Gareth Bale quit football at age of 33 AL-RAYYAN, QATAR - ARCHIVE: A file photo dated November 21, 2022 shows Gareth Bale 11 of Wales reacts during FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qatar 2022 Group B match between USA and Wales at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar on November 21, 2022. Gareth Bale, who plays in Los Angeles, one of the American First Division MLS, Fussball Herren, USA teams, ended his active football life at the age of 33. Ar Rayyan Qatar. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxTURxUSAxCANxUKxJPNxITAxFRAxAUSxESPxBELxKORxRSAxHKGxNZL Copyright: x2025xAnadoluxMustafaxYalcÄnx
Rangers are heading into the new season with a squad still being assembled, but early signs under Derek McInnes are genuinely encouraging.
McInnes will kick off the campaign knowing his squad remains a work in progress, with wide men and creative difference-makers still urgently needed.
The club has been linked with Amario Cozier-Duberry, and there is continued talk of Mikey Johnston possibly returning on loan from Brighton or Spurs.
Both Brighton and Spurs currently hold all the aces regarding those players, meaning Rangers may have to wait until the end of August for answers.
Despite that frustration, Barry Ferguson says he was encouraged by the performance against West Ham on Sunday, noting a clear steeliness and intensity.
Ferguson argues that the identity of any successful Rangers side comes down to desire, work rate, and sheer will to win, not tactical philosophies.
“To put it bluntly, Rangers have been too much of a soft touch,” Ferguson wrote, adding that he believes those days are now firmly over.
McInnes holds a significant advantage over recent predecessors because he already understands every challenge the Scottish football scene presents, inside and out.
Ferguson believes Rangers fans will see a side prepared to roll its sleeves up and refuse to be intimidated physically by anyone in the league.
The league title remains the primary objective, and Ferguson is clear that European football is a bonus until domestic dominance is re-established first.
Cammy Devlin has stood out across the final two pre-season fixtures, with his energy, enthusiasm, and work rate marking him as a certain starter on Friday.
Ferguson drew comparisons between Devlin and Australian players he played alongside at Rangers, including Craig Moore, Kevin Muscat, and Tony Vidmar.
He also played with Lucas Neil at Blackburn and described Devlin’s attitude as reminding him of all four of those fiercely competitive players.
Thelo Aasgaard is another player Ferguson is watching closely, having returned from the World Cup with Norway keen to impress under the new management.
Ferguson noted that Aasgaard showed his quality only in flashes last season but believes McInnes could unlock far more from the creative midfielder.
Rangers face Dundee United on Friday night in their league opener, and Ferguson expects every player to be mentally prepared and ready for the battle ahead.
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