STEVEN DAVIS knows how difficult the last decade has been for Rangers supporters as the club has been demoted, derided and riddled with division at times.

But that difficult past will make the success of today all the sweeter as Steven Gerrard's side prepare to secure the Premiership crown and ensure the league flag will fly over Ibrox once again.

Davis was part of the last Rangers side to win the title under the guidance of Walter Smith ten years ago and Gerrard this week thanked the legendary former boss for his help and advice this term.

The title could be won this weekend and Davis is relieved supporters will finally have a reason to be cheerful once again after the most tumultuous period in Rangers' history.

“I don't like to compare one manager to the next as each has their own personality,” Davis said. “They deal with situations in the way they see fit.

“The gaffer has his own traits and he has done a fantastic job since he came in.

Glasgow Times: Steven Davis and manager Steven Gerrard

“It was a massive first job for him to step into but for him to have Walter there and to tap into is a great thing for him.

“There’s been a lot of hurt over the past 10 years and it’s been a long road to try and get it back to where it should be.

“Even as a group, we’ve had a lot of criticism over the past couple of seasons when we’ve fallen away.

“So it’s going to be a very special moment when we do get over the open and it’s one that the fans will be delighted with.

“Of course there’s something missing in terms of them not being able to be in the stadium to witness it this year but I’m sure everyone will be delighted and will celebrate accordingly whenever to comes.”

The transformation from failed challengers to champions-elect has been remarkable for Rangers this season and their crowning moment will be thoroughly merited whenever it arrives.

 

 

The defeat to Hamilton at Ibrox last March was arguably the lowest point of Gerrard's tenure but his side remain unbeaten in the league this term and are now on the brink of history.

Davis said: "It (the change) has been huge. We all know what comes with playing for this club and the scrutiny it’s under and the pressure you are under to win week in week out.

"I read one of the manager’s interviews recently – talking about December being the biggest month, them January being the biggest month and before that October was the biggest month.

Glasgow Times: Steven Davis

"That’s just the nature of the beast here. What that tells you is ultimately the next game is the most important.

"As a group we’ve managed to really keep our focus this year. Obviously the belief and quality we have in the team... I felt we had the quality in the team last year as well to have a sustained charge for the title but for whatever reason we fell a little bit short.

"Obviously the recruitment the club’s done on the summer has made the squad even stronger.

"One of the demands of the gaffer is to keep progressing and pushing yourself to get those percentages.

"It’s a little bit of a cliché in football but genuinely I do feel taking it one game at a time has been the approach.

"There’s been a real focus in terms of taking a game off, then resetting and getting yourself prepared for the next one.

"That’s stood us in good stead so far this year. It was the same after the game the other night."