After Jablonec's Jan Chramosta converted from the penalty spot to confirm Rangers' European exit on Thursday, the immediate reaction from the away end was one of understandable anger. Manager Derek McInnes said he was "embarrassed" and "disappointed" by both the performance and the result as his difficult start at Ibrox continued. Just one shot on target in 120 minutes against a team they were firm favourites to beat, multiples changes of shape and a multitude of signings failing to have an impact.
But what exactly are the consequences of Rangers missing out on European football this season, both on and off the pitch? One of the main benefits of playing European competitions is the financial boost it provides. Rangers finishing third in the Scottish Premiership last season meant they did not have the opportunity to qualify for the Champions League and they were knocked out of Europa League qualifying by Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok in a further blow.
However, they still had the chance to reach the Conference League - admittedly, the least prestigious and least lucrative of Uefa's three club competitions. Teams that qualify for the league phase of the Conference League receive about £2.72m, with about £343,000 more for every win at that stage. There is a further £114,000 for a league-phase draw.
There are then exponential rewards for reaching the knockout stages and each win from there on. Last season's Conference League winners Crystal Palace received at least £15m from the competition, plus the bonus of qualifying for this season's Europa League. There is also the knock-on effect of fewer matchdays and therefore fewer tickets sold, as well as hospitality and corporate packages.
It remains to be seen if Rangers' summer spending spree will be curtailed by defeat in the Czech Republic. The Ibrox outfit continue to be linked with a big-money move for Portland Timbers striker Kevin Kelsy, as they try to replace the injured Youssef Chermiti up front. Another winger also appears to be a priority, with talks reportedly ongoing with Brighton for Amario Cozier-Duberry.
Daisuke Yokota and Kim Min-Su have already arrived to join wide players Ross McCausland, Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama. Might influential midfielder Nicolas Raskin - who did not travel to Jablonec - be sold to fund more new players? What is clear, Rangers in their current guise do not look capable of challenging for silverware this term.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
