The end of an era: Allan McGregor exit confirmed

The speculation surrounding the future of Allan McGregor at Rangers has finally been put to rest. Manager Michael Beale confirmed after Saturday’s emphatic Old Firm victory that the legendary goalkeeper will depart Ibrox when his contract expires at the end of the season.

While McGregor’s indecision over a new deal has caused the Gers issues in planning for next season, Beale seems to have a clear replacement in mind.

Robbie McCrorie was given the nod between the sticks against bitter rivals Celtic and didn’t put a foot wrong, earning himself a well-deserved clean sheet.

Beale suggested that McCrorie’s performance highlighted that the Light Blues will be in safe hands going forward.

"“We’re going to lose one keeper this summer because one is out of contract. We’re not in the job of signing bad ones,” (Football Scotland, 13 May). Beale said."

The 3-0 win over the Hoops provided a glimpse into how Beale wants his Rangers side to play. There were questions over how much of a gap remained between the two Glasgow giants, but Saturday’s showing suggested the gulf may not be as cavernous as first feared.

Celtic were dismal at Ibrox and looked bereft of ideas, even with a number of first-team stars in their starting line-up. This was no end-of-season dead rubber for the visitors, who were intent on victory.

Rangers seem reinvigorated under Beale and ready to mount a serious challenge at the summit of Scottish football next season.

However, the new gaffer knows the hard work starts now in ensuring his troops are primed for the next encounter with their biggest adversaries, which will inevitably come before the calendar flips to September.

Allan McGregor exit confirmed

The departure of McGregor, a club legend and fan favourite, will tug at the heartstrings of the Ibrox faithful.

But the future remains bright with McCrorie and Jack Butland set to battle it out as Rangers’ new number one. The King is gone; long live the King.