Auchenhowie graduate scoring ‘amazing figures’ in contract predicament Rangers may take advantage of

Rangers are now facing several complaints, including the fact that they do not promote enough junior players to Philippe Clement’s first squad.

The manager values utilizing the academy to strengthen his team and has provided opportunities to youngsters like Ross McCausland, Robbie Fraser, and Cole McKinnon since joining Ibrox.

Rangers are struggling to place players like Billy Gilmour and Nathan Patterson in the starting lineup for the senior team, despite the potential influence of Rory Wilson.

Rory Wilson picks up where he left off at Rangers.

The Scotland Under-21 striker picked up where he left off at Aston Villa, and Steven Gerrard would have been quick to recognize his prolific abilities.

Wilson, at 18 years old, has yet to completely expand into his 6ft physique, but former B team teammate James Graham isn’t shocked as the goals pile up:

“Rory was always good,” Graham told Football Scotland.

“He used to play with us in the under-18s, and you could always tell he was going to fly. He went down there and pulled it up. He was excellent.

“He was young when he was at Rangers, but he scored goals and showed potential as a player.”

“He got there, and he is soaring. It’s encouraging to see that he put up such impressive statistics last season.

“I still send him the occasional mail. I’ve played with him before, and it’s encouraging to watch someone you’ve played and trained with succeed. If he continues on his current path, he will!”

Hindsight is nice, but Wilson most likely believed that playing with and against stronger players in his age group would benefit his growth.

With Clement’s expertise developing and taking risks on young players, as well as Rangers’ injury woes last season, he might have been handed his opportunity years ago.

Rangers are overdue to produce another youth striker for their main team.

It’s been 40 years since Rangers supporters witnessed a striker rise through their junior levels and make a significant impression – Robert Fleck.

Ross McCormack had a successful career, although he was not a regular and did not stay long enough.

A McCormack on the rise is likely to make the first team by the age of 18.

The same is true for Wilson; with Dessers as the sole fit striker for large stretches of last season, there was not only room in the team for a striker, but also plenty of playing time available.

Wilson’s contract is slated to expire at the conclusion of the season, and if he doesn’t agree to a new one, Clement could do much worse than ask if he wants to come home.

Following problems at Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, Rangers turn down rich offers

Rangers Review claims that issues Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, faced drove Rangers to reject rich offers from other brands in order to stick with Kindred Group.

According to the news source dated September 18, the front-of-shirt agreement deal reached with Kindred was by far the largest in the history of the club.

While 32 Red will be on the training and warm-up kits, their brand Unibet will still be front of the strip visible.

Rangers wise decision to remain with Kindred

The club’s decision to stick with Kindred despite more attractive offers highlights a strategic choice giving stability and brand alignment top priority over quick financial gain.

Experience of other teams including Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest could have underlined the dangers of regular sponsorship changes, including brand inconsistency and possible income losses should relationships sour.

By staying with Kindred Group, Rangers are using a known entity that has shown success, guaranteeing consistency in branding and perhaps fan involvement.

The financial terms are still quite favorable, thus perhaps closely matching the club’s valuation of stability and historical partnership value over speculative higher bids that might not guarantee continuous success or fan approval, so they are not paying a price for it either.

Gers would not want to follow the same path once they understand just how terrible results of such events can be.

The Rangers board decides on Philippe Clement following John Bennett’s departure – Chris Jack

Chris Jack reports that the Rangers board is “fully committed” to Philippe Clement following John Bennett’s resignation.

The Belgian will continue to be in charge despite this season’s heavy Old Firm defeat and early Champions League exit, the journalist reported on September 16 via the Rangers Review.

It was revealed that following their 1-0 victory over Dundee United on September 15, acting chairman John Gilligan had a conversation with the manager at Ibrox.

Rangers decide to fire Philippe Clement.

If it wasn’t clear from his contract extension that Clement would remain the Rangers’ manager, it is now virtually a given.

Due to the team’s dismal performance in the Scottish Premiership, which has them sitting third, some pressure has been mounting over the past few weeks regarding the manager’s future.

Not every new player signed by the Gers has blended in completely, despite their lacklustre performances.

This will probably have some bearing on it, as will the fact that the Rangers weren’t even hosting their home games at Ibrox.

In the long run, it makes a lot of sense for the Light Blues to support Clement, even though some observers and supporters disagree due to his poor performance during the transfer window.

After the club’s reconstruction is finished, supporters should expect general improvements.

John Bennett won’t take money out of Rangers from the £23 million investment left by the departing chairman to remain stay-put

Bennett left, but his money is useless.

Although WON’t take his money out of Ibrox, John Bennett resigned as Rangers chairman.

Former director John Gilligan, a major player in Dave King’s takeover nine years ago, will be filling in temporarily.Bennett left the post for medical reasons. Furthermore, it is clear that recent criticism he encountered negatively affected both his personal and close family life. Record Sport knows, though, the 61-year-old who has spent almost £23million on the team will remain a major investor and supportive shareholder.

Bennett, who was appointed in March last year and replaced Douglas Park, ends a terrible run at the helm with his resignation. From 2015 until assuming the top position, Glaswegian, a lifetime enthusiast, has been on the Ibrox board. But lately, events have tarnished his time in charge.

In a statement outlining his leaving, Rangers said: “Chairman John Bennett is stepping down with immediate effect for health reasons. The board wants John to have a complete and quick recovery and truly thank him for his service and major dedication over the past nine years.

“It is requested at this time his and his family’s privacy is respected.John Gilligan, a former director, will serve as chairman temporarily until a permanent successor is chosen.

“The Board thanks John for stepping in at short notice; also, as a former director of Rangers, his experience in senior business roles throughout a long and successful career will be priceless at this time. Under the direction of expert advisers, the Board is following a thorough process to occupy the positions of chairman and CEO. The executive management team of the club will thus keep guiding the club daily in the meantime.

Rangers is left without a chairman, chief executive, director of football and academy director by the news. And it will cause more disturbance in a season already fraught with difficulties.

Bennett started to feel under pressure when he had to apologise to fans after confessing Ibrox wouldn’t be ready to host games because of a delayed steel delivery from China holding up renovation work to the Copland Road stand.Though work behind the goal still has to be done, Philippe Clement’s side will be back home next Saturday against Dundee.

A change to Hampden coincided with Gers failing out of the Champions League to Dynamo Kyiv and lagging behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Premiership due to a draw at Hearts and a terrible 3-0 Derby defeat at Parkhead. After promising them to expect the “best in class,” Bennett faced criticism from supporters over the stadium disaster in September 2022. Ibrox vice-chairman in September 2022

Celtic instead banked a £40 million Champions League jackpot and won a domestic double last term. Bennett participated at board level from 2015; Rangers only won one title, a Scottish Cup and a League Cup in addition to making it to a Europa League Final.

