Lizzie Arnot has insisted that Rangers will be with a fresh impetus to claim the league title next season after signing off with a League Cup and Scottish Cup double.
Jo Potter’s side beat Hearts at Hampden on Sunday afternoon to ensure that there was a positive end to a season that for long periods looked set to end with a domestic treble.
Losing the title on goal difference to Celtic on the final day of last season will resonate across the summer break but for Arnot, there will be a drive to go again.
“We have learned so much and I think we have pushed on under Jo,” said the winger, who netted the second goal on Sunday afternoon. “We have won two Cups and come so close to the league so it has to be seen as a success. I think we can push on next season.
“It will be good to switch off mentally and physically. The aim is to come back stronger and fitter next year and get some more trophies.”
Arnot joined captain Nicola Docherty last week in signing a new contract at the club. While eager to get a break after the demands of what has been a fairly arduous season, she has enjoyed the different style that Rangers have played this season under Potter.
“I love being part of this club and being here for another two years is special,” she said. “I just want to keep pushing on and get better.
“There is a lot to look forward to. There will be the chance of Champions League football next season too so it will be good to get the break and come back refreshed.”
Arnot admitted that last week was spent ensuring that the squad were in the right place mentally to go into Sunday’s final after the excruciating way that the title slipped from their grasp.
The Championship had looked all set to be heading to Ibrox before Amy Gallacher netted a 90th minute winner for Celtic to give Elena Sadiku’s side the championship courtesy of their superior goal difference.
“It was a really important win for us on Sunday,” said Arnot. “We wanted to end the season on a high. There is no denying it was sore to lose the league the way we did so it was important to win the Scottish Cup. We came in with one focus and that was to win.”
