Craig Mather expects Rangers to be challenging for the SPFL Premiership at the first time of asking.

After seeing his side win the Third Division title last term, Ibrox boss Ally McCoist has made several quality signings this summer, adding seven new faces to his squad including Nicky Law, Nicky Clark, Jon Daly, Arnold Peralta, Cammy Bell, Stevie Smith and Richard Foster.

The Gers boast arguably the second strongest pool in the country behind Old Firm rivals Celtic – and the club's interim chief executive is targeting instant success upon the Light Blues' eventual return to the top flight.

"As far as I'm concerned you get one opportunity to make change when you go through a situation like Rangers have," he said.

"We need to create a solid platform from which we can build. And that's not just on the park, that's off the park as well.

"So the changes we made with regard to the playing side I believe will help improve the squad and drive the squad forward.

"I'm under no illusions that when we get back to the pinnacle of Scottish football we have to build to compete and not compete mid- table. This is Rangers. This is an institution and we have to build to compete at the top, not at the middle."

It is not just on the field where Mather is determined to make Rangers a force once again, with the Ibrox club set to reap the benefits of the formation of the SPFL.

The Light Blues are full members and have full voting rights of the new single league body, and Mather said: "Rangers are an integral part of Scottish football and are one of the biggest clubs not only in the UK but in Europe.

"They have to have a voice and have to help shape Scottish football. They can help to do that.

"Now that we have a voice, I think it is imperative we use it and work hard to drive Scottish football forward.

"Being brutally honest, I'm just glad a decision has been made and there is one body now controlling the game.

"Hopefully, we can now improve Scottish football in Europe's eyes rather than just in the views of people within the UK.

"The powers that be in Scottish football know how powerful the Rangers fans can be, so now that we have a voice we intend to use it."

Mather also admits he will be keeping a close eye on the SFA's hearing into Hearts going into administration.

He told RangersTV: "I just hope common sense prevails and people aren't as quick to judge and make rash decisions like they did with us then have to pick up the pieces afterwards."

Meanwhile, skipper Lee McCulloch has joined his team-mates for pre-season training after missing the first week to work on his UEFA Pro Licence.

Former Ibrox hero Nacho Novo also took part in yesterday's session as he attempts to find himself a new club this summer, while ex-Ibrox defender Carlos Bocanegra signed a deal with Chivas USA.