Rangers suffer a massive own goal as exciting new Ibrox constructions emerge.

Rangers suffer a massive own goal as exciting new Ibrox constructions emerge.

Barry Ferguson believes that having to play away from Ibrox for the first month of next season could be disastrous for Rangers.

Ferguson said in his Daily Record column (22 June) that, as Philippe Clement attempts to get his first full season off to a winning start, the club’s temporary relocation is “a huge own goal”.

Due to delayed redevelopments to the Copland Road Stand, the stadium will be unavailable throughout August, forcing the Gers to play their opening league matches and two rounds of Champions League qualifiers away [Stephen McGowan, 22 June].

Ferguson stated, “(Clement) would be desperate to see his new-look squad get off to a flying start in the Premiership, bringing belief and confidence into the Champions League qualifiers.

“It was a difficult enough challenge without having to give up home advantage.

“There’s no getting away from it, it’s a huge own goal and one Clement could really do without.”

Rangers cannot afford to be derailed by Ibrox debacle

After their end-of-season form plummeted, ultimately handing Celtic the Scottish Premiership title last season, Clement requires a solid start to the current season more than ever.

With Champions League qualifying also on the line in the first few weeks, Clement may face instant criticism if efforts on all fronts do not go smoothly.

As a result, having to play for weeks at a time away from their long-time home is not ideal preparation, with moves to Hampden Park and perhaps Murrayfield considered.

Early rumors that Hampden was off the table have been debunked in a subsequent update, with avoiding a move to a completely other city being the optimum option for Ibrox fans [Andy Newport, 20 June].

Regardless of where they finish up, Clement’s mission remains the same: start the new season with all guns blazing, assure Champions League qualifying, and prevent Celtic from gaining any momentum in a title fight that is already shaping up to be a close contest.

In other Rangers news, the club has confirmed the departure of another goalkeeper this summer.

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