Mark Hateley has admitted that next season’s SPFL title looks beyond Sevco.
The former Ibrox striker is an ambassador of the club but believes that only a massive spending spree can put in a challenge to Celtic next season.
Coming after back-to-back humiliations from Celtic the message from Hateley is unlikely to shift many season tickets which provides the club with more than 50% of their income.
After being welcomed as a footballing visionary when he took over, Pedro Caixinha is now facing the heat and anger of a supporter base with expectations way beyond reality.
Speaking to Paul Murray’s favourite newspaper the Daily Record Hateley said: “Saturday was disappointing but we have to realise where Rangers are in the rehabilitation of the club.
“Instead of thinking back to where we used to be we have to accept where we are. That’s the most important thing but also one of the most difficult.
“All great clubs, no matter how successful their history, will go through difficult periods that don’t live up to their glories of the past and it’s hard not to compare. When Celtic weren’t doing so well everything was reflected back on the Lisbon Lions, Aberdeen hark back to the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson and so do Manchester United as they have supposedly underachieved in the last few years.
“It’s a common problem for fans and it’s about getting everybody to realise where we actually are.
“That’s the most frustrating thing for supporters but it’s important to be patient and understand we are in a developmental part of the club’s history.
“The more realistic target, even going into next season, is following Aberdeen’s example – and that requires patience.
Hateley added: “Unless there’s some big investment – and Willie Henderson was right last week when he said it would take £50m – there is little chance Rangers will compete for the title next season.
“There’s not a great deal of cash to be thrown at the team so we’ll have to look at what this manager can get from this group of players.
“Of course we need to add players to make it a better squad but it’s no good wishing for something we can’t afford. Progress has to be little by little and fans have to be prepared for that.
“My expectation of the club this year was top four and a cup final – they’ve achieved one and weren’t far off the other, losing in the Scottish Cup semis.
“Next season will be about building on that, setting new realistic goals and working hard to deliver more improvement and hopefully at least give Celtic a bit more to think about.”
The fall out from Saturday’s defeat has emphasised the lack of leadership within Ibrox with Brother Pedro left to deal with the flack single handedly.
With fans demanding communication the board has gone into hiding with non-executive director John Gilligan involved in an angry exchange with fans from the directors box.
Company chairman Dave King hasn’t made any comment since returning to South Africa after a three day visit to discuss the ruling from the Takeover Appeal Board.