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Rangers legend Mark Hateley is hopeful about the club’s future after Steven Gerrard’s debut season as manager, as reported by The Daily Record.

What’s the story?

After yet another trophyless season, Rangers have a lot to prove to supporters when it comes to challenging for the major honours in Scottish football, but there is certainly optimism at Ibrox after visible improvement under Gerrard.

With a better league points total, derby victories, a European run and a more attractive style of football on offer, it’s undeniable that Gerrard has improved on where they are compared to the failed reigns of Mark Warburton and Pedro Caixinha.

Hateley believes it’s the basis of a successful season next term, telling The Daily Record:

Steven’s in a good space on the back of two Old Firm wins at Ibrox where they played very well. They have set the level now and that’s how you develop as a team. You keep moving the bar up.

In top teams, once that bar is set then you never drop below it for a long period of time. Steven did that as a player and I’m sure he’ll do it as a manager.

I am optimistic after what we have done this year. If we can achieve that again we will not be far behind. We are in a good place on and off the field – we’ve built strong foundations and I like what Steven’s done.

We are probably two wins in front of where I thought we’d be right now when you consider the big changes in a short space of time. I’m really pleased with what’s happened.

Can Rangers get close?

The 2019/20 season is certainly shaping up to be one of the most competitive in Scottish football in recent years.

With Rangers improving and finding stability under Gerrard, while Celtic switch managers, there’s a bit of uncertainty heading into the summer despite the Hoops’ incredible treble success.

Neil Lennon is no pushover though and although the perception is he is a step down in manager compared to Brendan Rodgers, his trophy winning record at Celtic is exceptional as both a player and a boss, so nothing will come easy for the Gers.

The recruitment of both clubs this summer will play a big role, so the predictions are better off waiting until the end of August.

Progress for Rangers though is definitely winning one of the three trophies on offer. Fans will dream of the league, but perhaps bagging the League Cup or Scottish Cup is more realistic, ending the Hoops’ consecutive run of clean sweeps.