SPL fixtures
Baptism of fire for new Ibrox chief Gerrard
Steven Gerrard: tough start (pic: SNS Group)
Steven Gerrard will mark his debut as Rangers manager with a challenging opening fixture against SPL runners-up Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The match on Sunday 5 August pitches two of Scotland’s fiercest rivals into an early battle for bragging rights in mounting a serious challenge to Champions Celtic. Aberdeen have finished second for the past four seasons.
It will not get any easier for the new Ibrox chief as three of his first four fixtures are away from home. His first taste of the Old Firm derby will be at Celtic Park on 1 or 2 September, in what could be a tricky start to the new campaign. It also puts him up against his former Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic are at home to promoted Livingston on the opening day while Alan Stubbs begins his St Mirren journey against Dundee. Hamilton host Hearts, Hibernian play Motherwell and Kilmarnock tackle St Johnstone.
The first Edinburgh derby is scheduled for 31 October. The top division’s winter break runs from Hogmanay until 23 January.
