A Lengthy Journey to Renewal
On May 30, expectations ran high as Rangers anticipated a fresh start. With the promise of new investment, leadership, and a manager, fans hoped that a US-based consortium would restore the club to its former glory.
However, what followed was a stark contrast to the promised rejuvenation. The initial wave of optimism quickly faded, giving way to a wave of discontent. The fanfare of a “Make Rangers Great Again” campaign soon transitioned into expressions of frustration, manifesting in protests during match days.
Five months since the takeover led by Andrew Cavenagh, disappointment has overshadowed hopes for revival. The club’s management has been plagued with instability, highlighted by the swift exit of head coach Russell Martin after just 123 days in charge.
Turmoil on and off the Pitch
The transition from Martin to Danny Rohl has been anything but smooth, with the managerial search drawing ridicule as candidates came and went in rapid succession. The frustration has boiled over, leading fans to confront board members in public settings, signaling their increasing unrest as the team sits 14 points adrift in the league and struggles in European competitions.
The latest setback came with a lackluster 2-0 loss to Roma in the Europa League. The opposition rarely shifted into top gear, as Rangers faltered once more, unable to register a single point in their group.
Some glimmers of improvement emerged under Rohl, evidenced by two victories in his first five matches. Yet, doubts linger about whether the January transfer window will offer the salvation fans are yearning for.
Reactions to Recent Defeats
A New Low in European Campaigns
Thursday’s match marked a new low for Rangers, resulting in an unprecedented seventh consecutive European defeat. Spectacles like massive pre-match tifo displays were soon overshadowed by heartfelt banners declaring,
This is not a hobby; this is our lives,
mirroring the frustration of the fanbase.
Rangers fell behind early, conceding to an unmarked Matias Soule before Lorenzo Pellegrini doubled Roma’s lead, capitalizing on a disorganized defense. Despite Rohl’s alterations and substitutions, the team failed to deliver a meaningful response, as the opportunity for redemption slipped through their fingers.
Former Rangers forward Steven Thompson expressed his disappointment, stating that while the second half showed some effort, it ultimately fell short of fan expectations.
What’s Next for Rangers?
A central question now looms over the future of the squad — have they replaced departing players with better talent? When Cavenagh announced a £20m investment in June, questions arose about its effectiveness in bridging the gap with rivals Celtic.
Despite significant funds being allocated to new acquisitions, such as Youssef Chermiti from Everton and several others, the performances suggest that these investments may not have been made wisely. With questions about the impact of these new signings growing louder, the calls for reinforcements in January become increasingly urgent.
The Road Ahead
For Rangers to improve, a culture shift is needed within the club. The realities of the transfer market present challenges, especially during January. Executives face scrutiny and protests from the frustrated fanbase, who seek immediate results after firing Martin did not alleviate their concerns.
Upcoming fixtures will focus on reclaiming domestic success. The team has shown signs of resilience, even in defeat against Celtic, and finds themselves only five points behind their rivals — albeit with a larger gap to Hearts.
Rohl remains optimistic about effecting change within the squad, stressing the need for perseverance as better days lie ahead — if the team can learn from recent struggles.
As the club navigates a challenging season, it is clear that the journey to recovery is far from over. The impatience for excellence among the supporters signals that tougher tests are on the horizon.
