IAN DURRANT has urged Rangers supporters to savour their 55th title party this weekend after the 'sad days' that left the club fighting for its future a decade ago.
The champions will unfurl the Premiership flag ahead of the visit of Motherwell as a capacity Ibrox crowd gets the chance to celebrate with Steven Gerrard and his players.
Durrant was a member of the coaching staff under Walter Smith that clinched Rangers' previously top flight crown as they famously won the title on the final day at Rugby Park.
The years in between those achievements were the most difficult and tumultuous in the club's illustrious history and the nine-in-a-row hero knows just what Sunday's celebrations will mean to everyone associated with Rangers.
“Our 55th title was also very special and it has been a long time coming," Durrant told the Rangers Museum Lotto website. "There have been a lot of sad days and a lot of good people lost their jobs due to the way the club was run after Walter left.
“But we have good people at the club now with Douglas Park and John Bennett following on the good work from men like Dave King and John Gilligan so we are in a good place.
“They got the club back on an even keel and the appointment of Steven Gerrard was a really positive one. It took a couple of years and a few transfer windows but he has assembled a really talented squad who are now winners.
“Last year they were sensational. To go the whole league campaign unbeaten shows you just how good they were.
“Being greedy, I wanted more trophies but the league title triumph was the one they wanted as it stopped Celtic doing 10 in a Row, so it was important.
“Hopefully they can kick on now and replicate that league success.
“That’s the thing about being at Rangers. You must keep winning trophies and hopefully they can do it again this season.
"Once you have a taste of it you want more and I am sure with the squad they have they can go and add to it."
Rangers opted to postpone their flag ceremony until this weekend to ensure as many supporters as possible could be at Ibrox following the end of Covid restrictions on crowds.
The Light Blues head into the Motherwell clash aiming to continue building momentum in their title defence on the back of wins over Ross County, Celtic and St Johnstone
And Durrant hopes there will be a double reason to be cheerful as Gerrard's side bid for another important Premiership three points.
Durrant said: “The unfurling of the flag was always the first day of the season and I enjoyed many during my Rangers career.
"This one will be really special and it’s great the club delayed it so as many fans as possible could see it after the Covid restrictions eased. Having the crowd back at Ibrox and a full house in to see it will be great.
“Stopping Celtic doing 10-in-a-row was important and Rangers thoroughly deserved their 55th title after the way they played last season.
"So, there will be a great atmosphere at Ibrox this weekend. It’s always great to see a championship winning flag being unfurled and it has been a long time coming.
“But it’s important to go out and win the game too. Motherwell will be determined to come and spoil the party so I am sure Steven Gerrard and the players will be well up for the match.
“The atmosphere will be electric, we have waited a long time to celebrate a top-flight title and all the Rangers fans will be buzzing. I’m sure everyone at Ibrox will have a great day."
*The Rangers Youth Development Company is delighted to assist the club with the new Edmiston House museum and have introduced a new product with all profit helping fund the project.
The Rangers Museum Draw costs £1 to play. To sign up visit www.rangersmuseumlotto.co.uk or call on 0141 427 4914.
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