Jack Butland is determined to take control of his future at Rangers, stating he wants to be the best version of himself as he enters a new season under head coach Russell Martin. The 32-year-old goalkeeper acknowledged that his time at Ibrox has not been “smooth sailing” but is committed to proving his worth after an inconsistent previous season.
Butland initially made a strong impression during his first year with Rangers. However, a series of underwhelming performances led to him losing his starting position to Liam Kelly. Following a challenging period, he reclaimed his spot in the starting eleven for the final two games of the Scottish Premiership and participated in Martin’s debut pre-season friendly against Club Brugge.
Reflecting on his journey, Butland stated, “Has it been smooth sailing, my time at the club? Not for me personally, and for all of us, it’s not been quite as successful as we’d like it to have been.” He emphasized his determination to shape his career at Rangers, insisting that he is ready to embrace the challenges ahead. “I was very adamant in the summer that regardless of what happens, what managerial changes, ownership changes, that I was going to come in and be the best version of myself,” he explained.
Butland’s recent performances suggest a revival, particularly in a crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos, where he made several key saves, helping the team secure a 2-0 lead ahead of the second leg in Athens. “That’s what you live for,” he remarked, acknowledging the pressure that comes with high-stakes matches.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Butland is optimistic about the changes Martin will bring to the squad. He noted that the new manager’s style will demand different skills from players, particularly goalkeepers. “There’s going to be different demands on every position, how the manager expects us to play, and it’s been really exciting,” he said.
Butland’s connection with Martin goes back to when he faced him as a player at Norwich City. He expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season, stating, “It allows you to show a different side, which people perhaps didn’t know you had.”
Rangers will kick off their 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season against Motherwell on August 2, 2025, marking Martin’s first league game in charge. This will be followed by an important match against Dundee on August 9 at Ibrox. The first Old Firm derby of the season is scheduled for August 31, when Celtic visits Ibrox, a fixture that could be pivotal as Rangers aim to close the gap on their rivals.
The season promises to be challenging, particularly with no winter break, resulting in six matches in December. Rangers’ first clash against Hearts will take place on September 13, with several matches against newly-promoted clubs in the following weeks. The campaign is set to conclude on the weekend of May 16/17, 2026.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Butland is ready to lead the charge for Rangers, aiming to reclaim his status as a key player and make a significant impact this season. “I need to keep my head up, stick my chest out and get on with it,” he concluded, reflecting a steadfast commitment to his career at Rangers.
