It’s finally here, the summer is upon us. All those months we’ve spent wishing the football season would finish have passed and goodbyes have been said. Now, there’s genuine excitement at what comes next.

Michael Beale has the backing of the support and we’ve seen enough evidence to suggest he can build something special in Glasgow. The time for talking is done, Beale has his summer and must now deliver.

The big question is: who stays and who goes? The last few games have offered us an idea of the names that may well be kept around for next season.

The goalkeeping position finally has some clarity, with Robby McCrorie doing enough to confirm he can challenge for the No.1 spot next season. He needs to improve his claims at crosses but the speed he demonstrated off his line in open play during a 3-0 Old Firm was very impressive. With Kieran Wright signing a new deal, like McCrorie a homegrown player, the third-placed slot also appears to be occupied.

A starter in this area will arrive whether that’s Jack Butland, who my money remains on, or another.

Defensively, James Tavernier and Connor Goldson will both stay at the club and in the season’s final few matches John Souttar showed he's getting back to his best. He will push for a starting spot next season and that’s exactly the type of competition that's required. Another centre-back is on the way, as Beale’s already revealed, to provide greater strength in depth.

That may well leave Ben Davies’ future up in the air and if money were to come in, I doubt that Rangers would be difficult to deal with. I caused controversy in January after suggesting he wasn’t good enough and while remaining sceptical about that fact, I’m convinced he’s not what’s required defensively. Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if a loan move is on the horizon for young Leon King.

READ MORE: Rangers' win over Celtic is start of Michael Beale's brighter future - 4 Lads

Ridvan Yilmaz has been quietly effective at left-back since being handed his chance. There’s enough there to suggest that the Turkish international may well be the long-term answer. He's looked pretty strong defensively and although his crossing isn’t at Borna Barisic’s level, there’s more variation to Ridvan's game on the ball. Barisic for that matter only has a year left on his deal and no longer looks to be a first choice. Could a departure in that area work for all involved? 

Dujon Sterling has also come in appearing to be a solid defender who can offer cover and competition across the back. He arrives at a good time, aged 23.

The midfield has two players already in the club to build around – Nico Raskin and Todd Cantwell. Add in a Ryan Jack extension and John Lundstram’s improvement towards the end of the season. It looks likely that the Scouser will stick around beyond summer. Kieran Dowell is already in the door while Jose Cifuentes is an arrival that all would welcome. Tom Lawrence is also on the way back and Ianis Hagi has overcome his injury issues. Glen Kamara will depart while Malik Tillman’s future remains up in the air. Surgery is still required in the engine room, with further outgoings possible, but there’s a contingent to be built around.

The front line is the area of the pitch requiring the most amount of work. A No.9 or two is non-negotiable. Antonio Colak could well stay around and would benefit from a full pre-season. Kemar Roofe has another year on his deal, but I won’t hold my breath regarding his impact. Fashion Sakala’s also shown under Beale that he can be an effective squad member, if not relied upon in the big matches.

Ryan Kent requires replacing on the left and Scott Wright will be moved on. I’m still not convinced that Rabbi Matondo will make an impact long-term at Ibrox. At least three players are required across the forward positions.

READ MORE: Why I trust Michael Beale and James Bisgrove to lead Rangers' rebuild - 4 Lads

So with all that said, where does it leave us? Here’s my prediction, with a couple of overlaps. 

To stay: Robby McCrorie, Kieran Wright, James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Leon King, John Souttar, Dujon Sterling, Ridvan Yilmaz, Adam Devine, John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Nico Raskin, Todd Cantwell, Tom Lawrence, Kieran Dowell, Fashion Sakala, Antonio Colak, Alex Lowry, Ianis Hagi.

To leave: Jon McLaughlin, Glen Kamara, Scott Wright. Plus those who have already departed upon the expiry of their contract.

To leave (if the price is right): Ben Davies, Rabbi Matondo, Ianis Hagi, Borna Barisic.

To arrive: A goalkeeper, left-sided centre-back, left-back to provide competition, midfielder to partner Raskin, and three forwards across the front line. That would equate to seven more arrivals.

Dowell and Sterling are here with Cifuentes and Butland potentially pending. That’s four of the predicted eight positions already filled for minimal outlay.

The summer is here and change has begun.

I for one am all in. I wanted change, I wanted a revamp of this squad. Now it’s time to embrace it.