One unforgettable afternoon at Dens Park nonetheless sends a shiver down Bob Malcolm’s backbone.
There’s a wince as he walks down reminiscence lane with MailSport reflecting on a day at Dundee that just about value Rangers the title.
A 2-2 draw, two penalty misses from Barry Ferguson, two dropped factors.
The concern Alex McLeish’s males had blown a nine-point lead and have been about to be pipped to the put up by Celtic.
Fabian Caballero’s double for the Darkish Blues in Could 2003 got here after Arthur Numan’s opener – however Mikel Arteta took over duty from the spot to present the Ibrox aspect a leveller.
The historical past books present it will be a cheerful ending for the Gentle Blues who swept the board with a home Treble which included a title secured on the final day and on objective distinction.
However as Rangers head as soon as extra to Dundee as we speak, with the title race at boiling level, Malcolm recollects an unfolding nightmare twenty years in the past.
He stated: “It was a psychological sport. It’s remembered because the one when Barry missed twice from the spot – I remind him of that match every so often.
“Numan scored an early objective for us, we settled down and have been doing properly.
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“Swiftly it modified. Dundee scored twice, Barry missed a penalty and we went in on the break a objective behind.
“Barry then missed one other penalty – we got three that day – however Arteta scored the ultimate one to get us a degree.
“It was additionally the rationale why Arteta turned the person to hit the penalties.
“He went on to attain the decisive sixth objective from the spot in injury-time in opposition to Dunfermline on the final day of the season to win the league for us on objective distinction.”
Rangers began to hit the hurdles within the closing levels of the 2002-03 season after transferring 9 factors clear with six video games left firstly of April.
Malcolm admits he’s beginning to see some similarities with the present marketing campaign.
He stated: “This season is shaping up as one thing comparable. There's now no margin for error.
“And once more we now have Rangers going to Dens Park realizing solely a win is appropriate.
“Trying again, it was our personal fault it turned such a close-run factor. We have been 9 clear however let that slip.
“We have been dragged again and it was as a result of sort of dangerous consequence we had at Dundee.
“After a few dangerous outcomes, the strain solely will increase. It begins within the stands then spills out to the gamers.
“That’s what occurred to us that season.
“One mistake now may show expensive and I don’t perceive why Rangers aren’t turning up at some video games.
“Attracts with Dundee United and Motherwell could possibly be decisive and the slips usually come after taking part in in Europe.
“Rangers have been glorious in opposition to Crimson Star on Thursday however they'll’t imagine they'll simply flip up on the Sunday and get the outcomes.
“They should keep the correct perspective in each sport.
“Most effort is the least it's best to count on. If they've that, you’d count on Rangers to return out on prime given the standard of their squad.”
Rangers misplaced on away objectives to Czech aspect Viktoria Zizkov within the first UEFA Cup qualifying spherical again within the 2002-03 season however Malcolm doesn’t imagine this marketing campaign’s Europa League exertions may be any excuse for potential home failings.
He stated: “Europe shouldn’t be a distraction as Rangers have a large enough squad to have the ability to deliver gamers out and in of the aspect.
“We're right down to the nitty gritty now and ideally you don’t wish to be altering an excessive amount of.
“I hear folks speaking about what number of video games Rangers have needed to play already and the excessive calls for however I don’t purchase into that.
“These gamers are taken care of exceptionally properly. If they'll’t play 90 minutes on a Thursday then go once more on a Sunday, they shouldn’t be taking part in.
“They're paid some huge cash to show up and carry out. Sure, gamers can endure a little bit of burnout however these are the video games you wish to play in.
“For those who’re getting burnout at this stage, with a lot at stake, then it's essential have a proper good take a look at your self.”
Malcolm, who’s most up-to-date position was assistant boss to Ferguson at Alloa, insists this marketing campaign is simply too near name.
He stated: “It’s going to the wire. Outdated Agency video games handle themselves however the issue is about going to locations like Dundee and Livingston and getting the correct outcomes.
“These groups are scratching for factors themselves and Rangers face a aspect at Dens Park who're preventing to remain within the league. These are arduous locations to go to when your again’s in opposition to the wall.”
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