BlueMeanie
Well-Known Member
Gers dropped 10 points against Kilmarnock this season and the midfielder is urging his team-mates to right the wrongs of another trophyless season.
Steve Clarke might have teased Rangers fans with his “bye bye” banter but it’s the light blue legions who will be glad to see the back of the Kilmarnock boss.
When Steven Gerrard looks over where his side’s title challenge faltered games against the Ayrshiremen will feature high on the list.
A final-day loss at Rugby Park meant Rangers failed to record a single Premiership victory against Killie and dropped 10 points against the side who finished third.
Gerrard did manage an emphatic Scottish Cup win and a League Cup victory over his former Liverpool coach but it’s safe to say Gers supporters won’t lose too much sleep over Clarke’s departure for Scotland.
Their two defeats at Rugby Park followed morale-boosting Old Firm wins at Ibrox and immediately cancelled out the hard-fought three points against the champions.
And Gers midfielder Ryan Jack said: “In certain games we didn’t show up – like Sunday and the previous one at Rugby Park where we were level on points at the top of the table after the winter break.
“We started badly and never really recovered from that. If you’re going to win leagues you need to come to places like Rugby Park, Easter Road, Pittodrie and take full points.
“We’ve shown we have the ability in the squad to win big games but it’s showing that consistently.
“We did it towards the end of the season but as everyone is trying to make a thing of, there’s no pressure then and you’re playing for pride so we need to do that more consistently throughout the season.
“Part of it is down to mentality. I’ve played in the league a long time so I know what it’s like going to Rugby Park, Easter Road and Tynecastle and they are tough grounds to go to.
“You can’t just turn up and think because you’re Rangers you’re going to win the game. You have to be fully focused and if you aren’t fully focused or switched on results like Sunday’s defeat will happen.
“But the group of players and the run we’ve been on gives me optimism for next season. We’ve shown what we are capable of and the staff we’ve got behind us gives me real hope.
“We’re disappointed obviously to end the season with a defeat and it was a chance missed to make history because there was a lot of talk about no team having won all their post-split fixtures.
“But at the same time it’s hard to have too many complaints because we’ve been on a good run and it just wasn’t to be on the day for us.”
Jack admits Gers face a big summer but not as big as a year ago when former Gerrard had to carry out major changes on and off the park.
He said: “I believe we’ve come a long way and I’m convinced we can challenge for trophies next season because we’re 12 months on and as a staff and group of players we have worked together and know each other better.
“I’m sure there will be more player changes in the summer but it’s about getting focused, coming back for pre-season. The European games come thick and fast so it’s important we’re ready to hit the ground running.”
Steve Clarke might have teased Rangers fans with his “bye bye” banter but it’s the light blue legions who will be glad to see the back of the Kilmarnock boss.
When Steven Gerrard looks over where his side’s title challenge faltered games against the Ayrshiremen will feature high on the list.
A final-day loss at Rugby Park meant Rangers failed to record a single Premiership victory against Killie and dropped 10 points against the side who finished third.
Gerrard did manage an emphatic Scottish Cup win and a League Cup victory over his former Liverpool coach but it’s safe to say Gers supporters won’t lose too much sleep over Clarke’s departure for Scotland.
Their two defeats at Rugby Park followed morale-boosting Old Firm wins at Ibrox and immediately cancelled out the hard-fought three points against the champions.
And Gers midfielder Ryan Jack said: “In certain games we didn’t show up – like Sunday and the previous one at Rugby Park where we were level on points at the top of the table after the winter break.
“We started badly and never really recovered from that. If you’re going to win leagues you need to come to places like Rugby Park, Easter Road, Pittodrie and take full points.
“We’ve shown we have the ability in the squad to win big games but it’s showing that consistently.
“We did it towards the end of the season but as everyone is trying to make a thing of, there’s no pressure then and you’re playing for pride so we need to do that more consistently throughout the season.
“Part of it is down to mentality. I’ve played in the league a long time so I know what it’s like going to Rugby Park, Easter Road and Tynecastle and they are tough grounds to go to.
“You can’t just turn up and think because you’re Rangers you’re going to win the game. You have to be fully focused and if you aren’t fully focused or switched on results like Sunday’s defeat will happen.
“But the group of players and the run we’ve been on gives me optimism for next season. We’ve shown what we are capable of and the staff we’ve got behind us gives me real hope.
“We’re disappointed obviously to end the season with a defeat and it was a chance missed to make history because there was a lot of talk about no team having won all their post-split fixtures.
“But at the same time it’s hard to have too many complaints because we’ve been on a good run and it just wasn’t to be on the day for us.”
Jack admits Gers face a big summer but not as big as a year ago when former Gerrard had to carry out major changes on and off the park.
He said: “I believe we’ve come a long way and I’m convinced we can challenge for trophies next season because we’re 12 months on and as a staff and group of players we have worked together and know each other better.
“I’m sure there will be more player changes in the summer but it’s about getting focused, coming back for pre-season. The European games come thick and fast so it’s important we’re ready to hit the ground running.”
