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"Rangers: No European Action = Domestic Triumph?"

Rangers' Disaster and Scottish Premiere Preview

Last season their European campaign ran from July to August. Along the way there were the highs of thrashing Lyon in France to the lows of being thrashed by Lyon at home.

A Champions League Group stage third place finish ensured that Rangers remained in Europe and by variations of knockouts, submissions and boring teams to death; the blue side of Glasgow made it to the Uefa Cup final.

However, that was in 2007/08 and 2008/09 tells a very different story for Rangers and their fans.

Manchester may still be trying to put together some of the damage caused by “boisterous” Rangers fans after the final but the rest of European cities can breathe easily as Rangers are out of Europe for the season ahead. Their campaign lasted less than a week as the luck that carried them far last year deserted them this season.

A Home Draw Followed Last Season's Script
Taking a 0-0 draw to Lithuania to face Kaunas, the exploits of last years campaign was repeatedly mentioned and when Kevin Thomson scored for Rangers, it looked plain sailing. Rangers didn’t lose many goals away from Ibrox in Europe last year and at that point Kaunas needed to score two. Right on half-time they got a lifeline when a free-kick was hammered home. Alan McGregor in goals will be rueing trying to make a TV save instead of going for the ball normally but even then, most people expected Rangers to see it through.

A Multitude of Excuses
With a few minutes left, another dead ball was their undoing and three Rangers players on the line could only watch as the winner snuck home between them.

The moans and cries of playing too many games was a constant sound from Ibrox last season, it won’t be one that will be heard too often this season. Ironically enough, a lack of match sharpness was cited as a reason for Rangers poor performances. Given that a few months ago, too many games were given as the excuse for blowing a league title that was in the bag, its hard to predict how many games a professional team needs to play to be in optimum shape.

Of course, this is the second embarrassment to hit Scottish football in Europe this season as Hibs were destroyed in the Intertoto Cup in a tie that seems like a very long time ago. With two teams out of Europe before the major clubs have even looked into their travel plans, what lies in store for Scottish football this season?

Can Rangers Bounce Back to Triumph Domestically?
There may be a twist to the Rangers story and this early knock-out could be the catalyst for domestic triumph. Without the burden of too many European games, the squad should be fresher and better equipped to deal with their league campaign and assault on the cups. With around £8m in new players brought in already, Rangers would say they have strengthened their squad.

Of course, there is a long way until the window shuts and with a gaping Champions League hole in the clubs finances, expect players to be on their way out. There has been some debate about the real reason Carlos Cuellar missed out on the Kaunas matches. Injury was the official reason but many are wondering if he may be sold to make up for the deficit of European cash. With a bundle of forwards likely to be sat on the bench, there is every chance there will be more out than in at Ibrox for the rest of the month.

Champions Celtic have not did much to strengthen their squad either so far this summer. Last seasons loan signing Giorgio Samaras was brought in officially and Paddy McCourt, an exciting talent from Ireland has been brought to the first team squad. At the moment there are no great expectations being placed on McCourt but supposedly he is a skilful player comfortable on the wing.

Will Celtic Cash in On Rival's Misfortune?
News of Ranger's capitulation against Kaunas guarantees Celtic all the money from the Champions League TV pot for Scotland so the club will have more money to spend with. There have been some frustrations amongst the fans at the lack of signings but the last ditch league victory has kept many buoyant and the news of Rangers dismal showing will boost the confidence of Celtic fans further.

A lot depends on how Rangers bounce back. If they come back determined to make up for this defeat and know they have a lot of free midweek evenings to allow rest and recovery time, they have a real chance of stealing back Celtic’s title. However, if the morale dips and the books have to be balanced it could be a very long season for the fans at Ibrox.

And what of the rest? It has already been said how poorly Hibs have started so Motherwell are the only other SPL team to still have European football to look forward to. 1st division Queen of the South have their first ever European match coming up but not many people are expecting them to triumph. It is definitely going to be year of domestic action and interest for Scottish football fans.

Tangerines the Team to Beat?
Aberdeen had a strong finish to clinch fourth place but Dundee United seem to be most peoples tip to clinch third place and possibly split Celtic and Rangers. New signing Sandanza has already banged in a few goals in pre season friendly matches and could provide the attacking spark to ensure Noel Hunt is not missed.

If you are looking for an outside team to make an impact, Falkirk appear well placed to have their best SPL season. Managed by John ‘Yogi’ Hughes, the club have played attractive football in recent years but have added some experience to their squad this summer. Jackie McNamara and Neil McCann should add a calming influence to the team and do not be surprised if Falkirk force their way into the top 6.

A few teams could be involved in the relegation dogfight. Many will be expecting newly promoted Hamilton Academicals to go straight back down but they have a young exciting squad who may surprise some people. There would be no great loss to Scottish football if any team from Kilmarnock, St Mirren or Inverness Caledonian Thistle finished bottom of the heap. These teams have been slowly sucking the life out of football for the past few seasons and although all operate on a tight budget, there isn’t a lot of fun and enjoyment when these teams are in town.

It All Begins This Saturday
Saturday the 9th of August is when the SPL comes back to life and there are so many talking points before a ball has even been kicked. How will Rangers cope with life after Kaunas? Will Celtic spend more in their quest for 4 in a row? Can Motherwell emulate Aberdeen in making the Uefa Cup group stages? Which clubs will pack the top 6 and who is looking at a drop down to Division One?

Nothing is going to be decided this early on but with so few points between key placings last season, a team who gets off to a good start may find their outlook is changed dramatically for the season ahead.

for The Silver Circle at www.footballtip.co.uk

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