Rangers count consequences of 'devoid of quality' European failure

After Jan Chramosta scored a penalty to end Rangers' European campaign on Thursday, supporters in the away section displayed understandable frustration. Manager Derek McInnes expressed embarrassment and disappointment over both the team's performance and the result, acknowledging that his difficult start at Ibrox continued. Despite fielding a strong squad, Rangers managed only one shot on target in a 120-minute match against a team they were favorites to defeat.

The consequences of missing out on European football extend beyond the pitch. The financial boost from European competitions is a significant factor. Rangers, finishing third in the Scottish Premiership, were ineligible for the Champions League and faced a knock-out in Europa League qualifiers. However, they could have participated in the Conference League, which offers a prize of £2.72m for the league phase and additional funds for wins and draws.

This season's Conference League winners, Crystal Palace, received at least £15m, setting up for a potential Europa League qualification. The loss of European competition also reduces the number of matchdays, leading to fewer ticket sales and corporate packages. Potential new signings, such as Kevin Kelsy and Amario Cozier-Duberry, may be impacted by the team's reduced budget.

Manager McInnes faces pressure to improve the squad, with former players calling out the lack of quality and preparation. The knock-on effect of Scottish teams' elimination from European competitions could see the country's UEFA coefficient drop, potentially limiting the number of places available in European competitions next season. With Scotland currently ranked 18th, the results this week have further exacerbated the situation.