RCD Espanyol: The left has often been a problem for Rangers in recent times.

It is a position that Walter Smith is never truly able to fill with confidence as he deliberates on his team selection. Now however, the left wing could prove to be the answer to Rangers’ troubles instead of an area of consternation. The possible saviour, a Spanish gentleman, was at Ibrox on Saturday morning. Nacho Novo he was not but a super sub he may well be.

In the surroundings of the Thornton Suite at an event organised by the Rangers Supporters Trust in order to find a solution to the well documented and increasing problems that Rangers encounter, Councillor David Palomar of the Catalan Socialist Party Palomar embarked on a trip down memory lane, recalling the fluctuating heritage of RCD Espanyol. The history of the Catalan side made interesting listening but it is the future that will be of concern to those in attendance.

The Espanyol story is a chequered one but Rangers fans need only look back 17 years to discover how the Catalan side shaped its future and how their club could do likewise.

“In 1992, a new legislation was passed that forced all the teams in Spain to convert to limited companies except for Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna” Mr Palomar told The Herald. “The rest of the teams had to move to a limited company scheme with shareholders.