As chairman, one of last deeds was giving gaffer Clement a new contract extension in August. Gilligan is unlikely to be a long-term appointment even though she will temporarily take over.

The Ibrox board has to choose a new chairman while currently evaluating possible CEOs. Director Graeme Park is the sole Glasgow-based board member of the club now Bennett is stepping down.

Ibrox news bulletin: Fabio Silva notes Rangers’ success, Harry Souttar discusses transfer and £4.5m swirl addressed

League activity is about to start for Philippe Clement once more this weekend.

Rangers squanderFabio Silva has maintained he did succeed at Rangers, and his loan move to Las Palma supports this.

When the 22-year-old Wolves record signing for £35million four years ago moved to the Scottish Premiership in January, big expectations were placed on him; but, he fell short of the hype under Philippe Clement, only scoring four league goals before returning to Molineux. But as he tries to break off his mega-money price tag forked out by the English Premier League team, the indifferent Portugal U21 international is looking to start his career in Spain with La Liga strugglers.

Speaking at his Las Palmas unveiling, he remarked, “I was in Scotland last year and now I’m going to La Liga. I consider myself to have been successful. I’m going to play against the top players in the world; I’ve progressed. My transfer fee is a historical item. I didn’t press the club to pay that kind of money for me. As usual, I just performed my job. Twenty-two years old, and I believe I have performed well.”

Many supporters have hoped to see Harry Souttar loan to Ibrox to join brother John in the Light Blues’ backline, even while Silva struggled. When he was snapped on holiday sporting a vintage Rangers top, the Australia international set the rumour mill ablaze. He then left Leicester City on loan to Sheffield United instead.

But he recently admitted that he could have been playing alongside his brother for the Blades; the Scotland cap arrived at Bramall Lane before he signed a contract in Govan. He said to the Sheffield Star: “I spoke with him. He descended here when his contract expired with Hearts and for whatever reason it did not work out.

“He had a great chat and was simply delighted for me to finish the deal. We only played each other once in Scotland, thus there is less rivalry between us now; the family had a nervous day.

“He’s been in Scotland his whole career; I’ve been down here for the last seven years but it certainly makes it difficult for the family to come down here when he’s up there. Though I’ll leave that for another day, there was some conversation between us at corners and stuff.

Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers celebrates (Image: SNS Group)

With a comeback to Italy hailed for the frontman, Cyriel Dessers seemed to be a possible summer outgoing. But as the club sought to recover the £4.5million they paid to acquire the 29-year-old from Cremonese, Cagliari have downplayed the possibility of a move for the striker.

Sporting director Nereo Bonato told Tuttomercatoweb that the Serie A team’s priorities were attracting fresh talent. “It was a good window,” he said. We have succeeded in our goals,

“We are laying a simple framework based on club philosophy. more vigorous and dynamic. We want to concentrate on young targets, maybe Italian, also considering the playing qualities of our coach, as well as the financial limitations and restrictions.

7 Rangers fan Q&A as Philippe Clement made headlines because the boss “hates” Celtic dominance

Last night at a special Rangers Charity Foundation Q&A at Edmiston House, the Ibrox boss answered some fan questions.

Rangers supporters quizzed Philippe Clement last night during a Q&A he hosted at Edmiston House to help raise money for the charitable foundation.

The assistant manager, Alex Rae, also made a special appearance at the special event, where the manager of the Gers took time out of his hectic schedule to interact with supporters. Naturally, Clement was questioned about a number of hot-button concerns, such as the team’s transfer policy, catching up to Celtic, and the increasing discontent among fans following the Old Firm loss last week.

Here, Football Scotland selects the top seven stories from the Q&A with a little assistance from Record Sport, who was present.

Banner with stings

When Boss Clement showed up for the Rangers Charity Foundation Q&A, he was greeted with warmth. However, disgruntled supporters targeted the board ahead of time by erecting a “Sack the Board” banner outside Ibrox and charging club executives with “sleeping at the wheel”.

Suitable for a title contest?

PC: “Yeah, I’m here because I’m convinced of that.” It’s obviously a major rebuild. There were 16 players remaining. A successful transfer window was also difficult to arrange because seven players left for nothing, necessitating the purchase of expensive replacements. The way the wages were developed over the last few years in the squad was not sustainable, so we also had to reduce them.”

A note for antsy fans

PC: “Everyone is putting in a lot of effort towards that, but they must understand that new players to this team require time to adjust; no one can ever predict their reactions.” Some of your players—not just here, but worldwide—need three or six months to adjust, while others do so in as little as a week. It’s a very private matter that you were never able to predict. We added a number of very talented players, and I have no doubt that they will develop over the next few years. I hate to single people out, but Connor Barron, a young man who participated in some but not all of Aberdeen’s games, has already advanced significantly and been rewarded by being chosen for Scotland. Even at age 20, Jefte is showing promise. Working hard as a team and helping them come together will help you build relationships.”

Getting closer to Celtic

PC: “The other side of town has been playing together and assembling their team for over a year. That they are now ahead is normal. That bothers me, and I want to quickly make a change.”

What he anticipates from his group of leaders

PC: “Intelligence, I’m sure of it. Some players, who possess the ability to address the group and the confidence to face challenges head-on, have shown me that they want to be leaders. However, saying the incorrect things doesn’t help, so choosing your words carefully is crucial. Additionally, a good leader is one who can adapt his message to the audience he addresses. That one is really big. Not many players possess that attribute as well. Being constantly in control of someone can make them better. Depending on the circumstances, some people require more support, or something in between. A competent group leader is aware of this and responds to it appropriately. It is crucial for a manager to have a few of those kinds in their changing area.

Is it difficult to adjust to Scottish football?

PC: “Oh, not really, to be honest. With regard to the Belgian league, not much has changed. In addition, there are numerous teams advancing to the top teams by using the low block. I believe that more teams are vying for titles in Belgium, but this may also be related to the formula that they use.”

How many windows are left until you get the desired squad?

PC: “I wish I had this crystal ball and knew the answer to that.” I am aware that many fans, especially the younger ones, enjoy playing Football Manager and other video games on the PlayStation. However, things are entirely different in real life. You can’t predict that because, in the first place, it depends on your own finances (I’m not sure about that for January), which comes first, followed by locating and persuading the appropriate players to participate. Whether or not they wish to let them go depends on their relationships with the players, their agents, and other clubs. That is impossible to foresee. All I can say is that while we will work quickly, you don’t actually hold the whole situation in your hands. For that, all you can do is work extremely hard.”

Exclusive! Euro club is negotiating to sign £5.4 million Rangers star this week

Following his violent encounter with a fan following the 3-0 loss to arch-rivals Celtic, Fotomac claims Besiktas are looking at Rangers captain James Tavernier as a possible reinforcement to their ranks.

The Ibrox cult hero fits the bill as the Turkish giants want to strengthen their right-back position with an offensive and defensive player.

