Rangers: A hat-trick of lows as Steven Gerrard celebrates three years at Ibrox

There have undoubtedly been some disappointments along the way, but Gerrard has achieved what he set out to do and delivered Rangers’ 55th Premiership title in this historic campaign.

Here, Herald and Times Sport looks back at a hat-trick of lows from Gerrard’s three years at Ibrox as he prepares for a fourth term and a defence of their top flight crown next season.

HAMPDEN HEARTACHE AGAINST CELTIC

This was a case of so near yet so far for Rangers as they reached their first final under Gerrard and were left with nothing to show for their efforts at the National Stadium.

The offside winner from Christopher Jullien shouldn't have stood but Rangers only had themselves to blame as a series of chances - including a missed penalty from Alfredo Morelos - ultimately came back to haunt them.

There was pride in the performance for Gerrard but that mattered little. This was as close as he has been to a knock-out competition win and he is zero from six in the Betfred Cup and Scottish Cup.

It was clear to see how much it affected Gerrard's players and there were emotional scenes at the final whistle as Celtic celebrated.

Time will tell when, or if, Rangers can finally get themselves over the line and go one step better than they did here.

SECOND SEASON UNRAVELS AFTER THE BREAK

Victory at Parkhead gave Rangers the momentum heading into the winter shutdown last term but Gerrard's side would again falter badly after returning from a sojourn in the sun.

The collapse this time around was even more difficult to fathom. Celtic's ninth title may have been handed to them via email, but there was no chance of Rangers catching their Old Firm rivals in the Premiership.

The defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Cup created fears that Gerrard may be about to head for the exit door as he admitted he had some serious thinking to do.

It would get worse just days later as Hamilton won at Ibrox and there was real pressure on Gerrard at that stage as his side looked devoid of confidence and ideas.

The rest, they say, is history and Rangers have recovered emphatically. Few times have been as serious as this, however.

COSTLY DEFEATS IN THE CUPS THIRD TIME AROUND

This season was all about the Premiership and talk of 55 and ten-in-a-row dominated Scottish football during a controversial summer and throughout the opening stages of the title race.

When it became evident that Rangers would go on and win the league, there was an expectation from supporters that it wouldn't be the only silverware that Gerrard and his players would be lifting.

Dreams of a treble were ended on a miserable night in Paisley as St Mirren inflicted Rangers' first defeat of the season to knock them out of the Betfred Cup.

But the sense of frustration and anger was even more profound when St Johnstone beat Gerrard's side in the Scottish Cup just a week after Celtic had been overcome at Ibrox.

This has undoubtedly been a season of huge celebration for Rangers. It is one that will be tinged with regret, however, given their failings domestically in recent months.