Rangers must embrace Conference League after Europa heartbreak

Derek McInnes celebrated his first victory as Rangers manager with a 5‑1 demolition of St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup, a decisive strike that eased the pressure built after a four‑match winless run and the earlier Europa League qualifier loss to Jagiellonia Bialystok.

By CALUM CROWE, SCOTTISH DEPUTY CHIEF SPORTS WRITER, the piece captures the mood in August after the Europa hopes went up in smoke.

From Europa hopes to Conference reality

Over the past week or so, since their hopes of Europa qualification went up in smoke, many Rangers supporters went into a state of mourning.

The defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok sparked social‑media discourse about how far the club has fallen in Europe.

Only four years ago Rangers were beating Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig on their way to a Europa League Final.

The following season they faced Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax in the Champions League, returning to the top table of Europe.

Financial and competitive stakes

Today Rangers prepare for a maiden voyage into the UEFA Conference League, a competition many fans view as for “wee diddy teams”.

Past winners such as Roma, West Ham, Olympiacos, Chelsea and Crystal Palace show the trophy has pedigree.

Qualification for the Conference League group stage would bring £2.7 million, with each group‑stage win worth £340,000.

If Rangers lose to Jablonec over two legs they would finish the season without European football.

McInnes' squad rebuild and upcoming challenge

Manager Derek McInnes said, “It is difficult to assess who are favourites and who are not… I am not really bothered by that. The emphasis is on ourselves to go and win the game.”

New signing Kosta Nedeljkovic has begun training alongside Vanja Dragojevic and Bojan Miovski, while James Penrice impressed on debut against St Mirren with a goal, an assist and the man‑of‑the‑match award.

Both defenders are expected to start in Thursday’s clash with Jablonec.

McInnes added, “We are always looking for that [to build momentum]. If we can get another win and take a victory over to the Czech Republic next week, that will help.” He recalled the effort against Hibs after travelling from Poland.

The Conference League may not set the pulse racing, but it is the level Rangers occupy now, and dismissing it would be delusional.

Embracing the competition offers a realistic path to European football and prize money.