Warbs The New Messiah By Jack Christopher MBE

As first impressions go this was terrific from Mark, the real special one, and his new-look Rangers side.

The result of this friendly fixture against Europa Cup favourites Burnley was a travesty as the home club completely outclassed their wealth laden visitors whose players arrived outside the world famous stadium in their own private helicopters.

It’s been some time since I, and my Rangers supporting media colleagues, have attended a match with so much belief and enthusiasm that it was stauners all round in the press box. A stauners fight broke out – I lost in the first round to Lindsay Matthews.

The first games of the season see the almighty Rangers face Edinburgh minnows Hibernian in league and cup action, host a poor St Mirren team and then travel to the towns of Alloa and Queen of the South, where they are certain to pump clubs who don’t deserve to be on the same pitch as the biggest club in Britain.

Boardroom turmoil and controversies appear to have vanished thanks to the excellent PR skills of Level5 and a previous season that saw performances and results fall to appalling standards are thankfully over. This campaign sees a new, young, vibrant, sexy and fresh start for Rangers.

Gone are the protests outside the famous entrance to the Old Lady primarily as I stopped penning articles asking the fans to do so. Instead, there’s a sense of happiness not seen at Ibrox since Walter sent his firm fist zooming up my backside – a truly wonderful day in this young writers impartial connections with Rangers.

After closed-doors European games against Spurs first team and FC Dukla Amsterdam in recent days, Mr Warburton got his first taste of the Ibrox roar as I thrust my mouth towards his nether regions. 

The real special one, looking resplendent in his blue suit and brown brogues, was given a rapturous welcome when he appeared on the big screens before kick-off handing out Rangers scarves to visiting heroes from the armed forces who had just returned from a highly dangerous six month mission in Harthill.

It was all change in the midfield with Andy Halliday the £5m signing from Bradford and Hearts player of the year Jason Holt joining the majestic Nicky Law in the middle of the park. New goal getter Martyn Waghorn, who didn’t score, led the line and looks set to be a front runner to win Europe’s golden boot.

The Englishman (God save the Queen) has asked for patience from the loyal hordes who pack the Ibrox stands every week as he attempts to implement an improved version of ‘Tika Taka’ at Rangers.

All fans, including those of other clubs, have approved the ‘Warburton Way’ after flocking to see his streamed training sessions at Murray Park and have clearly bought into his methods. 

There were occasions when the desire to keep the ball on the ground last night had the home supporters gasping in awe such was the flow and rhythm to the play. Change the royal blue strips to those of Barcelona and you could be forgiven for thinking you were witnessing Barca at their peak, only a bit better.

Understandably the cutting edge in front of goal was missing but it’s only a matter of time before Mark’s side totally pump a team with a score that will require an abacus to calculate the goals.