Why rangers in division 3

Messi vs. Ronaldo: Two superstars, two summer moves. How is it going? Who will Argentina turn to without Lionel Messi? Decision Day delivers drama and heartbreak. Why were Aspas' heroics vs. Barcelona not enough for Spain call-up? Which players could Newcastle boss Howe target in January? Man United's derby malaise, Milan teams dazzle, Xavi sees Barcelona's fragility, more. Jul 13, Stage two of the plan to take Rangers back to the Premiership had been achieved.

The final part of Rangers' journey back to the top of Scottish football was made harder when two of the country's bigger clubs were relegated to the Championship. But Hibernian's shock relegation through the play-offs meant three of Scotland biggest clubs were now competing for two promotion places. Off-field controversies made this season difficult for everyone at Rangers.

While no excuses were made for failing to gain promotion given their far loftier budget, these problems certainly played their part as they took their toll on the staff at the club. The opening day of the Championship provided an almost perfect summary of the year ahead. On 10th of August Hearts came to Ibrox with youth, enthusiasm and desire, and consequently travelled back to Edinburgh with a deserved three points.

Within the Rangers side that played against Hearts, Lewis MacLeod was the only one not to have multiple Premiership campaigns under his belt. Many Rangers supporters were lamenting the lack of youth blooded throughout their exile from the top-flight. This feeling was amplified having seen what Hearts had done during their financial troubles. Another home defeat to Hibs the following month piled the pressure on McCoist and further weakened his status with the fans.

Elimination from the Challenge Cup at the semi-final stage in December meant Rangers failed to win the lower league competition in their first three attempts.

Later that month McCoist tendered his resignation and triggered a month notice period, but he was placed on gardening leave, with Hearts nine points clear having played a game more. Despite a turbulent time at the helm of Rangers, McCoist will always be held in high regard by the majority of the blue half of Glasgow, largely for his feats as a player. Many Rangers supporters understood the awkward position the club's all-time leading goal-scorer found himself in.

With chairmen and board members constantly absent from answering the difficult questions on Rangers' off-field problems, McCoist was left to cope with the pressure of being the spokesperson on everything and anything at Rangers. He coped with it all admirably throughout his tenure, most of the time keeping his famous good humour and wit regardless of the stress he was under. Yet as a coach he was sometimes found wanting, and in the end his departure came as a relief to all parties.

McCoist's number two Kenny McDowall stepped into the fray, and promptly lost to Hibs in his first game in charge on 27th December. It was clear he did not envisage staying in the position in the long term. A much anticipated return of the Old Firm came in early as they were drawn together in the League Cup semi-final.

It's not often you can call a derby match between Rangers and Celtic forgettable, but this tie certainly isn't one that will live long in the memory. Celtic raced in to a lead early on through goals from Leigh Griffiths and Kris Commons in the first half. Rangers didn't manage a shot on target all afternoon as Celtic eased to victory. In January McDowall tendered his resignation and left the club, with Stuart McCall coming in to take charge until the end of the season.

Hearts won the league at a canter, securing the title in late March. Rangers finished the season in a disappointing third behind both Edinburgh clubs, 24 points off champions Hearts.

His former team Motherwell awaited in the final for a place in the Scottish Premiership. We didn't match their aggression. If the boys at any time thought this was going to be a cake-walk, they know where they are now.

Poor defending is a concern but we can certainly create and score goals. I have to give enormous credit to Peterhead and [the manager] Jim McInally. They played superbly.