In the storied annals of Scotland's illustrious football history, observe The Rangers, a squad of footballing devotees born anew in 2012, who grace the weathered turf of their erythrogenic playground, the Ibrox Stadium.
The club has somehow amassed a roster value around the conspicuously precise sum of £101m, if one is to align with the monetary speculations meted out by Transfermarkt, a platform notably cherished for such veracious declarations. As though by a wand's wave, mere lads in cleats have seemingly turned into walking investments, all worth their weight in pound sterling.
As for the team's demography, perhaps it's a soupçon of yearning for a radiant future that's seen the average age pegged at a sprightly 24. Hardly the white-haired veterans of the game, but then again, Rangers have a paltry 28 players to ferry about the pitch. No doubt, each harbours dreams of leaving behind their own indelible mark on that sterling field of Ibrox.
Now, onto the circus of the competition. The season has apparently unfurled in five theatrical displays of footballing acumen — or lack thereof — where our adored Rangers made appearances. Premiership (where they've tollingly clinched the second spot), League Cup (only to be relegated to the Semi-Finals), Scottish Cup (bid adieu at the Quarter-Finals, naturally), Champions League Qualifiers (the far edge of Play-Offs, how novel), and Europa League (merely the League Phase, of course).
One can only hope that this endearing enthusiasm for grabbing runners-up positions is not utterly ingrained in their DNA. Otherwise, we may be staring down the endless barrel of near victories, almost-triumphs, and the unique charm of placing second — like forever bridesmaids in the nuptial dance of football glory.