Valued at £5.4 million on Transfermarkt, Tavernier has been a pillar for Rangers in past seasons but came under fire after reacting violently to a raging fan and might think about a move away.

From his full-back post, known for his attacking ability, he has regularly given Glasgow club goals and assists. Tavernier gave the Gers eight assists and seventeen goals in thirty-three Premiership games last season alone.

Tavernier would be a great help to Besiktas in their quest to recover their Super Lig crown. Following 46 points away from the championship last term, they are eager to recover and have strengthened their squad with some very remarkable additions.

Besiktas have signed Moatasem Al-Musrati, Emirhan Topcu, Fatih Karagumruk, Ciro Immobile, Felix Uduokhai, Rafa, Gabriel Paulista, Joao Mario, and Cher Ndour but still have a right-back hole to cover.

Though the specifics of any possible deal are yet unknown, the Turkish club is allegedly considering a move for the Rangers captain.

Tavernier’s openness to leaving the Bears this window with Rangers pursuing the Scottish Premiership title is yet unknown. This term, he has started every league game.

Helping the Bears keep two clean sheets in their four games, the Bradford-born star is still a major player for Rangers. He has also turned in two assists.

Though well-known for his offensive ability, he also makes a consistent defender. For a full-back constantly squaring up to wing wizards, he has won 58% of his duels while dribbled past only 0.3 times per game, an amazing number.

The Scottish Sun says Tavernier and his wife recently bought a £1 million flat in Glasgow’s posh Park Circus, suggesting where his future might be.If their captain decides to leave, HITC thinks the Gers are looking at 31-year-old free agent Cyrus Christie.

James Tavernier’s transfer is “back ON,” as the Rangers captain discovers that FIVE routes have deadlines

Reports state that Turkey and Qatar are considering the purchase of Tavernier.

Despite the UK transfer window being closed, James Tavernier could still leave Rangers this summer as clubs in Qatar and Turkey are reportedly “ready” to make their move.

Earlier in the transfer window, the Ibrox captain was strongly linked to a move to Trabzonspor, and Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq was also keen to bring him to Saudi Arabia. However, neither move materialised before the UK window closed on August 30, which created the impression that Rangers would not sign a replacement unless they looked into the free agent market and would not sell.

However, there are now rumours that the door is still ajar for a Tavernier exit.Five teams are reportedly eager to sign him, including Istanbul Basaksehir, Fenerbahce, and Galatasaray, according to HITC. There is still one week left for any of those teams to reach an agreement as Turkish clubs are allowed to sign players until September 13.

Though it’s also been reported that Al-Arabi and Al-Garafa in Qatar are interested in a deal for Tavernier, the Saudi transfer window ended shortly after the UK one. They would need to increase interest this weekend because their deadline is Monday, September 9.

The report also says that if the right offer came along, the Rangers would consider selling Tavernier. However, since there isn’t a chance to purchase a replacement, a high bid is probably required.

“I’ve been informed…” – Keith Jackson Rangers may still play two games at Hampden; they are not yet done

Before making their full return to Ibrox, Rangers could play at least two more games at Hampden Park against St Johnstone and Hibernian, according to Keith Jackson.

The Daily Record journalist stated that the Gers might end up stuck at Hampden for that match if they are unable to obtain their safety certificate in time for the Hibs game, during an interview on the Daily Record’s Hotline Live on September 4.

The Glasgow team is scheduled to play Dundee in their League Cup quarterfinal at Ibrox, but since season ticket holders are exempt from having to find lodging for cup matches, a return to their home field is feasible.

“What I will say is that Hampden is not off the table for that game [versus St Johnstone] based on conversations I had earlier today (Wednesday, 4 September),” Jackson stated.

However, from what I’ve been told, there isn’t a firm commitment to the game happening at Ibrox. According to what I’ve been told, the Rangers must make room for season ticket holders [at league games].

“They are returning to Ibrox for the Dundee match, but that isn’t mentioned in the season book. Since it’s a cup quarterfinal, they can play it in front of three stands and accommodate as many fans as they feel is necessary.

“There is still a chance that Rangers will return to Ibrox for a single game before returning to Hampden, though, should a safety certificate not be approved for the match against Hibs and any subsequent games.”

Rangers must resolve Ibrox as quickly as possible.

The delay in their Ibrox renovation has prevented the Gers from playing at their home field for what seems like an excessive amount of time.

It has been known since almost the beginning of the summer transfer window that Rangers would not be opening the season at home.

Although an agreement was reached for the Glasgow-based team to rent out Hampden, the club has been left somewhat red-faced by the ongoing delays in the Gers’ return. The whole ordeal seems to have dragged on for far too long.

It’s true that Philippe Clement would have performed better in the league if he had played in the Ibrox atmosphere, but playing in a different stadium shouldn’t be the club’s ultimate goal.

Rangers might have been able to withstand a smaller financial hit in terms of European competition prize money if they had been able to qualify for the Champions League proper if Ibrox had been a feasible option for them to play in.

The club’s situation might get worse before it gets better, so the whole thing needs to be settled as soon as possible.

Rangers fan shares what Clement said to angry fans outside Ibrox following the Old Firm defeat

After fighting outside Ibrox after Rangers’ Old Firm loss to Celtic, Philippe Clement pleaded with the supporters to be patient, as one supporter has revealed.

After a humiliating 3-0 loss to Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday, September 1, supporters were furious.

Following the defeat, groups gathered outside Ibrox to await the players, who then became agitated and addressed the supporters when they returned and demanded more.

Someone who was close to the altercations on September 2 has called into Clyde 1 Superscoreboard and shared what they heard.

“I went up to Ibrox after the game because I wanted something, some sort of reaction from them,” the fan stated. “This isn’t Rangers, this is a disgrace,” we yelled at the gaffer, and he responded, “We just need time and patience.” It seems as though you have an endless amount of time.

“You’re supposed to be supporters,” said James Tavernier, who called us a disgrace as he got off the bus. That was the catalyst for everything; I tore up my season pass in front of him.

In response, host Gordon Duncan made fun of the fan by asking, “How do you rip your season ticket? These days, I thought it was a little card. Is this not a wee card since I haven’t had a season ticket in a long time? How is it torn apart?

The fan in question immediately hung up without responding to this.

Philippe Clement Shared Demand by Rangers fans

The season hasn’t started off well for the Gers, and the fans’ hesitancy was exacerbated by the team’s home opener at Hampden Park.

The cherry on top was being eliminated from the Champions League by Dynamo Kyiv under dubious circumstances.

The final cherry on top came when the Light Blues, who had put on a horrible show that day, lost badly to Celtic.

Managers should always be wary of supporters who confront and physically abuse players as they board the team bus after a loss.

🗣️ “I went to Ibrox after the game to shout at the players. I wanted some reaction from them.”

🎫 “I ripped my season ticket up right in front of him.”

