With Rangers ten points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, their fans could be forgiven for adopting a gloomy mentality right now.
However, supporters who are willing to take a longer-term view may actually be able to take the positives from some significant recent developments at the club.
For starters, as highlighted in the Football Today newsletter, Rangers have guaranteed themselves a place in the Europa League knockout round play-off.
Having reached the final in 2021/22, the Scottish Premiership giants will be hoping that UEFA’s second tier competition delivers more memorable moments this season.
While Rangers fans may be looking enviously at Celtic’s progression in the Champions League, it would be unwise to get too embroiled in their fortunes.
The Hoops will undoubtedly benefit financially from their European run, which leaves Rangers facing an uphill battle to bridge the gap in Scotland.
Jota’s recent return to Celtic highlights the current financial disparity between the two clubs, but should not trigger an outpouring of doom and gloom from the Rangers faithful.
The Portuguese winger didn’t pull up any trees in the Saudi Pro League or Ligue 1 after leaving Celtic, so he now has a point to prove back in Scotland.
Despite this, his return does not necessarily mean Celtic are now completely unbeatable, particularly given recent developments at Rangers.
There appears to have been a shift in mentality at the club, much of which is being driven by technical director Nils Koppen.
The 39-year-old previously impressed with the manner of his work as the head of scouting for Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven and his leadership has already been evident at Ibrox.
Recent moves to secure the futures of Zak Lovelace and Findlay Curtis highlight that Koppen is taking a long-term strategic view to rebuilding the club.
Manager Philippe Clement’s decision to integrate Baliey Rice and Clinton Nsiala into his squad also appeared to indicate a significant shift in strategy for Rangers.
Rangers unquestionably have the core of a good squad. Some of them are assets who could be sold for a significant profit further down the line.
However, the most exciting element for Rangers fans is the emergence of homegrown talent, something which has been sorely lacking in recent times.
Clement’s willingness to work with them may ultimately have been forced upon him by Koppen, but the shift in strategy is no bad thing.
Most successful clubs have a group of players who come through the system. Manchester United’s famed Class of ’92 are a perfect example.
Giving younger players opportunities to shine is a no-brainer for Rangers given the financial disparity between themselves and Celtic.
It is a proven pathway to success that Rangers must embrace if they are to have any chance of knocking their Glasgow rivals off their perch in Scotland.
Clement may ultimately prove not to be the right man to take Rangers where they want to be, but he deserves the chance to work with the emerging prospects in the short-term.
If he can aid their development while guiding Rangers a bit further in Europe and lead them to success in the Scottish Cup, the club will have had a productive season.
The pathway Rangers have taken requires plenty of patience, but is one which could pay major dividends over the next two or three seasons.
Celtic may be revelling in their ability to pay big money to sign a returning hero in the winter transfer window, but their rivals may ultimately have the last laugh.