Connor Goldson Reflects on Rangers’ Post-55 Challenges and Mistakes
Rangers defender Connor Goldson has opened up about the missteps the club made following their historic 55th Scottish Premiership title win in the 2020-2021 season. Speaking candidly, the experienced center-back shed light on the difficulties Rangers faced in maintaining the standards set during Steven Gerrard’s title-winning campaign, a season that ended Celtic’s dominance and marked a high point in the club’s resurgence.
Goldson, who was a key figure in Rangers’ airtight defense during the title-winning season, acknowledged that the team’s inability to capitalize on their success stemmed from both complacency and mismanagement at various levels. “Winning the league was incredible for the club and the fans, but I think we all underestimated how hard it would be to stay at that level,” Goldson admitted.
Complacency and Recruitment Missteps
Goldson suggested that complacency seeped into the squad after their undefeated league campaign. “When you’ve reached the top after such a long wait, it’s easy to think the hard work is done. That was a mistake,” he said. Rangers’ league performances in the following season were inconsistent, and while they managed to secure the Scottish Cup and progress in Europe, the domestic league title slipped away as Celtic reclaimed it under Ange Postecoglou.
Goldson also pointed to recruitment issues as a factor that hindered Rangers’ ability to sustain their dominance. “We needed to strengthen the squad after 55, but some of the signings didn’t work out the way we hoped. Players left, and the replacements didn’t always fit the system or meet the standard we needed.”
The departures of key players such as Nathan Patterson and Joe Aribo left gaps in the squad, while injuries to key contributors like Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi disrupted momentum. Goldson hinted that better planning and squad management could have mitigated these challenges.
Managerial Changes and Instability
The departure of Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa mid-season in November 2021 also created instability. “When the manager left, it was a shock to the system,” Goldson noted. “Gerrard had built something special, and his sudden exit left us scrambling.”
Giovanni van Bronckhorst took over the reins and led Rangers to the UEFA Europa League final, but his tenure was marked by inconsistencies domestically. Goldson praised van Bronckhorst’s achievements in Europe but hinted that the lack of a clear long-term vision hindered the team’s growth.
Looking Ahead
Goldson emphasized that the lessons from those seasons should serve as a roadmap for future success. “We need to learn from the past, especially when it comes to mentality and planning. Rangers is a club that thrives on winning, and we can’t afford to lose focus or make the same mistakes again.”
Under current manager Philippe Clement, Rangers have shown signs of steady improvement, and Goldson remains optimistic about the future. “We’ve got the talent and the support to get back to the top, but it’s about making sure we do things the right way—on and off the pitch.”
For Rangers fans, Goldson’s reflections serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges of sustaining success, but they also underline the importance of resilience and adaptability. With the lessons of the past firmly in mind, the club is determined to forge a brighter path ahead.