😡 Doesn’t sound like David will be going back to watch Rangers anytime soon. pic.twitter.com/DdvW0Nhw1J

— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) September 2, 2024

Despite having signed a new contract over the summer, this only serves to poison the atmosphere within the team and may be the end for the Belgian manager.

After the two-week break, a significant improvement is required, as evidenced by the fan who called into Clyde 1. Supporters have already had enough of Clement and his team.

“I’d be very worried,” Chris Sutton questions Philippe Clement’s story about the Rangers

Chris Sutton thinks that Rangers fans should be worried about the way their team is going after Celtic beat them 3-0.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement tried to make the loss look better than it really was, but Celtic, who have dominated Scottish football for the past ten years, are still ahead of their Glasgow rivals.

It was clear at Celtic Park on Sunday when the Hoops dominated Rangers. They were so good that they went into the international break leading the Scottish Premiership, one goal ahead of Aberdeen.

On BBC 5 Live’s 606, Sutton talked about the latest derby match and the Rangers’ chances of a close title race this season. He said, “Aberdeen are off to a flyer.” I don’t think Aberdeen could keep up this level of intensity, but I have to say that Rangers were so far below it today.

“If I’m a Rangers fan, I’m stressed out.”

“Taking into account that Celtic sold their best player, Matt O’Riley, they’ve now added other players during the window. But they were a long way off.

Are you a Rangers fan? If so, you think your team has no chance.

“Philippe Clement told us that things will get better in October or November.” But will he get that long?

“Some people made fun of him on the way back to Ibrox on the bus.” There are some Rangers fans around who were not happy with the bears.

“Deeply concerned,” Ally McCoist says live on air as new details about the Rangers takeover come in

People in the United States are not interested in buying the Rangers, according to Dave King, who Ally McCoist believes.

After hearing on Tuesday (August 27) that some Ibrox shareholders wanted to sell their shares, this happens. The club is worth about £150 million [City A.M.].

King, who owns 14.12% of the club’s shares and is one of its biggest supporters, has already responded to the rumours, saying that they aren’t true [The Rangers Review].

McCoist said live on talkSPORT on August 28, at 6:44 a.m.: “I don’t know but something’s got to be done.” It’s hard for me to say whether it’s good or bad because I don’t know anything about the possible American investors.

“But since Dave King is adamant that there is no truth, I’ll have to take him at his word and say there is obviously no interest—or maybe not so much “no interest,” but right now it doesn’t look like there’s a deal to be made.”

“But Al, I tell you what, I told Jeff Stelling last week: I’m just very worried about what’s happened.” A lot of people seem to need to leave before they can spend any money to bring anyone in. There are a lot of worried Rangers fans out there, including me.

Rangers say no to news of an American takeover

At the moment, things are not going well for the Gers. Philippe Clement will not like any more problems off the pitch or behind the scenes, especially after the Ibrox redevelopment mess.

Going up against Celtic in the first game of the new season is already putting pressure on the manager, but things that aren’t related to football have now come back into the spotlight.

Fans may have been excited about the idea of a takeover at Ibrox, especially if new money came into the club. However, the former chairman has already dashed those hopes.

But even though things got better under Clement, John Bennett will have a hard time getting the Gers back to winning the Scottish Premiership. They already lost in the qualifying round for the Champions League.

A lot of that is because Clement and Nils Koppen have had to work with a very small budget and not put much into the team. This is why so many fans are worried about the team’s condition.

There is a big chance that new investors will make Ibrox better, but there is also a big risk that comes with a takeover.

James Tavernier is confronted by an angry Rangers fan while the captain goes on an X-rated rant

A furious punter yelled at Tavernier and the rest of his Ibrox teammates.

As James Tavernier was being led away by Ibrox security, a livid Rangers fan yelled at him and told the captain to “f*** off.”

Rangers lost badly to Celtic at Parkhead, and Tavernier was captain when they lost. They are now five points behind Celtic after only four games in the league season. The Premiership champions won 3-0, and after the game, Rangers went back to Ibrox for a meeting.

Some people on social media, including manager Philippe Clement and defender Leon Balogun, were seen trying to calm down angry fans. But a new video clip that is being shared by many X accounts shows someone yelling at Tavernier.

pic.twitter.com/ofQdtIGZLW

— Olly (@ClassAOlly19) September 1, 2024

The fan calls the show “embarrassing” and asks, “Where’s Tav?” as the other players leave the stadium. When the captain comes out, the angry fan calls him a “loser” and tells him to “do us a favour and f*** off.” The captain is seen reacting briefly to the rant before he and the rest of his teammates are led out of the shot.

After Celtic lost the Old Firm, Moussa Dembele made fun of Rangers badly, calling them a “waste of time”

After Celtic lost 3-0 to Rangers in the Old Firm derby on September 1, Moussa Dembele made fun of them.

The Gers didn’t put up much of a fight at Celtic Park. Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Callum McGregor scored goals to seal a resounding win for Brendan Rodgers’ team.

Dembele scored seven goals and set up four others in 10 games against Rangers during his three-year stay in Glasgow. After the game on September 1, he couldn’t help but delete his X account.

“Why do we still play them?” he asked. Waste of time—but I like seeing them crash over and over again.”

After losing to Celtic in the Old Firm, Rangers have a lot of work to do to catch up.

Ten new players joined the Light Blues over the summer, and ten players left. The two Glaswegian teams couldn’t be more different in terms of skill.

It’s no longer possible for anyone to catch Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. The Hoops beat their rivals easily and routinely.

According to Sky Sports, James Tavernier played awfully at right back. The captain should feel lucky that he was allowed to stay on the field for the whole game.

Rangers will have to start over under Philippe Clement because they lost to Celtic. This is a terrible setback for a club that needs the money from the Champions League to get back on track financially.

Why are we still playing them…??🙄😂 Waste of time 😂😂 But enjoying to see them crash again and again 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/uSQ6n5XTCV

— Moussa Dembélé (@MDembele_10) September 1, 2024

This season, it looks like the Hoops will easily win the SPFL title again. The Light Blues were booed off the pitch at Celtic Park, and that could become a theme in this year’s Old Firm games.

Ranger’s team doesn’t look like it can compete for the title right now, and the summer transfer window closed just two days ago. They will need to strengthen in the winter transfer window.

When Clement extended his contract with the club, he knew how much work was ahead of him. But the embarrassing loss on Sunday is a harsh reminder of how much work needs to be done at the Gers.

Kris Boyd calls the Rangers team’s performance against the Old Firm “embarrassing”

Kris Boyd was very harsh on the Rangers team, saying that none of them could even come close to beating Celtic.

The former Gers striker gave his opinion after Philippe Clement’s team lost the first Old Firm match of the season 3-0 at Celtic Park.

Now, the Light Blues have to take a break during the international break to heal before they play Dundee United again.

