Paul Murray: I shed a tear when Rangers were confirmed as Scottish Premiership champions

Former Rangers director Paul Murray reflects on Sunday’s high emotion following confirmation of a 55th Scottish league title triumph:
By Paul Murray, Ex-Rangers director
Published 12th Mar 2021, 12:27 GMT
Ryan Kent of Rangers is congratulated by team mates after scoring his sides opening goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and St Mirren at Ibrox Stadium last SaturdayRyan Kent of Rangers is congratulated by team mates after scoring his sides opening goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and St Mirren at Ibrox Stadium last Saturday
Ryan Kent of Rangers is congratulated by team mates after scoring his sides opening goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and St Mirren at Ibrox Stadium last Saturday

“Last Sunday was a very emotional day for all of us, who have fought hard over the last 10 years, to return Rangers Football Club to its rightful position at the top of Scottish football.

“For me, the main emotion was one of pride, followed by relief and joy.

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“I don’t mind saying that I shed a tear, when the result came in from Tannadice Park in Dundee confirming Rangers as Scottish Premiership champions.

“When we effected Ibrox boardroom change in 2015, we faced an enormous challenge to rebuild the club.

“In short, every aspect of the club was broken - the commercial side, the infrastructure and, of course, the most important...the playing side.

“The crucial factor after 2015 was that every member of the Ibrox board was a Rangers supporter so we were all pulling in the same direction.

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“It has been a journey over the last six years - from the initial scoreless draw with Cowdenbeath (who had lost to Hearts by 10-0 the previous weekend) to becoming SPFL champions exactly six years later.

“There have been ups and downs and mistakes made, but they have all been honest mistakes, made by people who had the best interests of Rangers Football Club at heart.

“I left the Board in May 2018 and you have to say that the current Board deserves huge credit for what they have achieved.

“They have supported the club financially through thick and thin, stood up to enormous challenges and, now, delivered success.

“The decision to appoint Steven Gerrard was inspired.

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“Every football manager appointment is a gamble, particularly an inexperienced one, but what the Board saw, apart from his stellar playing career, were the personal attributes and professionalism that could galvanise the team on the pitch.

“Those attributes - complemented by the support of his excellent coaching team, the rest of the support functions in the club and financial backing - put in place the building blocks which have now delivered success.

“There is a real unity of purpose within the club now and a solid foundation to build upon.

“There is also still much to play for this season - the Europa League, the Scottish Cup and the chance to go through a season without defeat.

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“Finally, a word on the fans - Rangers fans in Scotland, across the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) and globally...wuite simply, the club would not have survived without their unwavering support.

“To get 50,000 crowds at Ibrox in the bottom tier of Scottish football was staggering.

“This title is one for all the supporters to really enjoy.

“Rangers are back and that is a great source of pride for all of us.

“Best regards and take care.”

Related topics:Scottish Premiership