Former midfielder Charlie Adam believes Rangers fans should “absolutely” be optimistic for the season ahead, but he stressed the full picture will only emerge in a month’s time.
Russell Martin got his Ibrox reign off to a positive start with a 2-0 Champions League win over Panathinaikos, but Rangers still have to come through a tough test in Greece on Wednesday to reach the third qualifying round.
Under new ownership, Rangers have made seven signings this summer and are heavily linked with adding highly-rated Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore on loan.
Martin stressed last week that his squad would look different at the end of August and Adam believes the next few weeks will be crucial off the park.
“This squad’s not ready yet,” he said. “This squad will have another three or four players by the end of the window and that’s where you’ll then start to judge it.
“Unfortunately the games come quick in terms of European games. Russell will have to navigate his way through these games at the moment to get performances but also get results, because ultimately they want to be in the Champions League.
“If they can get through this Panathinaikos game then it will give them more money to spend on different types of players and be able to recruit better quality.”
When asked if Rangers fans should be optimistic about the season ahead, the former Everton coach added: “Absolutely, absolutely. There’s a plan, there’s a strategy inside the football club at the moment that’s aligned, and that’s important when new investors come in.
“But there’s a lot of building work in terms of bringing Kevin Thelwell in, who I know from Everton. He’s done some good business within a tough period at Everton through the financial problems that they had.
“He’s got good experience in English football, he’s got good contacts abroad from where he’s worked as well.
“Dan Purdy’s coming in as head of recruitment, which is good. And they’ve brought a manager in who has the style and the right personality to be a Rangers manager. So I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.”
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s second leg in Athens, Adam believes his former Stoke team-mate Jack Butland will be a key player.
“Of course Panathinaikos can cause you problems. There were moments in the first leg that were nervy,” Adam said.
“But they come through that period and they need their goalkeeper. He looks like he’s back to good form and he’s got confidence. I know him, I’ve played with him, so it’s good to see him playing well again and they’re going to need him.”
