Rangers are patiently waiting for the 49ers Enterprises to complete their takeover at Ibrox in preparation for next season.

It has been a campaign to forget for the Gers, and with their Europa League run now over, the end of the season could not come soon enough.

Although the 49ers are keen on completing a takeover at Ibrox, the deal is yet to be fully sorted, and those in Glasgow will feel as though they have been waiting forever for movement.

The hope is that a deal can be made sooner rather than later, which will put Rangers in a stronger position when it comes to recruitment ahead of the new campaign.

Rangers can expect takeover soon

It is looking increasingly likely that Barry Ferguson will be replaced at Ibrox at the end of his interim period as manager, especially as the new owners look to put their stamp on things.

The 49ers will need a clear plan of action, though, as a new boss will have to get to work almost immediately to give the Light Blues any chance of getting closer to the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The level of ambition is expected to rise at Ibrox in reflection of the increased levels of investment that the Gers can expect to see from new American owners.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News (23 April), Kris Boyd has suggested that supporters could be ready to see the new levels of ambition soon, saying: “There’s going to be a takeover that’s going to be announced any day now, and they’ve been linked with a new sporting director. You would imagine it’s going to be all change in the summer.

“But I’m fed up saying it, the recruitment over the summer for Rangers Football Club is going to be crucial.

I think there will be a new manager coming in and obviously new owners, so it’s even more crucial that with the change that’s going to happen at the top, that you get the right players in over the summer to allow you to compete with Celtic over a full season.”

Rangers have to manage expectations

Providing the takeover at Ibrox is soon completed as expected, Rangers will be expected to be in much better shape next term, thanks to more investment in the squad.

As Boyd points out, the first step to rebuilding has to be a focus on Scottish Premiership action and going all the way up against Celtic to prove that the Gers are up for the fight once more.

Rangers have been well off Celtic.However, supporters have to be prepared that it may take more than just one summer to get back to where they want to be.

Recruitment is absolutely key in Glasgow and while the owners will be keen to get the management appointment correct, they also need to make sure the new boss has a strong recruitment record.

Kevin Thelwell is linked with a move to Ibrox as sporting director, too, and he has certainly shown he can make some strong signings in his role at Everton, but that has to be backed up.

Ferguson has done well in the circumstances since his arrival at Rangers, but it will be someone else who is likely to make the crucial decisions going forward, and therefore, the initial appointment has to be strong.