Michael Mols has never been a man known for theatrics, but the smile that broke across his face as he pulled on Rangers new orange kit said more than any soundbite could.
The Dutchman who is still adored at Ibrox more than two decades after leaving, spoke to Rangers TV this week, reflecting on the club’s new strip, his memories of the iconic Dutch era, and the bond that continues to pull him back to Glasgow.
The moment the shirt was handed to him, Mols laughed: “What do they say?
“The future is bright, the future is orange.” The colour immediately transported him back to his homeland.
“It reminds me of the Dutch national team,” he said, glancing down at the shirt.
“When I see an orange strip, I always think about the Dutch players here at Rangers too.”
A tribute written in orange
The new change kit draws inspiration from the 2000 Scottish Cup Final, a day that lives vividly in the memories of all Rangers supporters, even if it was bittersweet for Mols personally.
Injured at the time, he watched from the stands as half of Hampden bloomed into a sea of Dutch orange in tribute to Dick Advocaat and his celebrated contingent as Rangers romped to a 3-0 victory over Aberdeen.
“When they told me we were going to wear an orange jersey back then, I thought, okay, we’ll see,” he recalled.
“But when I entered Hampden and saw half the stadium full of orange… I hardly believed it.
“It was a tribute to the manager and the Dutch players. Really impressive.”
The Dutch era and a life-changing move
For Mols, the Dutch core at Rangers wasn’t just a happy coincidence, it was his reason for joining.
“Because of the manager, Dick Advocaat and players like Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Arthur Numan,” he explained.
“They helped me settle. Before I arrived, I only knew Rangers–Celtic rivalry from television.
“But when I came here, you realise how big the club really is. It was the best decision I ever made.”
Those years remain some of the most stylish football Ibrox has seen. The Dutch influence produced a team that played with intelligence, flair and control, and supporters embraced every moment of it.
Mols still feels that warmth today.
He said: “Arthur and I still talk and agree that every time we come here, it feels like coming home,” he said.
“They still recognise us. It’s unbelievable. I think it’s been 21 years now since I left Rangers.”
Football has changed... But Ibrox hasn’t
While the nostalgia is strong, Mols is quick to acknowledge how the modern game has shifted.
Low blocks, deep defences, and tactical conservatism make life far harder for attacking players than during his own era.
“Football has changed,” he said. “Opponents are more defensive - 5-4-1, 5-3-2. You hardly get space.
“It’s more difficult now. But as long as the players give everything, with the support behind them, fingers crossed.”