Comings and goings

Now that the season is over the work of remodelling the squad to prepare to challenge for the Premier League has begun in earnest.

Nicky Law, Nicky Clark and David Templeton have already said farewell to Rangers, while high profile signing Joey Barton has been welcomed to Ibrox.

There has been much chatter in the media about who will challenge for the title next year, with several so-called pundits expressing their opinions. Aberdeen's chances have been talked up in several quarters, as have those of Hearts. But their failure to exert any real pressure on the leaders this year means that unless they invest heavily in their squads, the challenge will be even tougher next year.

Celtic's high profile appointment of a new manager has distracted attention from their own shortcoming under Ronny Deila. Two woeful forays into Europe, together with a domestic season which has seen their form at the best patchy, indicate that all is far from well at the club.

Rangers however are going about their business queitly and calmly, and it must be expected that further quality signings are to come in the next few weeks, along with some more departures no doubt.

To expect Rangers to win the title in their first season back in the top division would be asking a lot. But based on the signings so far it is not unreasonable to anticipate a squad which can play with flair, and lay down a challenge to the 'established' clubs in the division.

And who knows..................