At the end of the loss on September 1, Boyd told Sky Sports host Eilidh Barbour, “That was embarrassing.” How many Rangers players are on that Celtic team? Not at all. There is none, and that’s where you want to be.

“They wouldn’t even come close to it.” Rangers hope things happen, but Celtic make them happen.

“That was embarrassing. It’s about time people got smart and realised this isn’t going anywhere fast.”

Rangers are a long way from Celtic.

Boyd gave a very harsh review, and this is coming from a man who strongly supports the blue camp.

People like Chris Sutton and John Hartson, who used to play for Celtic, have strong opinions on the subject, which backs up what most people already think about how far away Rangers are right now.

The game’s statistics make it look much more even: both teams had four shots on goal, with Celtic having 14 and the Gers having 13.

But that’s just another case of when your own two eyes are better than the numbers. Clement and his team know they were second best in every way, that their defence was constantly being broken, and that they were lucky to only come home with three points.

Clement and Nils Koppen will still be angry that they think the club was too slow to get rid of troublesome or unnecessary players during the transfer window, which gave them less time to bring in all the reinforcements they thought they needed.

The break of two weeks will give everyone a chance to get back on track, but it’s clear that the only way for the Gers to win a trophy this season is to win a cup.

Todd Cantwell says the club is different from the one he signed for and disputes that he threw his towel in at Rangers

Following his bargain £600k move to Blackburn, the midfield player has headed straight for social media to respond to his detractors.

agitatedTodd Cantwell insists he never turned down the opportunity to play for the Ibrox team and that he signed with a different Rangers team than the one he is currently with.

Following his cut-price £600k move to Blackburn Rovers, the midfield player has rushed to social media to respond to his snipers and heap praise on Rangers supporters.After a preseason loss to Birmingham, Philippe Clement returned to a packed press room and declared that Cantwell wanted out of Ibrox. The playmaker, though, is certain he would have worn the light blue again.

“It’s been an honour to play for this incredible football club; some of the staff behind the scenes are the hardest of workers but also incredible people,” Cantwell insisted in an Instagram post. I have had a great time playing in the renowned blue and have given it my all each and every time. It was never my decision to say that I didn’t want to play for the club, and I never would. My family and I have always been Rangers. The Rangers I signed with are not the same as the ones I’m leaving. Mon the Germans.”

“God forbid,” says a pundit in response to Rangers’ news about a striker who won’t leave the club

Derek Ferguson says it’s a worry that Rangers won’t sign another striker before the transfer window closes because Cyriel Dessers is now the team’s main player.

Luca Bendoni told X on August 20 that Atlanta United was close to making a £4.5 million deal for the Nigerian international, but they were unable to come to an agreement with him.

And Chris Jack wrote on The Rangers Review’s website on August 27 that since the MLS deal didn’t go through, a new number nine isn’t likely to arrive before the deadline.

Ferguson is glad the Dessers deal didn’t go through because the Gers have no other options with Danilo being half-fit and Hamza Igamane not having been seen yet. But he is worried that another player won’t be signed.

He only told Ibrox News this: “For a club the size of Rangers, and if you want to compete with Celtic, you need players to step up and play.”

“Right now, nobody is challenging Dessers, which is why you should praise his attitude: he’s been criticised and abused so much that he could just snap out of it and get another club.”

“But he wouldn’t leave last week, so we’re just grateful that he’s scoring goals right now.” Please don’t hurt him, because we’re going to have a hard time, and I don’t see anyone on the B Team either.

“That worries me.” We need something to cover our heads. There are many places where we need cover. But the way Clement plays football makes me worry about what would happen if he got hurt or quit the club.

Cyriel Dessers is the top Rangers striker and turned down a move to Atlanta United

Philippe Clement relies on Cyriel Dessers a lot at Rangers

This late in the window, Rangers are stuck because Dessers is both the only striker they can realistically sell and the player they depend on in that position.

The former Cremonese forward got off to a rough start in Glasgow but scored 22 goals last season while everyone else was hurt or out of form. He has already scored five more goals this season because there are no other options.

For that, he deserves praise, and despite his flaws, the team’s hopes for the future rest on his shoulders. However, with rumours of transfers for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland [Daily Record, 2 August] and now-Sparta Prague striker Albion Rrahmani [Football Scotland, 17 June], it was long thought that a new number one would come along.

It was risky to spend money on a project like Igamane earlier in the summer, but it will have to pay off in the end.

Fans may have liked another centre forward to have been brought in instead of Sam Lammers, even though Vaclav Cerny has done well on loan from Wolfsburg so far.

Chris Jack moots Rangers player exit, because he wants to play for a top Europa League club

Chris Jack thinks that Ianis Hagi will leave Rangers before the transfer deadline. However, Hagi wants to join a team in the top league.

Sky Sports reports that the Romanian player turned down the chance to move from Ibrox to Rapid Bucharest in his home country.

Jack has said that the 25-year-old will still leave Liverpool if a team from a top European league makes an offer.

He said on August 27’s Rangers Review, “We don’t think he’ll be a Rangers player for much longer.” He should be able to leave the club by the end of this week.

“It shouldn’t come as a surprise that he has decided not to go back to Romania.” It would feel like going very far backwards.

„He and his team think he can play well and be in a top-five league. It’s not the fee that matters, it’s the wages. Rangers need to get something for him.

Ianis Hagi wants to leave Rangers for a club in Europe.

The attacking midfielder had a great time at the 2024 European Championships, so it looked like he would be moving on from Ibrox.

Hagi is still stuck in Glasgow, and there are only a few days left in the transfer window. If a deal isn’t made soon, he might have to play for Philippe Clement’s team.

Because of what the Romanian can bring to the team, this could definitely be a good thing for them and their season aims.

After making it clear that he wants to leave, they will have to find a new team for the former Genk player.

He wants to move to a top team in a European league, so it’s not clear what he thinks will happen in the last few days of the window.

Since his time on loan with Alavez wasn’t great, it will be interesting to see who signs the midfielder.

“Why not?” Andy Halliday urges Clement to make a major change for Rangers against Celtic

Andy Halliday has recommended that Rangers manager Philippe Clement think about making a significant formation change for the team’s trip to Celtic the following weekend.

After three rounds of fixtures, the Gers trail Celtic, their bitter rivals, by two points going into their first Old Firm match of the season.

In their recent meetings with Celtic, Rangers has fared poorly too frequently; Halliday thinks this can be improved with a different tactic.

He stated on the Clyde 1 Superscoreboard [26 August] that “Celtic would have identified Rangers’ weaknesses going into the game this weekend, and I don’t really know what Rangers can do to counter that to Celtic.”

Sometimes, someone will call in and ask to “play two up front?” Actually, I think I might give something a try this weekend. The Rangers have a lot of personnel, so why not try a 3-5-2?

