2021 will always be remembered by Rangers fans.

The year in which we finally returned the league title to Ibrox for the 55th time and the end of the Steven Gerrard era. Of course, times are now different as the Giovanni Van Bronckhorst era has begun in a successful fashion.

With football in a Covid predicament and current doubt issuing over the timing of the winter break, Rangers sit top in a commanding position. Managerial change is never easy, but losing someone of Gerrard's stature would always be especially tough. The club deserves credit for its swift action.

With everything up in the air at the time of writing, I thought it may be fun to look back on the year and choose my moments of the calendar year so far.

Young player of the year

Noticeable mention to Robbie McCrorie for an outstanding double clean sheet cameo in Europe against Aleshkert and then in the Old Firm victory at Ibrox. Some brilliant saves and assured goalkeeping helped his team secure two big results.

In the academy, there is a shout for the progress of youngster Leon King who at centre-back is touted as one with a huge future. Rangers will do well to hold onto the player with interest rumoured to be huge.

But the young player of the year is undoubtedly Nathan Patterson. He started off shakily with a Covid setback and some disciplinary issues surrounding that but burst back into the good books within seconds against Antwerp. He didn’t look back after and deputised as Rangers clinched 55 with solid and exciting performances.

His emergence as Scotland’s first-choice right-back cements his choice as my young player of the year.

READ MORE: How Rangers' wide transformation derives from Pep Guardiola's 'non-negotiable' tactic

Signing of the year

The lack of a big name signing means the choice is more or less narrowed down to Scott Wright or Fashion Sakala.

Both have shown flashes of brilliance on the pitch and moments where we have thought, 'wow we may have a player here'. But they have more convincing to do.

However, signing of the season? It’s the new manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst. Brought in for free at such short notice is hugely impressive.

Gio appears a solid appointment and his calibre within football is unrivalled.

Player of the year

This will polarise opinion! Connor Goldson, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos have all had hot and cold spells, While Allan McGregor, Steven Davis, Glenn Kamara have been similar.

The choice though is the captain - James Tavernier. The driving force behind the title returning and the constant force in each game. When we need a moment, when we need leadership, when we need a spark - it often comes from Tav. He is our leader for a reason. 

Goal of the year

These awards only get tougher!

There are so many unbelievable goals to choose from. Morelos versus Celtic was a ‘sprinkling’ we all enjoyed. Joe Aribo against Dundee United with a thunderbolt strike at Ibrox and this season he has found the net spectacularly against Hearts and Livingston.

My choice takes us back to early this year - when Ryan Jack's volley against Kilmarnock earned an important three points. 

Moment of the year

55. No other moment will come close. The night after we beat St Mirren was special indeed as videos of the player's celebrations came through. Gerrard sliding through the champagne followed by Ross Wilson and several players.

Then the flag over Tannadice and the celebrations as we thumped Aberdeen to enjoy the title party was a beautiful thing.

Rangers as Champions should always be the moment in every year but this year was special and long overdue.

Emerging talent of the year

Calvin Bassey has improved every second he has played. His attitude and application have been fantastic. Bassey has been a joy to watch and played remarkably well in the centre of defence.

He deserves enormous credit.

But the emergence of Joe Aribo as a key match-winner means there is only one choice. For two years he has inconsistently sparkled at times, but now showing his magic regularly has the crowd on the edge of their seat.

He is in such a rich vein of form which is literally proving he can win games in moments. Rangers have a fifteen million pound player and teams will be looking.

READ MORE: Alfredo Morelos' massive Rangers attitude swing as old rampaging buffalo returns - Four Lads

Clubman of the year

In football, everything changes - but at our club one thing has been constant. That’s this board of directors and the fantastic job they have done.

John Bennett, Douglas Park and those that sit on the board deserve all the credit and more for their unbelievable work and dedication.

Mr Bennet, Mr Park and the rest of this board, we thank you and we are indebted to your service.

Conclusion

So that is us now at the end of 2021 or almost. Will we get to finish the fixtures or will they all be rescheduled? We’ll find out soon but for now, the memories of this year will live on forever.

The league title has returned home, the players became legends and legacies was created. But we can't stop here. 56 now becomes even more important. Rangers have more to do, more to achieve.

So thank you to everyone for all your efforts but this is Rangers. We enjoyed the moment, but now we must continue.