Football News

Steven Gerrard hailed his history makers as Glasgow Rangers were presented with the SPL trophy on one of the best days of his life.

It is two months since Rangers were confirmed as champions but in beating Aberdeen 4-0 at Ibrox, Gerrard’s squad ensured they completed the season unbeaten. They amassed 102 points from their 38 games, scored 92 goals and had a goal difference of 79.

They conceded just 13 times to create a new benchmark and registered 26 clean sheets.

The numbers are staggering but even more remarkable was the fact this was the first time Rangers had gone through the season without defeat for the first time since 1899 – when they played just 18 matches – and became just the fourth team in Scotland to achieve the feat.

Gerrard, who has been in charge of the club since May 2018, was overjoyed when his skipper James Tavernier lifted the trophy. He was appointed to break Celtic’s stranglehold and is determined to ensure this triumph is the first of many.

‘I wanted to enjoy this moment because it's been a long time since I've smelled this success and the champagne,’ said Gerrard, who was doused in bubbles by striker Alfredo Morelos during the celebrations.

‘We gave the players an environment to grow. I’m so proud of James and his team-mates. We had to suffer at times in the last three years but we have to use this as a launchpad. We will keep pushing.

‘The numbers are really impressive but when the dust settles, they will be used against us. The expectation goes up, naturally, at a club like this. We (won) it very early but when you get to this day, it is still so very special. This trophy is special to all of us as we worked so very hard for it.’

There were no fans inside the stadium but outside was bedlam. Crowds in their thousands had been gathering from early on Saturday morning, paying no attention to social distancing, and the match was played out to a soundtrack of popping fireworks and flares being set off.

At one point during the second half, more than 20 supporters scaled a wall to get on a roof at the lower tier of the Copland Road stand but the situation was prevented from escalating when an army of security guards congregated.

On the pitch, Rangers were in cruise control mode from the moment Joe Lewis put through his own net in the fifth; Kemar Roofe’s double, either side of half-time, put the outcome beyond doubt before Jermaine Defoe added a flourish in the final minute with a cool finish.

‘We gave the boys a way of playing,’ said Gerrard. ‘They gave me absolutely everything. We never lost belief that we would get to this moment but we will keep going. One (title) is not enough. We will enjoy this moment and relax for a few weeks. We will then reset and go again.