Michael Beale admits there is a tinge of disappointment around his first six months as Rangers boss.
The Light Blues gaffer came in for Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November and while he boasts an excellent dugout record since returning north of the border, he feels his side could have done much better in the real key moments. They lost out to Celtic in the League Cup Final at Hampden and then at the same ground in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Those sort of experiences will be at the forefront of his thinking ahead of his massive Rangers summer recruitment drive that is already underway. Kieran Dowell has put pen to paper on a pre-contract from Norwich City while Dujon Sterling became his second recruit after agreeing to make the move from Chelsea on a long-term contract.
READ MORE: Dujon Sterling completes Rangers transfer as he details Michael Beale influence in quick decision
A number of other key areas will be addressed with Jack Butland reported to be edging closer after 'Tuesday evening talks'. Going the other way the club said goodbye to five players including Alfredo Morelos, Allan McGregor and Ryan Kent with their contracts up.
It's been a rollercoaster first year in management that has involved two clubs and two different leagues with some drama sandwiched in between. Looking back on it all, Beale told Sky Sports: "It's been everything I wished it to be to be honest. It's been a natural transition from being in the system for many years.
"My desire was to become a manager. Two different leagues in one season with a lot of drama in between. But I have had a lot of experience in that. The size of the clubs are different. I loved my time at QPR with Les Ferdinand and the staff there.
"I really enjoyed that time and it was really important to me before coming back to Rangers. The opportunity to come here I didn't think would come anywhere near as quick as what it did. You come into this club that is a juggernaut of a club and everything that comes with it.
"I have been pleased with my staff and how they have handled it. I have been pleased with the support I have had from the club and everybody around the backroom team.
"There is a tinge of disappointment as I felt we could have done better. We have won a lot of games but in the real key moments we have tended to shoot ourselves in the foot.
"That will be in the forefront of my mind going for the recruitment this summer. It's a really important summer for me, the football club, the fans and ultimately the players in the squad as well."
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