Derek Johnstone says that Rangers boss Steven Gerrard will have to look at bringing in more physicality to the side next season.
He says that this is an element of the game that the Gers really lacked in their 2-0 loss to Aberdeen on Tuesday, adding that the Dons “bullied” Rangers at times – something which he thinks Gerrard will have to focus on come the new campaign.
Johnstone believes that this season has not been a failure for Rangers though, despite the fact that they have not managed to win any silverware.
“The question has been asked in recent days whether Rangers’ season has been a success or a failure but I don’t think you can say it is as black and white as that. But it can’t be written off as a failure either. Look at the European run and reaching the group stages, something we haven’t done for so many years,” he said in his Evening Times column.
“It is all about winning. But that doesn’t mean that we can write this season off as a failure. The manager had to rebuild the squad in the summer and title winning teams aren’t put together in a couple of transfer windows.
“I would like to see a bit more physicality in the side at times because I thought there were moments on Tuesday night where Aberdeen bullied Rangers. They got several yellow cards because they were in and about Rangers and never allowed us to play. So that might be something that Steven will look at for next season.
“I certainly won’t say the season is a failure and I think most of the fans will be pleased with how things have gone and the progress that has been made overall.”
OPINION
Rangers fans are no doubt gutted that the team were not able to progress to the next round of the Scottish Cup on Tuesday. This was no doubt there last chance to win a trophy this season, and they might have just given it up to Celtic after the loss to Aberdeen. However, it must be remembered that this is Gerrard’s first season in the job – and most importantly, his first season as a manager. There have been times this season where fans may have thought that Rangers were capable of winning something, and that is certainly progress that has been made under Gerrard. Johnstone is right though, he needs to bring more physicality to the team next season. This is something that seriously lacked against the Dons, and this is what could prove to be their downfall time and time again. If there is anything to be learnt here, it is that Rangers need to be a lot more physical from here on out.