Hi Brian,
Very good points... As has been said before, in terms of Rangers trying to catch Celtic, it'll largely come down to how much money Gerrard will be given to spend on the team - and he'll need PLENTY, in order to try and take the title from Celtic, who incidentally had a very good 1-3 win today against Hearts, in what was always going to be a difficult game, given the result the last time both teams met at Tyncastle.
Apparently, there'll be an announcement to that effect (the money side) tomorrow from Dave King, so we'll see. The reality is, before Rangers are in a position to genuinely challenge Celtic, they'll need to properly get above Aberdeen - and that doesn't just mean finishing second in the league this season with a struggle; that means next season establishing themselves as the bonafide second best team in Scotland, and having the points difference over Aberdeen (and Hibs) to prove it.
However, I do think they'll achieve that next season, and finish a strong second to Celtic - only then would they be in a position to move onto the next level, in the season after that, by mounting a challenge to Celtic for the title, and continuing that again the following year, to try and stop Celtic from winning 10-in-a-row.
It would be a MONUMENTAL, and virtually impossible task to expect Gerrard to assemble a team next season, no matter how much money he gets to spend, which would be capable of winning the title, *but* I expect him to massively improve the Rangers team, and for them to finish a strong second. However, it'll take a year or two for him to get Rangers to where they need to be - although of course much also depends on how Celtic strengthen during that period.
Quite simply, due to the money Celtic have earned from the Champions League campaigns they've taken part in over the last few years, as well profiting handsomely from some shrewd signings (which continues to be the case, with Dembele, etc), they are in a different financial league from Rangers, and if necessary will simply outspend them, in order to stay on top - *but* it's not all about money...
Much will depend on how good a coach and manager Gerrard turns out to be, and whether, like Rodgers, he can get more out of the players who are already at the club and build a team, with some quality new signings, which is first and foremost difficult to beat, and then turn Ibrox back into the fortress it once was. Also, in terms of next season, how things pan out at the top will largely depend on whether Celtic can successfully negotiate FOUR qualifying rounds for the CL, to enter the CL group stages.
If Celtic can do that, then they'll bank another £30m, or so, which will strengthen them financially, but also make the team more vulnerable in league games immediately after they've played very difficult matches in the Champions League [as a result of mental and physical tiredness], which Rangers could take advantage of. However, of course, Rangers may face the same problems, if they make progress in the Europa League.
However, I feel that one thing's certain:
Gerrard will make the Rangers team much more skillful, competitive and harder to beat, which quite simply, over the course of a season, will earn them more points than they did under recent Rangers managers, and that will also improve their performances in the cup competitions. How far that ultimately takes them, only time will tell, but the days of Rangers simply being Celtic's whipping boys are probably over - and that's got to be a good thing for the reputation of Scottish football and also Celtic, who when faced with competing against a stronger Rangers, will benefit accordingly, by upping the ante.
Personally, I can't wait to see how it all unfolds!
Marco.