Rangers Women head coach Leanne Crichton believes Wednesday's UEFA Women's Champions League opener against Slavia Prague provides the perfect opportunity to begin a new chapter after a summer of change at the club.
The Light Blues host the Czech side at Broadwood in a one-off qualifying tie, marking their first competitive fixture since last season ended in disappointment with a heavy league defeat to Glasgow City and a Scottish Cup final loss to Celtic.
Qualification for Europe was one of Rangers' key objectives last season, and Crichton is determined to ensure her side make the most of the opportunity.
"I've not really thought too much about it being my first Champions' League game as a manager," she said.
"I've just looked at it as being the proper first game of the season for us. We worked really hard last season to guarantee European football, which was one of the main objectives for the club."
Summer of change at Rangers women
Rangers head into the fixture after an eventful summer that has seen seven new signings arrive alongside changes to the coaching staff.
The club also confirmed on Tuesday that Colin Crichton, brother of Leanne, has been appointed assistant head coach on a permanent basis after initially joining the coaching team in March. He replaces Andy Thomson, who left for SWPL champions’ Hearts earlier this summer.
Crichton believes the squad is in a much stronger position heading into the new campaign.
The playing squad has also undergone significant change. Rangers have added Mijke Roelfsema, Gry Thrysoe, Hannah Blake, Bailley Collins, Kirsty Smith, loaned midfielder Eva Hendle and signed goalkeeper Shu Ohba, while academy prospects Lily Boyce and Sophie Black have also stepped into the senior setup.
The arrivals have followed a number of notable departures, including Mia McAulay's move to Aston Villa, Leah Eddie's switch to Leicester City, Camille Lafaix's transfer to OH Leuven and the retirement of long-serving midfielder Lizzie Arnot.
"We've brought competition across the pitch," she said.
"We've brought excitement, pace, energy, goals, robustness, quality, experience and youth. Hopefully we can bring all that together as quickly as possible."
Injury concerns ahead of Champions' League tie
The Rangers boss also revealed there are a few injury concerns following pre-season but expects the majority of her squad to be available.
"A couple of injuries and knocks and niggles are normal during pre-season, but in terms of the group ready to compete this week, we're looking pretty good."
Crichton expects Slavia Prague to provide Rangers' toughest test of pre-season so far.
"They'll be a tough nut to crack," she admitted.
"They're very physical, very aggressive and like to play quickly between the lines. But we've also identified areas where we feel we can exploit them."
The fixture also offers Rangers the chance to set the tone for a season in which Crichton has made no secret of her ambitions.
"Domestically, we want to win the league this season. That's the reality," she said.
"Hopefully European football can help us get there."
Crichton asks for fan backing
Crichton also called on Rangers supporters to get behind the women's team, highlighting the positive atmosphere around the club following Derek McInnes' appointment and the closer collaboration between the men's and women's departments.
"I'd love nothing more than the fans to get right behind us," she said.
"There's been so much positive change at the club this summer. Hopefully they can come on the journey with us and support both the men's and women's teams."
Rangers will face Slavia Prague at Broadwood on Wednesday evening, with victory keeping their hopes of reaching the UEFA Women's Champions’ League group stages alive.
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