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Keep Believing 

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By Sheryl Ritchie

‘Keep Believing’.  A phrase that has become somewhat of a ‘catchphrase’ for us Rangers fans over the last 15 years or so.  First aired on a banner at Easter Road 2005, when Rangers did the unthinkable and won the League title in the final minutes of a pulsating ‘Helicopter Sunday’, it’s a phrase that has been kept alive through ex-player and spiritual, cult hero Marvin Andrews.  No sooner had the final whistle sounded, after an INCREDIBLE night of drama at Ibrox Stadium, Marvin had continued to spread his love of God and all things Rangers FC as he declared;

‘When you believe, all things are possible to them that believe’ #keepbelieving

Such a simple statement, such a beautiful way to live your life and above all a very important message to all of us, who have dared question the hunger, character and belief of this Giovanni Van Bronckhorst Rangers team, as they powered into the Europa League Final after defeating RB Leipzig 3-2 on aggregate.  For some, this outcome seemed unlikely a few months ago, for others it was simply unbelievable but, to listen to Gio speak, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was all part of the plan.

‘It always starts with belief’ said the Manager, ‘not just in football but, with anything in life, you have to believe, you have to work towards your goals. No matter what your goal, go give everything, go ‘all in’.  For me the most pleasing thing tonight was the performance.  Of course, the result too but, first you have to give the best performance you can give and then it will come to you.’ 

Of course Gio has been around the block in this game long enough to know that, you need to have a little bit more than just ‘positive thoughts’ to win football matches, of this magnitude but, the way the team responded to the 70th minute set-back from Christopher Nkunku (to level the tie) is now becoming synonymous with Rangers in Europe, as John Lundstram calmly side-footed the winner with only ten minutes to play.  It’s been quite the season for Lundstram.  Red-carded against Malmo earlier in the season and struggling for form (as well as minutes on the pitch), his rejuvenation to become one of the first names on Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s team sheet has been quite something.

‘The goal from John gave us the belief, well not only the belief because that was already there but, the energy and power to get through the last minutes.  John has played so many roles at the moment.  His development this season has been amazing and I know what he can bring to the team and he definitely has the character to play for this team.  This is a team that doesn’t avoid the duels and we know the character of this team.’ 

Put simply, Lundstram was IMMENSE, firstly deployed as a right-sided centre back before being shifted further forward, he led from the front all night, ably assisted by Calvin Bassey and ‘talisman’ James Tavernier. It was a night for grit; it was a night for determination and didn’t the capacity Ibrox crowd respond in kind?  Having been lucky enough to attend some magical nights at Ibrox over the years, I never thought it would be possible to beat the cauldron of noise as the teams emerged v Leeds Utd but, it has now happened.  The stadium was absolutely ROCKING, as mission ‘Stenny to Seville’ was finally completed, ten long years after it started, to what can only be described as a ‘frenzy’ when the referee blew the final whistle.  Gio paid tribute the light blues legions.

‘I’m very proud of my team and for the fans.  I played so many games here as a player and now since November as manager and the atmosphere was just incredible.  If I look back at my European nights at Ibrox, one always comes to mind and that’s the night we beat Parma (in 1999) and I think the atmosphere was like that today.  It’s a proud moment and that’s why you work hard, I said it many times, you work hard to create moments like that tonight.’ 

Leipzig coach Tedesco paid a similar tribute to the Ibrox Crowd as he gave a classy interview post-match.

‘Congratulations to Rangers, they can be proud of their performance.  The crowd can be proud of their performance too, it’s the best I’ve ever seen I think’ 

For Gio and his team, they take the plaudits tonight but, a born winner like him knows only too well that the job still isn’t done.  The manager spoke honestly a few weeks ago about the pain of losing a World Cup Final so, whilst he is ecstatic to get there, it’s quite clear that Rangers are going to Seville to do more than just make up the numbers.  There is a steely determination about GVB and he was quick to point out that the celebrations remained grounded, after the sad passing of much-loved kit-man Jimmy Bell this week.

‘To be manager of team that plays a European final is amazing but, we’ve just been working hard to prepare the team after the sad news they had about Jimmy.   We had to adjust our preparation which was the right thing to do but, I knew the players we ready.  They were so motivated to win this game for a number of reasons.  You can see the celebrations at the end which we continued into the locker room but, we also took a moment to let it sink in and to have a toast to Jimmy, who I’m sure was looking down on us.  We toasted his life and his achievements and we will miss him for the rest of our lives’ 

Rangers now go into the matches with Dundee Utd and Ross County with a MASSIVE spring in their step.  It’ll be a chance to rest some weary legs ahead of two huge Cup Finals and this Gers team date with destiny will be here before they know it.  It’s a game every single one of them will be desperate to play in, and there really is a belief that we can go all the way and bring that trophy back.  In the meantime, it’s up to all of us to work out if we are flying, driving or even swimming to Seville as the blue invasion begins in earnest.

We are Rangers!

We are on our way!

We will KEEP BELIEVING!

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