I understand that the moment when Simon Murray scored to equalize for Ross County at Ibrox on Wednesday night brought back vivid memories from almost 21 years ago. Specifically, it transported you back to May 25, 2003, a significant date when your team scored six goals against Dunfermline to secure the league title on goal difference, setting up a domestic treble.
Even now, the thought of that moment gives you goosebumps, and you don’t need any excuse to bring it up in conversations. The reason you mention it now is that when Murray scored, you had a flashback to the emotions you felt back then. For a brief instant, Ibrox fell silent, but there was no panic or sense of impending disaster. There was no anxiety among the fans. This reminded you of how you felt on the pitch that day when your team narrowly outperformed Celtic to win the title on the final day of the season.
During that time, there was a strong bond between the players and the supporters. Both parties had trust in each other. The players knew they could rely on the support of the fans, even during the most challenging moments. Achieving such a connection at Rangers is not easy, and I can personally attest to experiencing the opposite scenario. Throughout my career, there were times when I sensed that things were not going well, and the fans were quick to express their dissatisfaction.
The lack of trust from the fans was evident because we were not fulfilling their expectations. Every time we stepped out of the tunnel, you could feel it. However, I was adept at blocking out such distractions. It’s part of my character to focus on my tasks during the game itself rather than allowing myself to be affected by the criticisms from the sidelines.
Nevertheless, even though I could shut it out, I would be dishonest if I claimed that I wasn’t aware of what was happening. I knew we were at risk of testing their patience one too many times. It’s a difficult position to be in. My sole purpose was to bring happiness to those fans when I stepped onto the field. That was the essence of wearing that shirt for me.
The supporters are the heart and soul of Rangers, and they are what make playing for the club such a remarkable experience. There was no greater joy for me than feeling that we had reciprocated their support and given them something to celebrate. However, it was a deeply distressing experience when we knew we were letting down those same fans. I must admit that some of my teammates struggled greatly to cope with the immense pressure and demands.
Despite having thousands of people in the stadium, it can be an incredibly isolating and lonely place when you’re out on the pitch and the connection with the fans just isn’t there, no matter how hard you try to establish it. It’s a feeling of disappointment and frustration when you can’t meet the expectations of the supporters and create that strong bond during the game.
I completely understand the sentiment. When Ibrox is filled with an electric atmosphere and the fans truly believe in the players, it becomes an unparalleled experience. It’s a feeling that makes you feel invincible, like you’re ten feet tall, running around the pitch with immense confidence.
Looking around, taking in the energy, and thinking to yourself, “We’ve got this!” is an incredible sensation. Even though Rangers missed the opportunity to overtake Celtic by just a single goal in their 3-1 victory over Ross County, the fans didn’t express frustration or anger. They recognized that the team had given their all. With over 40 attempts at goal, wave after wave of attacks, 23 shots on target, and 19 saves from the opposing goalkeeper, it was evident that the team was not falling short or letting anyone down. It was simply one of those nights, and the fans could see that with their own eyes.
There were no signs of discontent or a feeling that they had squandered a significant chance to take the lead in the title race. It felt like they had it under control. If someone had told me just four weeks ago that Rangers would wake up on Thursday morning level on points and goal difference with Celtic, I would have thought they were crazy. Therefore, I am delighted with the position the team is currently in, and I can sense the excitement building. It feels like the connection between the players and the fans is back, which is crucial at this stage of the season. Philippe Clement also hinted at a similar sentiment, mentioning that his players didn’t enjoy the lack of support earlier in the season when things were spiraling out of control under the previous manager.
It’s remarkable how much the mood has changed, and Philippe Clement, the big Belgian, has played a significant role in this transformation. Unlike in the past, the fans now have complete confidence in the coaching staff. They trust Clement to make the right decisions at the right times, and more often than not, he delivers.
That’s why there’s no need for panic among the supporters or for the players to dwell on missed scoring opportunities from the previous match. Goals will come, and it’s important to maintain confidence. I’m not suggesting that the league is already won or that it’s Rangers’ title to lose. This race will be a fiercely contested battle that will go down to the wire.
However, what I do believe is that the strong bond between the players and the fans will give Rangers the best chance of going all the way. Similar to the feeling in 2003 when it seemed like we were riding a wave of momentum, we might just witness something very similar between now and May. The connection and unity between the team and the supporters can be a powerful force in driving them towards success.
