Montrose 0 Rangers 0: Road to the title

A mixture of emotions would have accompanied them. A sense of elation, certainly, but also relief that they are finally over the line. This has been an awkward campaign for Rangers, and on the verge of triumph, with a significant lead over Queen's Park, the team appeared to seize up.

A loss to Annan Athletic at Ibrox then two draws, against Stirling Albion at home then Montrose yesterday in a game that kicked off at noon, made it appear as though Rangers stumbled to their achievement. It wasn't emphatic, but it was a fitting reflection of a difficult 12 months that when Rangers were finally crowned champions, the title was sealed by a Queen's Park 1-0 loss at home to Elgin City.

"We were listening to the game," said Rangers manager Ally McCoist. "The second-biggest roar of the day came when [Elgin] were awarded a penalty – and the biggest came when they scored it. We were just passing Auchterarder when the final whistle went and I was really happy to see the players hugging one another and celebrating."

It will not stand as a vintage moment in Rangers' history, but that is of no relevance to the coaching staff or the players. Much of the campaign had to be endured rather than enjoyed but a job had to be done and Rangers managed it in the end.

McCoist has borne several burdens in the past 18 months, and dealt with them admirably. His team weren't always so assured or capable but he will be a better manager for the experience.

"It's been harder to win this title than I thought it would be," McCoist said. "I knew going into it that every game would be a cup tie, every opponent would raise their game. But I didn't understand how intense it would be. At every ground we went to I always had a blether with the coaches from the opposing teams and every single one said the same thing: the week before they played us, the players were snapping into tackles in training and their treatment rooms were empty. That's what we're going to be dealing with in the seasons ahead.

"I want to salute the players because they've handled that aspect of it really well. And no matter what anyone says, they've won a title with Rangers.

"I've told them to savour it because we've achieved it under exceptionally strange circumstances. The thing that drives people at this club is that the fear of not achieving anything is greater than the euphoria of winning. It was 'job done' and I'm very proud of that."

A summer of further upheaval awaits, since the squad needs to be substantially improved. A vision for the future will be implemented, too, and McCoist will embark on a career-defining campaign. By then, the troubles of this season, as well as the achievements, will be part of another chapter in Rangers' history.

"Certainly double figures," McCoist said about the reinforcements he will seek. "I'm talking about enhancing the squad. Bringing players here will be difficult in terms of the [registration] embargo but if we aim to win another title next year – and we certainly do – we need to bring in better players."

There was nothing glorious about Rangers' performance at Montrose, and the balance of the second half was even.

The visitors imposed themselves in the opening half-hour, when David Templeton was irrepressible. One half-volley from 30 yards caused Montrose goalkeeper John Gibson to scramble the ball away.Yet familiar failings held Rangers back, with Kane Hemmings only tentatively leading the line and a lack of thrust in central midfield.

By half-time, Montrose were confident and capable on the ball. They were soon frustrated, too, when Neil Alexander's weak punch sent the ball to Terry Masson and, after his shot was blocked, Martin Boyle turned the rebound into the net. Referee Kevin Clancy disallowed the goal for a foul on Alexander, but it later turned out to have been Chris Hegarty who inadvertently bumped into his team-mate.

In the end, though, Rangers did what they had to do.

Road to the title