New Rangers heroes can inspire a generation
IT is the season where heroes have been made, a cherished title has been won and a generation of fans have savoured an experience that will last a lifetime.
In the coming weeks, history could repeat itself for Rangers. Where Steven Gerrard’s side have led, Malky Thomson and his side look to follow.
The chance to challenge for leagues and silverware was one of the attractions for Lizzie Arnot when she made the move from Manchester United to Rangers last summer.
The deal for the striker was a show of ambition from Rangers as they geared up for the battle with Celtic and attempted to overthrow a dominant Glasgow City.
Victory over the side that sit top of the SWPL1 this afternoon would be a sign of intent. The opportunity is there for the women’s side to bask in their own glory this term.
Arnot said: “It was really exciting to know that they were going professional and to see the journey that they wanted to go on. It was something that I wanted to be part of, so when I got the opportunity I was delighted. The professional set-up is amazing.
“It has obviously been a bit harder with Covid, but credit to everyone at the club and the staff, they have made sure that we have had the best support on and off the pitch.
“The detail is so important leading up to games and that is there for us so that we can perform at our best. I think we are in a very privileged position that we have been able to go back and get tested and continue playing.
“It is an important game on Sunday and it is a big three points for both teams. For a team and a club like Rangers, the aim has to be to win trophies and that is our goal.
“Being around the club and seeing what the men have done, if we could follow in their footsteps and do the same then it would be amazing for the club, the fans and everyone involved. It is obviously an inspiration for us, we want to do that and hopefully we can create a bit of history. It would be great to be a part of that.”
The achievement of a first SWPL1 title would be a notable and important one for Rangers this term and the dream could soon become a reality.
Arnot and her team-mates have a chance to act as role models and become inspiring figures in their own right whilst there is a feel-good factor across the club and support. And the 25-year-old hopes supporters are enthused by the efforts of the women’s team as Rangers look to grow on and off the park in the coming seasons.
“When people say that, it does sometimes feel a bit surreal,” Arnot said. “We just grew up with a love of the game and it was always the aspiration to be playing at the highest level.
“I suppose it is not until you get asked that question that you sit back and you realise that you are in that position to help inspire girls and to be a role model. I think a lot of us don’t need to change, that is just who we are. We are hard working, we are respectful and all those things. If any young player saw that and saw us going about our daily business, it wouldn’t be a matter of us just putting on a front.”
The investment in players, people and processes at Auchenhowie is part of a blueprint from Rangers to become a force in the women’s game at domestic and European level.
Celtic have gone down the same path of professionalism and Arnot hopes it is the start of something special for the game in Scotland as women’s football continues to rise in standards and popularity.
“That is what we are all aiming for,” Arnot said. “It is still not perfect and we would want the league to all be professional but I think it has got to start somewhere and if clubs can start doing that then other teams will need to keep up and it will catch on.
“That can only be good for the women’s game and that is the most important thing.”
For a team and a club like Rangers, the aim has to be to win trophies and that is our goal