Celtic can attack both of your full-backs from a defensive position. Rangers should go with two up top since Celtic will only have two centre halves available. How about using Rabbi Matondo up above?

Halliday responded, “It would be harsh on Tom Lawrence, but he’s showed in Old Firm games that athleticism lets him down,” when it was brought up that it would mean leaving someone out. How about attempting something different?

For Celtic vs. Rangers, Philippe Clement might try something different.

Last weekend, Clement used his tried-and-true 4-2-3-1 against Ross County, and it was a great strategy—albeit against a weak opponent.

Both Matondo and Cyriel Dessers scored twice in the team’s victory, which raised everyone’s spirits.

It would be a huge risk to tear that up, but in recent derbies, Celtic have far too frequently had Rangers under siege.

In the end, a point from Sunday’s match on September 1 would be regarded as a favourable outcome; three points would be even better.

It is much more likely that Clement will start with the same lineup that faced Ross County, injury permitting.

😷 “I think it’s just masking the problems that we’ve got”

🤷‍♂️ “What are Rangers identifying as Celtic’s weakness just now because I don’t know”

🔵 Billy in Clydebank is fearing that Rangers’ result against Ross County is just papering over the cracks at Ibrox pic.twitter.com/u70mcCIZL5

— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) August 26, 2024

Although Matondo, Lawrence, a consistent starter, and Dessers still have their detractors, they will all be feeling very positive following their performance over the weekend.

To make sure there isn’t a five-point difference at the end of the ninety minutes, whoever is chosen just needs to give it their all.

Pundit opinion: Star striker desired to join the Rangers, and Clement attempted to sign him once more

Derek Ferguson claims that Brighton has retaliated against Rangers by striking an agreement with Brest for Abdallah Sima in advance of the deadline.

Although it was not feasible to afford the Senegalese forward earlier in the transfer window, Philippe Clement acknowledged that he wanted to bring him back to Ibrox this season [Rangers Review, 15 July].

After communicating with the attacker, the Belgian thought a deal might be possible later in the summer. However, he has now completed an official loan move to Ligue 1, which comes without a buyout option [Foot Mercato, 20 August].

Ferguson is frustrated that he hasn’t been able to rejoin Rangers, but he thinks Brighton is trying to increase his visibility in a wider market.

In an interview with Ibrox News only, he stated: “Yeah, but I think that’s Brighton pulling rank.” Sima would have been thrilled to be playing for Rangers again in Scotland.

“The supporters adore him. I find him genuinely endearing. He has produced and scored goals during his playing career.

However, Brighton has a player that they most likely want to let go of and receive some cash for.

“So, he moved to what is likely a better league—well, that league is better—over there. He will play football in the Champions League. They must take care of their own needs.

Would he have preferred to be up here, Sima? Yes. Would the manager have cherished having him play for the Rangers? Naturally. He has said very nice things about him.

However, I believe that’s just Brighton pulling rank and trying to get the best deal possible for a player who will be entering the final year of his contract [upon his return] and needs to try and get paid a little bit of money.

Brighton star not signed by Rangers after confirmed departure from Brest

Given that Sima made multiple indications of wanting to return to Glasgow during his 16-goal season with the Light Blues, it isn’t wishful thinking to assume he would have made that decision.

The 23-year-old then posted a message on Instagram on August 23, thanking the supporters and his manager at Ibrox, suggesting that he was still considering a return until his France switch was officially announced.

If he hadn’t planned on returning, the letter probably would have arrived months ago when his first loan expired.

Sima and Clement will therefore be disappointed by the confirmed Brest deal, especially given that Oscar Cortes sustained an injury not long after taking his place for the second time.

View: Rangers projected starting lineup vs. Ross Co.: Clement to bench three players, exit-linked ace to start

When Philippe Clement’s Rangers team plays Ross County in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, August 24, he is anticipated to make four changes.

Following their goal-scoring cameos against St Johnstone last weekend, Cyriel Dessers and Ross McCausland are anticipated to return to the starting lineup, along with Connor Barron and Leon Balogun.

After suffering an injury in the Scottish League Cup match, Robin Propper is the biggest doubt to play, with Kieran Dowell, Rabbi Matondo, and Danilo all likely to be left off of Clement’s starting lineup.

Before facing Ross County, Philippe Clement needs to get the Rangers lineup just right.

At Hampden on Saturday, Clement cannot afford to make a mistake in his selection, and the Belgian custodian Jack Butland, who is currently ranked first, provides him with a strong platform on which to build.

After suffering an injury against St Johnstone, Clement would be prudent to avoid taking a chance on Propper in this game. As a result, Balogun, along with John Souttar in central defence, should start in place of the Dutchman.

Due to injuries and a lack of alternatives, the defense’s flanks choose themselves. After receiving a controversial red card against Dynamo Kyiv, Jefte played the entire ninety minutes against Saints and is still on the left side.

Despite rumours of a move elsewhere, Captain James Tavernier is also a clear choice on the right [TEAMtalk, July 19]. Dujon Sterling is expected to continue playing a utility role in midfield for the team.

The absence of an obvious number six and number ten for the Gers leaves Clement in need of versatile options, and Barron is expected to replace the unimpressive Dowell.

Since his £4.3 million transfer from Nordsjaelland was finalised over the summer, Mohamed Diomande has been a constant. He will probably start alongside Barron and Sterling as the most advanced midfield player.

Vaclav Cerny has had a great start to his Glasgow career. He will continue to play on the right even though McCausland replaces him against Saints; minutes later, the young player makes it 2-0.

Although McCausland has earned a start, it will probably come in place of Rabbi Matondo, who is linked to the exit, on the left rather than the right, so that Clement can take advantage of both Cerny’s and his speed out wide.

The most accurate change the Belgian will make up front is to add top scorer Cyriel Dessers back into the lineup. Dessers replaced Danilo on the bench during halftime against St Johnstone.

Although Danilo’s first start of the season after an injury is encouraging, Clement only needs to look to Dessers as his number nine if the Gers are to stay competitive.

Frustrated Rangers player posts a defiant message on Instagram as he strives to become his best again

Please pardon Rangers supporters for feeling uneasy about Brazilian forward Danilo.

The 25-year-old striker has spent the better part of nine months recovering from a serious injury that kept him out of competition.

That’s not precisely what the former Feyenoord striker would have expected following his £6 million summer transfer to Rangers.

Going back to the Ibrox fold in the Premier Sports Cup victory over St Johnstone, it’s possible that the optimism surrounding Danilo’s recuperation was lost amidst the Govan situation.

However, the striker’s medical history, which dates back to a horrific facial injury he suffered against the same opponents the previous season, guarantees that the club’s support isn’t ready to get out of hand.

Danilo has now asked for patience as the devout hitman reiterates his resolve to return to his peak performance by quoting a Bible passage.

Danilo asks for endurance after the Rangers’ comeback.

