Even though Scotland's league matches are coming up soon it was realised at the beginning of July that they would not have time to redevelop the stand at Ibrox Stadium. Because of this, the first league and cup matches will be played at the national venue.

Two venues on the table

At Ibrox, work is in full swing. Unfortunately not as quickly as expected. The redevelopment of Copland Road stand will definitely not be completed before the start of the new Scottish Premiership season in early August. The work is so far advanced that matches cannot be played there and Rangers were faced with the choice of a temporary stadium.

Two stadiums were under consideration. The first is Scotland's national rugby venue. Murrayfield as it is referred to, can hold 67,000 spectators and Rangers will play a friendly match there against Manchester United this summer. However, as it turned out, Hampden Park was the more likely choice, with official confirmation coming on July 15.

© Rick Finnelly | Hampden Park

By end of August

John Bennett and the Rangers board have been in talks with the Scottish Football Federation and have reached an agreement whereby the Rangers team will play their matches at the national stadium. In a joint statement from the SFA and SPFL, it was reported that the agreement covers home matches until Scotland's Nations League game against Poland on September 5.

Under the agreement, Rangers have committed to funding an accelerated programme of pitch upgrades to ensure the Hampden pitch is ready for the club's first home game. The first Premiership match at Hampden Park will take place on August 10, with Motherwell the opponent.

In addition, at least one Champions League qualifying match, scheduled for August 6/7 or 13, will also be played at Hampden. If Rangers make it further, the next key home game will be on August 20/21 or 27/28.

© Michael Holdsworth | Hampden Park

Official club statement

First I'd like to apologise on behalf of the club for the uncertainty that this delayed project has caused to our season ticket holders, hospitality clients, partners and the wider support of this football club. The number of variables in this situation has made it extremely difficult to bring the one thing we all crave - certainty. Nevertheless, we are closing in on the most immediate solution - a suitable venue at which to fulfil our fixtures and house our support. While the ongoing delay means that the club is unable to fix a date for our return to Ibrox, we anticipate that this will become clearer upon delivery of the necessary materials to Glasgow.Rangers thanks the Scottish FA and the SPFL for their strong support in working to this solution.The club wholeheartedly appreciates the continued patience of our supporters while we work through this most trying of situations. I intend to give a fuller, personal update by the end of July - communicated John Bennet, chairman of Rangers.

© Vic Sharp | Hampden Park