We have passed the 100-day landmark in the Derek McInnes era at Rangers, and it has certainly been a rollercoaster ride. His first four games were winless, followed by that humiliating European exit to Jablonec. However, when Rangers return from the international break, they will have their sights set on going top of the Scottish Premiership for the first time this season.
That's down to a new-look squad and six consecutive wins, including back-to-back Old Firm victories. There is a feel-good factor in the stands at Ibrox once again. Here, we look at how a key summer transfer window helped pave the way for a remarkable turnaround - one McInnes knows he must keep on track against Kilmarnock on October 10.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Before we get into the fine detail, it's important to take a look at the bigger picture. This was the second consecutive summer that Rangers signed 14 players. However, the two windows couldn't be more different.
For full context, you need to go back 12 months. It was a new era (yes, another one) at Ibrox. Russell Martin had been appointed head coach, and the club were being led by CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell.
However, that fresh start proved to be a false dawn. As Rangers went off track, Martin was sacked after 123 days, before Stewart and Thelwell followed soon after. Meanwhile, of the 14 signings sanctioned by the likes of the aforementioned, only four remain.
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh admitted mistakes had been made, and after issuing the P45's, he took a more hands-on role at the club. Some might think it was Robbie Thelwell, who has the title "head of recruitment", who was in charge of the signings. In truth, his title does not reflect his responsibility, and he works in the scouting team.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
