GREG DOCHERTY insists Rangers will emerge stronger from their trials and tribulations of a tumultuous term as they look ahead to the new campaign.
The Light Blues finished third in the Premiership and were left empty handed in the League Cup and Scottish Cup as Celtic clinched a second successive clean sweep.
Graeme Murty’s side were beaten 4-0 by their Old Firm rivals at Hampden and Docherty will use that pain as a motivation going forward under new boss Steven Gerrard.
He said: “Of course it is very difficult because you never want to get beat in that manner, no matter who it is.
“It was a semi-final of a cup that we wanted to win and that was one of our aims as a team. But that is football and I feel more resilient now.
“I have learned from it, as a squad we have learned from it and we have moved on. It was harsh and a lot of harsh words were spoken after that, and rightly so. It was needed.
“It is put behind us and we are wanting to better that. We are determined to not let that happen again.”
Tempers flared during and after the semi-final defeat as Docherty and Alfredo Morelos exchanged words and Lee Wallace and Kenny Miller were suspended following an alleged dressing room row with Murty.
But the 21-year-old insists there will be no hangover as the Gers prepare for a new era on Gerrard’s watch.
He said: “It’s never nice to wake up the next day and see that. That’s not the type of player I am and it was hard.
“That’s part of my learning curve. I had to keep quiet and bide my time because what was said wasn’t true.
“I’m putting it behind me now. I think Alfredo would agree. That’s gone. We are absolutely fine.
“I’m moving on and it’s a fresh start for us as players. We are just looking ahead to this season, not behind us. It is time to stop dwelling and really start producing again.”
Gerrard has taken his squad to Spain to step up their preparations for the new campaign as Rangers look ahead to the Europa League qualifiers and start of the Premiership.
And Docherty hopes the Gers can capitalise on the feelgood factor amongst the Light Blue legions this summer.
He said: “Hearing from other fans, there is a real buzz about the place again. You also see the season ticket sales, which are absolutely incredible ‘It is pretty special. Not many clubs could do that.
“We want to give them something to cheer about. It might not happen this year but as long as there is improvement, I think they would be happy with that.
“As players, we just want to improve. If you do that day-by-day then I’m sure we will be fine.”
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