Danilo may have scored a hat-trick in the first half of the match against the Perthshire club, but there was enough to suggest the striker will get opportunities at Rangers.

The Rangers have the backing of some of the harshest football judges, but the jury will not be out until the Brazilian starts turning away opportunities.

Danilo, unfazed and ever the defiant one, has taken to social media to remind the Rangers supporters to be patient with him while he returns to full fitness.

Romans 8:25, which is cited in the post, states that we must wait patiently for what we hope for in order to obtain it.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danilo Pereira (@danilo_pereira)

Could a Brazilian striker make a difference at Ibrox?

Since the striker has never been healthy enough to truly have an impact on the team, Danilo is somewhat of a forgotten quantity at Rangers.

But the striker did show glimpses of his potential before that serious injury suffered against Hearts in December, which is why Rangers paid such a high price for the hitman.

With 21 appearances (ten starts) and six goals and five assists, Danilo was scoring for the Gers approximately every 166 minutes prior to the injury.

In the coming weeks, Rangers supporters will be hoping to witness the best of the Brazilian, and there is reason for optimism regarding the forward.

Danilo has already demonstrated incredible mental toughness by recovering from his injury and joining the starting lineup.

The next task is to go back to playing at his peak and show Rangers’ supporters that he can make a difference even though they are still not convinced.

Report: Rangers are “open to five sales” in order to finance the final details of their summer rebuild

Rangers will need to sell before they can buy during this transfer window, as Philippe Clement has stated time and time again.

The Belgian manager has occasionally presented a frustrated image while trying to turn around his Ibrox squad on a tight budget, spending every dollar like a prisoner in Govan.

Speaking over the weekend, Clement reiterated that before Rangers can focus on any other targets, they must release players from the team.

The issue is that Clement “cannot hold a gun” to the heads of the players who have been told they can leave the Rangers, as he himself stated.

Leading Scottish football writer Chris Jack has now asserted that Rangers are prepared to let go of at least five players this summer.

Rangers are “open to five departures.”

Chris Jack has been writing about the Rangers team’s exits and the current status of play in the Rangers Review.

Jack mentions five players as being for sale while talking about the tectonic transfer plates that need to move under Ibrox before the team can afford to sign any new players.

First on the list is international playmaker Ioanis Hagi of Romania, who was informed at the start of the summer that Clement had no plans for him.

It has been suggested that the Rangers could sell Hagi for nothing in order to clear space on the wage bill. Hagi spent the previous season on loan at Alavés in La Liga.

Hagi is still competing for the Rangers B team, but it’s still unclear how close the Euro 2024 player is to working out a deal to leave Ibrox.

Todd Cantwell, the English playmaker who has expressed his desire to move on this summer, is also mentioned.

Supporters of the Rangers will be hoping that occurs sooner rather than later.

The other three individuals that Chris Jack brought up are Scott Wright, Ben Davies, and Rabbi Matondo.

Links between Leeds United and Rabbi Matondo were scuttled as soon as they surfaced, and Ben Davies is, in terms of value, among the worst signings in Rangers history.

Despite being a homegrown talent on the team, Scott Wright is in the last year of his contract and has been “offered” several times to play in the lower leagues in England.

Rangers’ window for transfers is still open.

The fact that these five players might still depart Rangers before the transfer window closes demonstrates the extent of this summer’s changes at Ibrox.

Additionally, the severity of the team’s recent season-long deficiencies.

Rangers’ finances have been chronically mismanaged, and the team’s transfer market activities are still under intense scrutiny.

Rangers great Ally McCoist says he is “truly devastated” by the situation the Ibrox team is in this summer.

Numerous previously important first-team players, such as Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson, John Lundstram, and Kemar Roofe, have already been let go by the Rangers.

Rangers fans have been waiting a long time for this transformative summer as they try to rise above the disappointments of the past few seasons.

Hopefully, we can get these guys out of the team so that we can sign players that Clement has identified in advance of the upcoming season.

Pundit says it “would not surprise you” if Rangers allow a last-minute exit for a Clement regular

Rangers can’t sell James Tavernier right now, but Leanne Crichton thinks the Light Blues would let him go if a last-minute offer came in.

There has been a lot of talk about the Gers captain during the summer transfer window. Reports say Trabzonspor have made several attempts to sign him [Rangers Review, 23 July].

The English player has been a regular in Philippe Clement’s team so far this season, but Go Radio host Crichton thinks the Ibrox board would be swayed by the money his departure could bring in.

She said on The Go Radio Football Show (August 15, 1:04:20): “For example, the talk about James Tavernier has gone pretty quiet.”

“There was a lot of talk about whether he would leave or not. Imagine if Rangers also sold James Tavernier before the end of the transfer window?

“At a time when the players on the pitch aren’t quite good enough and the players on the bench aren’t fit and available, the players who are out don’t look like they’ll be back any time soon, and then there’s James Tavernier, who’s always fit, always available and always on the teamsheet.”

“It’s likely to happen because that’s the kind of choice that wouldn’t surprise rangers right now.” There’s no way they can sell him, but they might if they could get the money for the club.

Will James Tavernier leave Rangers amid rumours of a move to Ibrox?

Even the most pessimistic Rangers fans will agree that Clement can’t afford to lose the Englishman at this point in the window. Fans have been split on Tavernier for a while now.

The current Gers team lacks depth and quality, and they won’t be able to close the gap on Celtic at the top of the table unless more players are added before the second-to-last day of the transfer window.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement

Some people will say that Tavernier is part of the problem and call him a serial loser, but he is one of the few players on Clement’s team who is always healthy and ready to play.

He’s not the same player he was five years ago, but he still scores goals regularly, and his delivery from set pieces is dangerous.

It would have been easy to stop his sale earlier in the summer, but now it is a risk that doesn’t need to be taken. We hope that the Light Blues’ board doesn’t make a choice that they will later regret.

Leeds to sign Rangers attacker – report

Rabbi Matondo, a winger for Rangers, is reportedly wanted by Leeds United, per Football Scotland.

According to the news source, Daniel Farke has expressed “strong” interest in moving permanently or in taking out a first loan with a buyout option as of August 15.

According to rumours, Matondo plans to depart Ibrox before the August 30 deadline, following in the footsteps of players like Todd Cantwell and Ianis Hagi.

Rabbi Matondo ready to move to Leeds United

Leeds United’s season has clearly gotten off to a difficult start.

They not only lost to Middlesbrough 3-0 in the EFL Cup, but they also only managed a late draw with Portsmouth on the first day of play.

That’s not the best start for a team that is expected to win the league.

Additionally, on August 17, they have a difficult matchup with West Brom coming up.

Although it would always be difficult to recover from Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray’s departures, Farke believes that the most crucial thing to do is to avoid making rash purchases.

For the Rangers in 19 league games last season, Matondo recorded three assists and five goals (FBref). Even though those are some encouraging numbers, the 23-year-old hasn’t exactly made waves in the world.

