the number six position. That is a hole still needing filled. Rangers are also in need of left-wing options as Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes are both inconsistent and Danilo is more natural down the middle.
Settled hierarchy
Former Manchester United director Sean Jefferson is reportedly set to be appointed as the new Chief Commercial Officer in January on an interim basis. There has been a number of changes behind the scenes at Ibrox with Nils Koppen named the new sporting director at Ibrox before Patrick Stewart came in the door as chief executive offers to replace James Bisgrove after his exit to Saudi Arabia in the summer.
Fraser Thornton was also announced as chairman as he took over from John Gilligan who had been at the helm on an interim basis. The big wigs NEED to link up fast and calm the permanent storm around the club. They will need time to gel, but few are granted that at the Old Firm club.
Old Firm win
Celtic have had the bragging in rights in recent times but 2025 could be a clean sheet for the Gers. Their New Year's resolution has been decided for them - beat the Hoops at Ibrox on January 2. Full stop. If the Light Blues can beat the unbeaten Scottish Premiership side it would be their first win over their Parkhead rivals in EIGHT games. It would provide a massive morale boost and help claw back the points deficit and ignite remote talk of an unlikely title push. Lose and - well - there won't be nine ladies dancing anywhere in Govan at full time.
Rangers Thursdays
Due to the expanded year of UEFA Europa League the group phase continues in the New Year. It guarantees European football until the end of January with the knockout stages well within Rangers' grasp. Gers are in a commanding position to go through in the top eight positions after a barnstorming 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Ibrox. Hamza Igamane and Dejan Kulusevski got the goals in the midst of a raucous atmosphere. Big wins against FSCB and Nice have also wet the appetite for Thursday nights and have fans dreaming of another deep run into the competition. The final perhaps?
Scottish Cup glory
The Scottish League Cup Final defeat to Celtic has had a fallout unlike most others. The 119 being claimed by the Hoops after an absorbing penalty shootout was quickly overshadowed by disastrous VAR controversy . Not only did it potentially change the trajectory of the game but put a serious spotlight on the level of officiating in the Scottish top flight. The past is the past however and Rangers still have two shots a redemption. With the league and unlikely target the Scottish Cup will bring an added spark to any Ibrox fans. Rangers lost 1-0 to Celtic in the 2024 showpiece at Hampden and last clinched the trophy in 2022. If they are to get that feeling back they have to start with a win against Fraserburgh in the fourth round on January 19.
