Taps Aff?

Tonight sees The Rangers return to the Championship, a title chase we weren't supposed to repeat. For the first time in years there is a positive buzz around the team. We’re playing exciting football and appear to have a good attacking philosophy. Its early days but it’s hard not to get too excited when we’re beating our title rivals 6-2 before the season has even kicked off. Amongst this joy, there is an unfortunate feeling of discontent.

It’s not unfair to say that the Rangers support has been fractured in recent years. Recent boardroom battles has seen a civil war of sorts amongst fan groups. There were those that were vehemently opposed to the then current board but they did have their admirers. It’s not for me claim who was right and who was wrong, personally I wasn’t the greatest fan of that regime however neither was I firmly in the Dave King camp. I was naïve when Craig Whyte took the reins and was reluctantly won over by Charles Green. That’s made me sceptical, and perhaps too pessimistic, however trust is something that those in charge will need to earn, I can’t put faith first.

Despite all the change at Rangers Mike Ashley has remained a constant. A divisive figure, there are fans that still back the billionaire and will not be convinced otherwise. I won’t judge these fans although I think the Sports Direct deal speaks for itself which has drawn its own battle line between supporters. Should we buy the official merchandise or not?

When fans should be united, tonight, there is a campaign to reject the new top and instead wear an older pre-Sports Direct one in protest to Ashley. Whereas I like seeing retro kits amongst the Ibrox faithful, I feel it’s unfair that fans be judged for their decision. The pod’s own Stevie Taylor has been getting ribbed by the team over being a “spiv” when he sports the latest top but it’s done in jest. From what I’ve seen on twitter, not all jibes aimed at fans are in good humour, and it works both ways with a minority of both factions showing a sense of defiance.

There is no right or wrong here. I asked our followers on @WWTC_POD if they’d be purchasing the new top or not. I received mixed responses but it was interesting to note how many wouldn’t be buying the top for themselves but wouldn’t deny their child their annual treat. As a man in his thirties who still receives a Rangers top from his own Dad each year, I can understand.

Saying that, he hasn’t got me one yet and I don’t know if I’d buy one. If you think my arse is sore form sitting on the fence, I only have two options and will inevitably fall into either camp anyway. Regardless if you’re for, against or basically don’t care about Ashley, it shouldn’t matter when it comes to supporting the team. The eleven guys on the pitch aren’t playing politics and whether your sponsor is 32 Red, Carling or LionBrand, the Bear next to you is in attendance for the same reason you are. To support the team. I’m not suggesting we link arms and sing Kumbaya but I’m sure we can at least put our differences aside for ninety minutes. Things are looking good down Ibrox way, let’s embrace it.