The former chairman had made know his desire to leave the club sooner rather than later but the news of him stepping down surprised everybody. The move in itself may be nothing more than a shuffling of responsibilities, but it is a sure sign of movement toward Murray's eventual sale. Whatever anyone's thoughts on the man himself, a want away chairman is a dangerous thing, and the slight glimpse into a brighter future lifted the spirit of many a Bear. The news of the former chairman's news was quickly followed by strong rumours on radio outlets of not one but two consortiums looking to purchase our magnificent club. Exciting times indeed, although everything was, as usual, taken with more than a pinch of salt.
The evening was already a good one by the time Celtic kicked off their game in London. A first leg deficit of two goals always looked too tough a task, and when Eduardo was brutally, nay, savagely scythed down by the hapless Borat, the Irish club began to wilt. Further goals from Eboue and Arshavin gave the second leg tie a more reflective score line. A mis-kicked fluke from Donati was scant consolation to the travelling community who had made the trek in their mobile homes to the Emirates. It was not just partisan glee at a rival's 'mis-fortuné' (two words i predict we will hear a lot of this season, miss and fortuné) that saw me smiling all the way to bed: Rangers had secured an extra £2.6 million in TV money which in our current predicament could conceivably mean the difference between no new signings and a player coming in.
While Celtic were being taught how to play like Barcelona by a team from London, another key tie in Rangers season was playing out. Sporting Lisbon were playing in Italy for a Champions League spot. Sporting had taken a half time lead that would have seen them progress in the competition at the expense, not only of Fiorentina's ambitions, but the prospect of Rangers moving into group 2 in the seedings. A 54th minute goal for the home side, scored by Jovetic, squared the tie at 3-3, with the Italians progressing on the away goal rule.
So, after a summer of worry caused by our finances, the season has started well. A good win away at Tynecastle showing we have the skill and the guts to win difficult games, a more attacking style of football in evidence, and an evening that could not have been scripted any better on a bleak and dreary Wednesday night. We can all look forward to a campaign in Europe with the promise of a brighter future for the club, and with the state of play on the park improving all the time.
For the first occasion in a fair while, I feel justified in proclaiming an optimism that was always there, just buried in amongst the worry.