A lot has changed for Glasgow Rangers.
The unthinkable happened in 2012 when Glasgow Rangers were unceremoniously booted out of the top tier of Scottish football for financial irregularities.
The Gers had to start again from the bottom of the rung, playing in at the time what was Scotland’s Division 3.
Their first match was a 2-2 draw against Peterhead away from home, watched by 4,485 fans.
Now they are back in the top flight and battling rivals Celtic again, and their ‘new beginning’ seems like a long while ago.
Here is a look at their starting XI from August 11, 2012…
Neil Alexander
Neil Alexander – Rangers
Goalkeeper Alexander started the club’s Europa League final in 2008 but was subsequently relegated to a back-up role. The spell in the third division gave him a fresh lease of life, starting more league games this campaign than the previous five seasons combined.
He left to become a deputy at Crystal Palace a year later, before returning to Scotland to play for Hearts. This summer the 38-year-old signed with Aberdeen.
Kirk Broadfoot
This was one of only two games Kirk Broadfoot played for Rangers after their liquidation. His contract was terminated by mutual consent and he signed with Blackpool.
The 32-year-old switched to Rotherham United in 2014 and has remained with the Millers ever since.
Dorin Goian
Rangers’ Dorin Goian (L) and Celtic’s Fraser Forster clash
Romanian defender Goian had been at the club only one year before their demotion. He played only twice in 2012/13 before being loaned to Italian side Spezia Calcio and then released.
Goian spent the past three seasons playing for Greek side Asteras Tripoli, and retired in the summer at 35. He is currently working at hometown club Foresta Suceava in Romania’s second tier.
Lee Wallace
Rangers’ Lee Wallace
Defensive ace Lee Wallace is one of two members of this side to still remain with the club.
He has gone on to captain the club and rack up more than 220 appearances, with plenty more to come at the age of just 29.
Carlos Bocanegra
Carlos Bocanegra
Former Fulham full-back Bocanegra played just three times for Rangers in division three before being sent on loan to Racing Santander.
He went on to sign with Chivas USA in MLS for two seasons before announcing his retirement.
Ian Black
Midfielder Ian Black lasted longer than many of this side did with Rangers, helping them into the Scottish Championship.
Capped once by Scotland, Black was released by the Light Blues in 2015, and signed with English League One side Shrewsbury Town.
Lewis Macleod
Lewis MacLeod – Rangers shoots at goal
Rangers academy talent Macleod played a key role in two successive title wins for the reborn Rangers. His form did not go unnoticed and he was quickly snapped up.
The buyer? None other than current Rangers boss Mark Warburton at Brentford, and the midfielder remains with the Bees.
Lee McCulloch
Versatile star McCulloch spent three seasons with the Gers since their liquidation. Two of these were successful although his final year was not so pretty.
He left in 2015 to become a player coach at Kilmarnock, and has since retired, becoming the club’s assistant manager.
Dean Shiels
Rangers’ Dean Shiels celebrates scoring
Shiels was one of manager Ally McCoist’s early signings at Rangers with the attacking midfielder switching from Kilmarnock.
He fell out of favour under Mark Warburton and was released in the summer, to sign with Irish side Dundalk. This season he has been playing Europa League football and helped them win the league title.
Andy Little
Little scored the dramatic equaliser for Rangers in the final minute against Peterhead, sparing them the embarrassment of defeat.
Andy Little – Rangers
The former Northern Ireland youth international played for the club until 2014 before leaving to sign with Preston North End.
He was released in the summer after an injury hit spell at Deepdale which saw him loaned to both Blackpool and Accrington Stanley. At just 27-years-old he remains a free agent.
Barrie McKay
McKay is the second of the side to still be a Rangers player, with his incredible journey with the club peaking with his superb Cup semi-final goal against Celtic last season.
He scored the first in Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Peterhead and incredibly is still just 21. He has found it more tough going in the Premiership this season, but has the chance to become a legend at the club if he stays through the remainder of his career.
Rangers’ Barrie McKay (R) in action with Livingston’s Jackson Longridge
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