Chris Jack European final is just reward for fans who have suffered
THIS is their chance, their moment and their time. Their dream could become their reality. All of the above is true for Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his players. But the same is applicable, perhaps even more so, to the fans who have followed them near and far through a European run that will, one way or the other, come to an end in Seville this evening.
If it culminates in triumph, one of the most remarkable stories in sport will have another chapter with a glorious ending. This one would be the most wonderful of all as the heroes of 55 attempt to become Europa League legends.
The winning of the Premiership title last season was an emotional, evocative moment for a club and a support who have enjoyed and endured collectively and individually. In a matter of hours, it could be topped.
Indeed, a win in Seville would arguably surpass any achievement of any Scottish side and those that witness it will have their own “I was there” occasion to tell the generations that follow in their footsteps.
Many of those who have travelled to Spain by train, plane or automobile or will watch on from afar will have been raised on stories of Baxter and Greig, Wallace and Walter. They will be adults of ninein-row or children of Helicopter Sunday.
Some will have endured the darkest days in Rangers’ history as the club and support recovered in the aftermath of the Ibrox Disaster and lived through the years of uncertainty and heartache during the long, difficult rise from the Third Division back to the Premiership.
If it hadn’t been for their loyalty and their support – both emotionally and financially – then Rangers would not have survived. Today, Rangers thrive and have their sights set on European silverware for only the second time in a storied history.
It is a tale that includes the distressing and controversial chapters of their financial collapse and the fallout of 2012, of the boardroom war that lasted three years and the rebuild – on and off the park – that saw huge amounts of time, money and effort both invested and wasted.
From Brechin to Progres, from Ramsdens Cup embarrassment to Old Firm humiliation, there is no support who have lived through more, who have suffered as many body blows. Yet, time after time, they kept coming back for more as they refused to be beaten, vowed to never give up on the quest to see their club restored to its former glory.
When 55 was won last March and celebrated again in May, the outpouring told of the scale of the achievement. Many recalled their own part in the fight, while others remembered the absent friends who saw Rangers suffer but never succeed once again.
Tonight, those same thoughts will be in the minds of supporters as they gather at home or abroad and prepare for the biggest night in Rangers’ history.
It was said that if Rangers played on the streets then they would support from the pavements. After giving Ibrox its most famous occasion a fortnight ago, fans will now witness history being made in Seville.
It is an opportunity that Van Bronckhorst and his staff and players have earned the hard way. It is a fitting moment, one of the proudest nights of their lives, never mind their careers.
But this one is really for the fans. It is a reward for their passion and their sacrifice, their backing and their investment, and it would be churlish of anyone to suggest that they don’t deserve these 90 minutes and are owed them by the sporting gods.
There are many characters throughout the tale who merit recognition, those who played their part in rescuing the club, their club, from the hands of those who were not fit to hold office at Ibrox and who would never have allowed Rangers to flourish in the manner that they have done in recent years.
From the day that Dave King, Paul Murray and John Gilligan raised their hands in unison and celebration, it became a matter of when rather than if Rangers would be crowned champions for a 55th time. European triumph was never on the agenda, however, and the script could never have been written.
Rangers can now dare to dream. The challenge of Frankfurt will not be underestimated or dismissed, but Van Bronckhorst’s side can fancy their chances when they stride out at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan and hear that spine-tingling anthem for the final time this season.
Come the final whistle in Seville, those who have followed them could be crowning new heroes and bestowing legendary status on a squad that stands on the verge of history, who could have their names and deeds spoken about for decades to come.
Van Bronckhorst has already joined Ibrox royalty by leading Rangers to a European final and now he can surpass Scot Symon and Walter Smith as he seeks to join Willie Waddell in achieving something special on the European stage. Even for a man with his glittering track record in the game, lifting the silverware in Seville would be a feat to truly cherish.
Van Bronckhorst may not have lived through the troubles at Ibrox, but he is appreciative of the struggle and well aware of just what the club and the support have endured. He is cognizant, too, of the office he holds and what it means to follow in such illustrious footsteps as he targets a victory that would mean so much to so many.
The message from the fans has been “make us dream”. Now, the very least Rangers can do is make them proud in
Seville.