Arthur's Column // 24th May 2022

IT WAS brilliant to see James Tavernier holding the Scottish Cup on Saturday afternoon after the deserved victory against Hearts.

Rangers controlled the game from start to finish and had the final score 4-0 or 5-0 then that may have been a fairer reflection on the 120 minutes.

To bounce back from the painful defeat in Seville last midweek to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League Final spoke volumes for Giovanni and his players.

They were a real credit to the Football Club.

As were our supporters for the backing they gave everyone in Spain and at Hampden last weekend. They were absolutely brilliant.

We deserved to win at least one trophy this season and it was nice to get the Scottish Cup for the first time since 2009.

Giovanni and his staff can now go on holiday. They deserve some quality time with their families.

But he will not be able to switch off. He will still be busy and in constant contact with people at the Football Club.

Signing targets will have already been identified and work will be underway to recruit them.

There are also question marks hanging over the future of players such as Allan McGregor and Steve Davis.

Both are out of contract and I hope both stay for one more year. They are highly talented and highly experienced. They are assets to the squad.

Connor Goldson looks to be away on freedom of contract. What a servant he has been. He will be missed.

A couple of players may also be the subject of interest from clubs elsewhere and that is to be expected.

When you reach a European Final and three of your players - Tavernier, Ryan Kent and Calvin Bassey - get in the Europa League Team of the Season, clubs from the wealthier leagues take notice.

Calvin appears to be the name on everyone's lips at the moment and he has earned it.

His displays in the two Cup Finals were almost flawless. He looks as though he has it all in his locker.

Whether he plays at left-back or left of a back three, he is powerful, aggressive, good in the tackle and has incredible strength.

He delivers inviting cross balls and it must be a dream for the strikers to have him in that role.

Calvin has two years left to run on his contract and I'm sure Giovanni will want to keep him.

But that can't stop clubs from England or abroad bidding for him.

The starting price has been suggested at around the £20million mark and I can't disagree with that valuation.

However, he stays a part of the Football Club for the new season. He can help deliver more success.

I am now taking a short break from my 5 Stars column. I hope you've enjoyed it. See you in the new season when its back. Enjoy the summer!