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R Views
by Ron Norris
Stay Patient

I'm not a patient man. In all areas of life when I want something I want it right away and this extends to Rangers too. Hell when I'm playing Championship Manager if I can't win something quickly I get the urge to start cheating. Like Holloway said I don't want to wait for success, I want it now.
 

This season however, and for possibly the first time in my life, I've been hit with a sense of realism. Although the play off's are still possible, they are looking more and more unlikely every week, normally I would be getting pissed off, but not this season. Normally I would be feeling very down, but not this season. It's not that I've stopped caring, it's not that I don't feel what we all feel when we lose. It's just simply that in a season of so many negatives, I can see a lot to be positive about.

Let's start with Ian Holloway. Jesus most men would have cracked under the immense pressure he must be under, but this man is still going, still as enthusiastic as ever and with an undoubted enormous love of the club. In my opinion he is the best thing that has happened to Rangers for a long time. Can you imagine any of our recent managers cobbling together a half decent squad under the circumstances we find ourselves in? Can you see Gerry Francis coping with what 'Olly has put up with? No. Ray Wilkins, Ray Harford, Stewart Houston? Not at all. I can not think of a better man to be guiding us through this time, yes sometimes I wonder about his tactical savvy, but like everyone at the club he is on a learning curve and will improve. I fail to understand some of the criticism he gets, I can not believe that some people want him out, just who do they think would take the job, let alone do it better? I can't think of anyone.

Let's look at the back room staff, Kenny Jackett's influence has been paramount, 'Olly counts him as his best signing. But it's not just Kenny. From Prav to Waddock we seem to have a complete team all signing from the same hymn sheet. Again credit must go to 'Olly for getting these people together.

Let's look at the playing staff. I would have been delighted to have players of the quality of Forbes, Palmer, Thommo, Ben-Askar, Shittu, Doudou, Gallen etc even if the club was running under normal circumstances but to get all these guys whilst in the situation we are in is remarkable. With the exception of Thommo, and despite our precarious financial position, are there any murmurings that these players want to leave? Not a bit. To me that speaks volumes for the respect they have for 'Olly and his team. When was the last time we could say that?

Let's look at attendances. Our average attendance this season is higher than last, our season ticket sales were the best in a long time and we set records at almost every away ground we visit. Despite what should be a negative time, these are good things and are an immense show of support from all of us.

Let's look at our expectations as fans, we are getting depressed that we are slipping away from the promotion charge. Whilst slipping away is a bad thing, surely the fact we are depressed about shows how far we have come in such a short space of time? Now be honest after spending the summer releasing almost our entire playing staff hands up who would have been happy with a season of consolidation in division two this year? (Yes my hand is up). Now leave your hand up if you are one of the people bemoaning the fact that the wheels are falling off our promotion bid? Yep thought so. I'm not having a pop, I've felt the same as you but sometimes in life you have to sit back and be realistic, this is one of those times. If we finish tenth this season, sure I'll be gutted but I'll also appreciate what an immense achievement that has been. To finish tenth and be disappointed will demonstrate what an amazing job 'Olly, the backroom staff and this young squad have done this season. They have raised our expectations beyond expectation (if you know what I mean).

I'm not saying give up on the play off's. I'm not saying promotion doesn't matter. Promotion could be vital for the clubs financial well-being. All I'm saying is that remember where we were at the start of the season, then look at where we are now. We have come a long way. Yes we have an even longer way to go, but things are going in the right direction and we WILL get there. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not this season, but soon and when we do success will be all the sweeter for the adversity we have suffered.

ron@qprnet.com