Our Cup Runneth Over?

[Super_Ally 0]

Before and after this midweek�s 7-2 destruction of Dunfermline I have been discussing the impact of the domestic cup competitions on our biggest target, league trophies and European football. As a Ranger; fan, player or manager, we demand success in every competition. In every match. We have reasserted domestic superiority, winning 6 of the 9 trophies Smith and his management team have been able to compete for and this season we are chasing three-in-a-row.

 

Our record in the domestic cups has been almost flawless since Walter Smith and Ally McCoist returned home and restored Rangers to our rightful position in Scottish football. Having rejoined a club already knocked out of both domestic cups and trailing in the league, it was not until his first full season (2007/8) back in charge that Smith could compete for silverware. And what a season it was, a European final, two domestic cups and narrowly missing out on the SPL title thanks to a lack of integrity of the league�s governing body and other member clubs.

 

In the following season (2008/9) Nacho Novo secured Scottish Cup number 33 to sit proudly in the trophy room with the SPL title. We were unfortunate to lose out on a domestic treble with an extra time defeat in the league cup final.

 

Earlier this year in March we regained the League Cup trophy continuing our dominance of that competition, once again completing a league and cup double last season. Our defence of the Scottish Cup was unsuccessful, losing out to Dundee United after a quarter final replay; leading on to the inspiration for this piece.

 

Under the guidance of Smith, or McCoist (it is not entirely clear who has been in charge throughout these competitions), we have 2 Scottish Cups, 2 League Cups lost one league cup final and one Scottish Cup quarter final replay. But that is only half the story.

 

In that phenomenal 07/08 season we contested a mammoth 68 competitive games, including a 5th round Scottish Cup replay against Hibs, a Quarter Final replay against Partick and a Semi Final eventually won on penalties after extra-time against St. Johnstone. The League Cup was also only won against Dundee United following penalties.

 

In what could have been an unrivalled season we quite rightly cast accusations against the SPL and its member clubs for the way in which were hamstrung in our attempt to win a European trophy and regain some pride and recognition for our national football. We must, though, also accept that taking our eye off the ball in the Cups and often against lower league opposition did not help our own cause. It has been a worrying trend in Walter�s second tenure.

 

The following season, 2008/9, we required extra time and a fantastic Pedro Mendes� strike to finally see off Partick Thistle at Firhill. Once more stuttering against lower league opposition, if not quite as apathetic as the season past.

 

A worrying lack of concentration and adherence to the task at hand continued last season. Hamilton Accies took us to a replay at Ibrox in the 4th round of the Scottish Cup. Again in the 5th round we edged out St Mirren in a replay with a solitary Boyd strike in the 86th minute. Perhaps it is an inability to take the Cup seriously that finally caught with the players as Dundee united knocked us out at the quarter final stage, despite having led 3-1 in the original tie. Costing us a shot at a treble for the second time in consecutive seasons. League Cup success was achieved more straightforwardly and of course with just 9 men as a fine Kenny Miller strike returned the trophy home to Ibrox.

 

So, in spite of our current dominance of the domestic scene, I was sweating over whether or not to include Rangers in a midweek coupon. Could we be trusted to dispose of lower league opposition in the regulation time limit? Would we need a replay? Penalties? Would we succumb to shock defeat? Recent seasons have taught me not to dismiss lower league opposition, not least the Pars (who defeated Rangers in Durrant�s only game in charge and are a match for much of the SPL).

 

Nine goals later and you make think "what are you worried about"? Was Tuesday�s game a sign that we are no longer treating this competition lightly? Our team selection might suggest otherwise. Smith has been loath to throw many youngsters into these so called lesser competitions or to juggle his selections too much. Often the meat of the SPL and Champions League team has contested the cup competitions too. As has been the case these past few seasons, we have been told to expect more squad rotation and more reliance on youths. It has, however, not always been forthcoming.

 

It was, therefore, a pleasant surprise to see the likes of Kyle Hutton shine in midfield, many fans man of the match. Andy Little played from the start at right back and young Greg Wylde got a late run out. Fringe men such as Kyle Lafferty, probably not part of our strongest first XI, staked a huge claim with a hat trick.

 

So what was the difference this midweek? A more professional approach from players and management alike? Walter Smith taking over control of first team affairs once more and no longer delegating to McCoist? A more sensible approach to squad rotation? Plain old lady luck?

 

Perhaps only a sustained run in both the League and Scottish Cup will tell us more; however I will be keen to see us continue to dismiss lower league opposition without the embarrassment of routine replays, extra time and penalties.

 

As stated at the outset, we have a more then enviable record in the past 3 seasons. Indeed it is success akin to our NIAR dominance of Scottish football. So once again, you may be asking why the fuss? However, as alluded to earlier, all these additional games, the energy sapping extra-time midweek in between testing SPL fixtures, can prove detrimental to our league title challenge and quest to ensure CL football in successive seasons.

 

League trophies are critical to our future. To ensure we continue to reign as top dogs in Scotland, to maintain our reputation and to grant us entry into the Champions League providing us with the prestige of competing against Europe�s elite and the financial bounty it provides.

 

If we want to avoid the fixture pile up of 07/08, contributed to in part by our inability to see of inferior, lower league opposition at the first attempt then we must continue with the attitude and team selection that served us so well against Dunfermline. We must make the fullest use of our squad, admittedly made difficult by the lack of experienced numbers and blood the impressive youngsters we have desperate to make the breakthrough at Ibrox.