Farke can change him into a dynamic attacking lineup, but it will require time, which he might not have at this moment.

Considered worse than Lawrence: Clement needs to mercilessly cut loose the 4/10 Rangers dud following their CL no-show

The Champions League group stages of this season will not feature Glasgow Rangers, as they were defeated 2-0 by Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday night.

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week, the Ibrox giants, who had to play at Hampden Park, lost 3-1 on aggregate after giving up two goals in the 82nd and 83rd minutes of play.

Now, Philippe Clement’s team must try their luck in the Europa League before returning home to take on St. Johnstone in the League Cup this coming weekend.

After his team’s dismal performance in Europe, the Belgian manager must make some decisions. One player who has to be mercilessly dropped from the starting lineup is Ross McCausland.

The Tuesday struggles of Ross McCausland

With Jefte on the left, Tom Lawrence at number ten, and Cyriel Dessers leading the line, the Northern Ireland international was chosen to start for Rangers on the right flank.

Clement’s choice came as a surprise because the academy graduate had been ineffectual in the first leg as a starter, recording 0 goals and 0 assists, and had been benched for the Scottish Premiership victory over Motherwell.

Far worse than Lawrence, the 21-year-old forward failed to justify his spot on the squad. Derek McGregor of the Scottish Sun gave the Welshman a 5/10 player rating, praising his teasing ball into the box before the midfielder lost steam later in the match.

The fact that Clement left the former Derby County player in the game until the 85th minute suggests that, for the most part, he was satisfied with his performance.

Conversely, McCausland had a fruitless first half and was hauled off at halftime. The manager’s decision to substitute the winger at halftime implies that he too thought the performance was lacklustre. The aforementioned McGregor gave the winger a miserable match rating of 4/10.

Instead, Clement, the player, needs to unleash

Following his lack of performance in the Champions League, Clement will now have to mercilessly remove the Northern Irishman from the starting lineup. In his three appearances as a winger, including two starts, he has failed to score or provide an assist.

Vaclav Cerny, on loan from Wolfsburg, has the ability to have a bigger impact in the final third from a right wing position, so the former Monaco manager needs to get him back into the lineup.

The Czech international has had a great start to life in the Premiership this season, as the table above shows; the same cannot be said of McCausland.

It was unexpected to see the 26-year-old star left out of the starting lineup at Hampden Park after he produced a stunning assist for Dessers with an amazing inswinging cross in the first leg against Dynamo Kyiv.

After struggling and outperforming Lawrence on Tuesday night, McCausland ought to be cut from the squad to make room for Cerny.

Big match verdict: empty seats at Hampden indicate apathy on the part of Rangers fans, and things have just gotten much worse

The city did not experience the Ibrox atmosphere as the Light Blues were eliminated from the Champions League.

a sound barrier. When Dynamo Kyiv last visited Glasgow to play Rangers, that’s what they encountered. The Ibrox punters who were there probably still have it ringing in their ears almost forty years later.

The sound was overwhelming. And generally acknowledged as one of the best stadium atmospheres ever experienced, if not THE best. It’s unbeatable for devotees of a particular vintage. The triumph over RB Leipzig on the way to the Europa League Final two years ago will be cited by the younger generation. Or the legendary victory over Parma in 1999, when big Tony Vidmar had the crowd in stitches.

However, no. When asked about the loudest roar they have ever heard while watching Rangers, many people will cite Dynamo Kyiv on September 30, 1987. That night, there were astonishingly just 44,500 in the ground. The guests, however, were unable to hear themselves think. Neither could Graeme Souness or his team in a thrilling second-leg European Cup match.

The audience contributed in that way. Against all the odds, the Rangers defeated the Dynamo team, winning 2-1 overall. Keep in mind, that team was full of USSR superstars. It was therefore hard to avoid drawing comparisons when they appeared in Glasgow’s south side last night. Here in the main stand stood Alexei Mickhailichenko, who had played for both clubs as well as Dynamo in the past.

But there’s no denying that things have changed. To begin with, the Rangers aren’t actually at Ibrox. Furthermore, the atmosphere of the recollections of ’87 was always going to be in stark contrast. Last night, Hampden was not even half full. Their brief, pre-season jaunt was bound to turn off some fans. Not to mention the customary expenses.

But what was really noticeable was how many seats were empty in the old Celtic end. Does it go beyond that? Is this fan base becoming more and more apathetic? Who can blame them if there is, considering the Ibrox debacle, a lack of transfer funds, a glaringly unbalanced and untalented squad, and an overall lack of clarity regarding the club’s true direction?

And what about last night’s noise? It never came close to matching the volume of Kyiv’s previous visit here. The teams did not make the sound of an aeroplane taking off when they came out of the Hampden tunnel. The muted cheers of the fans were drowned out by Simply the Best. In contrast to 1987, the players were responsible for igniting the crowd rather than the other way around.

There was a quiet hush over Hampden after the opening song from the home end. The players could be heard yelling at one another. Barely a second passed thirty-seven years ago without a clatter of some kind.

Even now, when you see Mark Falco score the first goal by taking advantage of a mistake made by the Kyiv keeper, you’ll get a tingling sensation in the back of your neck. And the roof fell when Ally McCoist met a cross from Trevor Francis at the Copland Road end, tricking and confusing the goalie with his header. Very tingling in the spine.

One more recollection from that Dynamo match is Souness’s fly strategies prior to the ball being kicked. Recall how he told his ground crew to close in the lines and narrow the Ibrox pitch in an effort to neutralise Kyiv’s dangerous wingers?

The way the Rangers used that move to exhaust their opponents was quite effective. Strangely enough, last night the punters were clamouring for Vaclav Cerny, the Czech wide player, to provide them some width. However, the atmosphere was further deflated when Philippe Clement chose to start him on the bench. Gers’ doctors reportedly told the Belgian that there would be too great a risk.

Rangers’ Jefte rues a missed chance

If that’s the case, though, how come Cerny, who had been tearing Motherwell to pieces over the weekend, was fired after just 55 minutes? To the delight of the home support, he was eventually introduced at halftime.

And after Jefte’s absurdly harsh red card, they finally raised their voices and stood up in 53 minutes, expressing their sheer frustration and defiance. They stood up once more after James Tavernier won a corner, and Clement motioned for them to stand up with his arms.

They were definitely needed by their team. However, they were unable to stop Dynamo from scoring twice in the latter stages of the game to send Rangers reeling. The farewell had a significant effect. However, in the clear, their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have been dashed before the play-off phase.

The mood was set in 1987 when Souness and his team believed they could win the European Cup heading into their match against Kyiv. It was an optimistic support for the Rangers. Now? Simply put, that is untrue. Actually, it’s the exact opposite. The events of this summer at Ibrox have only added to the pessimism of the punters. And the outcome from last night made it much worse.