Winning a 34th Scottish Cup means a deserved reward for Rangers. Having returned home to Glasgow to face Hearts in the 137th Scottish Cup final, the Light Blues were desperate for a title.
Some 100,000 of their fans had travelled to Seville for the UEFA Europa League final, from all directions. Maybe a quarter of that number was present at Hampden Park. And they were imploring their team to deliver a victory.
So the Scottish Cup win means redemption and fulfilment for Rangers after an epic campaign.
Scottish Cup Success for Rangers
Would Rangers Recover From Seville?
Doubts surrounded whether the Gers would recover from a debilitating defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. The Scottish fans had to endure stifling conditions in Spain, with very limited refreshments. And their team had to battle through extra-time in 34 degrees, followed by the trauma of losing a penalty shootout.
Not only did they recover but they dominated Hearts for most of the Scottish Cup final. Ultimately prevailing as the stronger side in yet another period of extra time. As in their progress to a European final the players showed tremendous resilience and determination.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst Might Need to Rebuild
The Dutch coach can gain considerable credit for building on the work of Steven Gerrard and for going agonisingly close to achieving a rare Scottish European triumph.
He can also glory in overseeing Rangers’ first Scottish Cup victory since 2009 – too long a break for a team such as the Light Blues. But, he will have to cope with the inevitable personnel changes prior to the start of next season.
40-year-old goalie Allan McGregor made a brief cameo at Hampden before his likely departure. Loanee Aaron Ramsey will also leave. Defenders Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun plus the much-coveted Calvin Bassey are other names on teams’ shopping lists. And ex-coach Steven Gerrard has snapped up goalscoring teenager Rory Wilson.
But the Gers will seek to welcome back strikers Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe. Plus they can celebrate the recognition given to Ryan Kent, Bassey, and captain/goalscorer James Tavernier, who all made it into the UEFA Europa League Team of the Year.
A successful season means key players may often move on, so that will present a challenge for van Bronckhorst.
What the Scottish Cup Win Means for Gers
It means fulfilment for an epic season for Rangers. It means they were rewarded for showing resilience and determination to deliver a title for their worldwide fanbase. When they had gone so close to a very rare European crown.
At home in Glasgow, their fans celebrated and they can look forward to another European campaign. And probably another domestic title.
Guided by a coach who has the credentials to deliver even more success. Expect his name to continue to ring out at Ibrox.
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