It’s six months since Steven Gerrard revealed Rangers were in talks with Connor Goldson over a contract extension at Ibrox.
The club was on a high when the Light Blues boss broke the news, coming a month after they had wrapped up an historic first title in a decade and just days after a Scottish Cup win over Celtic.
Gerrard also told how Glen Kamara was in negotiations as the club looked to reward those who delivered the Scottish Premiership crown.
Veteran duo Allan McGregor and Steven Davis and captain James Tavernier had already put pen to paper as they looked to chase more success with Gers.
Kamara, despite speculation of a potential move, would also commit itself to a contract that keeps the Finnish international in Govan until at least the summer of 2025.
So what about Goldson? He was the one fans hoped would sign after much of the success of last season was built on his rock-solid defensive displays.
Yet just over a couple of months away from being able to negotiate a pre-contract, the £3.5 million man said he had no clue as to where negotiations were at.
It added to the mixed messages in the time since the tail end of last season when Gerrard first spoke and here Record Sport looks at what has been said on the contract situation.
April
Gerrard reveals he is hopeful of Goldson penning a deal as he confirms discussions are taking place.
He said: “Glen (Kamara) is someone who we are still trying and talking to to commit here because he is a big player for us. Connor Goldson is the same.
"There are a lot of players we are working with to try and get them tied up here because they are so important for the team moving forward.”
July
Goldson offered the biggest hint that he was ready to extend his stay at Ibrox as he reflected on the momentous title win.
It got fans excited as he spoke of the long term. The 28-year-old said: “Do we want to go and dominate or do we want to be known as the team that won 55?
““Do we want to go on now and win 56, 57, 58 or do we just want to be known as the team that won 55?
“Personally, that’s where my head is at and I think the gaffer will be drilling that home every day to make us try and go on and hopefully dominate.”
He certainly made it sound like he was in Glasgow for the long haul with those comments and supporters were excited.
July
As they prepared for the new season, Gerrard was confident of getting his man to put pen to paper on a new deal.
And why wouldn’t he after Goldson’s comments? The Rangers boss said: “I’ve got a fantastic personal relationship with Connor.
“I brought him up here three years ago and he’s done an incredible job. He’s got stronger and stronger each season.
“He’s very comfortable here, he’s a big leader. We’ve given him big responsibility making him vice-captain of this football club.
“He’s very settled and talks are on-going. I’m confident we can get it to where we need to get it.
“But at the same time we will respect Connor’s space. There’s no need to rush.
“We’ve got that strong personal relationship, his advisers are in touch with the club and things are moving forward.
“Hopefully sooner rather than later we can get him tied down because he’s very important to the team, the club and to me personally because he’s robust, he’s a top player and a leader.”
August
With some of Goldson’s performances coming under the microscope and the defence not as solid as it had been, questions were asked if the contract situation was affecting him.
Ibrox legend Brian Laudrup found it all a bit unusual. He said: “Goldson has been regarded as the best central defender at the club – rightly so, in my opinion – so why didn’t he sign a new contract months ago?
“All the noises have been very positive. Yet nothing has been confirmed. What’s the issue? It seems strange. I always think clarity is key for a player. Otherwise, performances can be affected. Uncertainty about your future can be such a corrosive thing for a footballer. And for a dressing room as a whole. I know that from the personal experience of my last year at Rangers.
“I don’t know Goldson personally or what’s in his mind just now but finalising his situation one way or the other would surely be best for all parties. There has to be an outcome soon.”
October
Despite all the positive noises in the past six months, Goldson dropped a bombshell when he faced the media ahead of the Europa League clash against Brondby.
And all aforementioned progress seemed to be news to him. He said: “No, I haven’t heard anything.
"I haven’t really spoken to my agent or the club recently so I couldn’t tell you where it’s at.”
