The season couldn’t have started more excitingly, nerve-racking and rollercoaster riding than ever as Rangers look to avenge their playoff final defeat this season by winning promotion.
Already were into September in the campaign and have played five league games and a league cup tie-which for the first time under Ian Holloway- we won a cup-tie.
Blackpool at home was first on the agenda and in the blistering heat we conquered the Seasiders comfortably with an outstanding performance from start to finish, running out 5-0 winners. Inspired by debutant Gareth Ainsworth who grabbed a brace. From there we travelled to Cheltenham for the Carling Cup fixture and despite going behind early on and having Paul Furlong wrongly sent off we came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to a stunning winner from Richard Langley and Gareth Ainsworth scoring again.
It was to be Langley’s final contribution to the R’s as he departed in mid-week to join big spending Cardiff on the south coast of Wales. With his contract ending in the summer and the risk of losing a quality player on the cheap the decision was taken to accept the £250,000 offer, with appearance money also likely to be received. Langley was a fantastic entertainer at Rangers and stayed loyal to the cause when times were tough. Good luck to him in his new surroundings.
At the same time Rangers’ academy was having a huge makeover as it was scrapped and the traditional Centre of Excellence re-installed to cut costs. With the club still struggling with huge debts the tough decision was taken with great regret.
Manager Ian Holloway was also working tirelessly to use Langley’s money to the best of his abilities. He brought back Kevin McLeod at first on a loan deal and more recently a permanent contract. McLeod was a great influence down the left wing last term and will slot in well there again this season.
On Monday night Rangers travelled to the south coast and the Withdean Stadium, home of Brighton. The game was screened live on SKY television. Unfortunately Brighton came from behind to defeat the R’s 2-1 and send us to our first defeat of the season. Terrell Forbes was sent-off for head butting. Leon Knight, who scored twice that day, rejected a move to Rangers the following day. Holloway was in talks with Chelsea about a possible move before the game but Knight scored twice and then rejected a return to west London to stay with the Seagulls.
Holloway did finally sign a striker in Tony Thorpe from Luton Town in time to play against Bournemouth at Loftus Road. With Kevin Gallen out injured Thorpe was given a starting role alongside Paul Furlong as a resolute Bournemouth side held Rangers for long periods until Furlong scored. That strike proved decisive as the R’s won 1-0.
On Bank Holiday Monday, Rushden & Diamonds were the hosts at Nene Park. After falling behind early on we fought back with Gareth Ainsworth scoring twice. The two goals were absolutely outstanding and you will probably never see two strikes by one player in the same match as good as them. Furlong made it 3-1 until a late fight back from Rushden saw them equalise in the final minute to level the scores at 3-3.
Last Saturday (30th) Chesterfield visited Loftus Road, unbeaten in the league before the game. Rangers ended that run with a 3-0 victory. Tony Thorpe grabbing his first and second for the club and Paul Furlong scored as Rangers moved up to 3rd in the table.
Not very hard picking a player of the month. It has to be Gareth Ainsworth who has made a sensational start to his Rangers career. Five goals from six appearances for the right winger represents a fantastic start and for scoring the fabulous two goals at Nene Park my vote goes to Ainsworth. Furlong, Chris Day, Danny Shittu and another newcomer, Martin Rowlands should also be mentioned for impressive displays in August.