“To be honest,” Philippe Clement’s icy shoulder after Rangers’ summer departure is explained.

Philippe Clement had more than one problem to solve for Rangers this summer and it was never going to be completed in a single transfer window.

One of them, was to increase the number of homegrown players in the squad other than promoting from within the ranks at Auchenhowie.

Looking at those eligible for the Europa League squad that has now been picked, Johnly Yfeko seemed a dead cert to be part of the something that the manager had planned to implement.

Johnly Yfeko reflects on Rangers exit talks

Instead, the 21-year old defender has moved to Exeter City on loan with an option to buy, a transfer that they player has been discussing with The Rangers Review:

“To be honest, I didn’t talk to him at the time about it,” Yfeko said of speaking to Clement before deciding to move to St James Park.

“I spoke to the academy director and sporting director and they thought it was the best thing for me, they knew I needed to play football either at Rangers or somewhere else.

“I am 21 now and if I can’t play men’s football now then maybe there is not a space for me in the game. It was a chance to go and play men’s football and show that I am ready throughout the season. By the end of it, I will have learned a lot of things. So far so good.”

Signed on a free transfer after being released by Leicester City, comparisons to Calvin Bassey were always going to be made.

With an equally as physical game and playing in the same position, coming from the same club only made it harder to avoid them.

What might have been as Yfeko looks to prove Rangers wrong

Yfeko didn’t quite kick on from his impressive pre-season showings last summer as Bassey did when he first signed and it is only a year since Michael Beale was lauding the young defender:

“Big Johnly Yfeko again is becoming the big surprise of preseason, making everybody smile and I thought Sam Lammers came on again and showed his quality. So, all in all, it was a really positive day. No injuries. Everyone’s played minutes and the competition of the places is where I want it to be.”

Philippe Clement had Yfeko in a few matchday squads, however, at 21, regular games are more important than sitting on the bench or in the stands.

He is also learning his craft at senior level under the tutelage of former Scotland international Gary Caldwell, a player who made 54 appearances for his country, played in the Champions League and made over 100 appearances in the Premier League – he should know how to advise a young centre-half finding his feet in the game.

With Clinton Nsiala signed, it looks like there are no plans for Yfeko to be reintegrated into the first team should Exeter not take up the option to buy.

What he has to do, is see it as his chance to prove Rangers wrong with his debut proving that he just might.

Rangers and Dundee are scheduled to face off in the Scottish League Cup at Ibrox.

Rabbi Matondo of Rangers celebrates his goal with his team mates during the Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow. Rangers v Hibernian, Cinch Scottish Premiership, Football, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, UK – 30 Mar 2024 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. 

Rangers to Return to Ibrox for Scottish League Cup Clash with Dundee

Rangers will make their long-awaited return to Ibrox for their Scottish League Cup quarter-final against Dundee on 21 September, albeit with the Copland Stand remaining closed due to ongoing renovations. This fixture marks Rangers’ first home game of the season at Ibrox following a temporary relocation to Hampden Park for their initial four home matches.

Copland Stand Closure and Renovation Delays

The closure of the Copland Stand stems from delays in the delivery of essential materials, which have impeded the completion of the stand’s final concourse and seating areas. Despite these setbacks, Rangers have confirmed that all other sections of Ibrox will be operational for the upcoming cup tie. The club has assured fans that they will be able to access all areas of the stadium that are ready, with an exclusive ticketing window available for those holding season tickets for the Copland Stand to secure alternative seating.

Chairman John Bennett had previously expressed hopes for Rangers to be back at Ibrox for their Premiership match against Hibernian on 28 September. The commitment to returning to their home ground is a positive step, signifying that the club’s infrastructure challenges are nearing resolution.

Recent Performances and Upcoming Fixtures

Rangers’ last appearance at Ibrox was a Premiership victory against Dundee’s Dens Park side in May. Under the guidance of Philippe Clement, Rangers have maintained their status as League Cup holders. They progressed to the quarter-finals by defeating St Johnstone, while Dundee secured their place in the last eight with a win over Airdrieonians.

Dara Costelloe of Dundee jumps with Rangers captain James Tavernier during the Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow. Rangers v Dundee, Cinch Scottish Premiership, Football, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, UK – 14 May 2024 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Dundee, managed by Tony Docherty, will face a crucial period as they return to action following the international break. Their next fixture will be an away game against Ross County in the Premiership on 14 September. Rangers, meanwhile, will travel to Dundee United for their subsequent match the following day.

Looking Ahead: Cup Clash Anticipation

The upcoming Scottish League Cup quarter-final is expected to be a significant test for both sides. Rangers, who have shown strong form domestically and in cup competitions, will be eager to advance further in the tournament. Dundee, on the other hand, will be determined to make a strong impression and challenge for a place in the semi-finals.

With Rangers’ return to Ibrox marking a return to normalcy and the anticipated reopening of the Copland Stand, the atmosphere at the Scottish League Cup tie is sure to be electric. Fans will be hopeful that the team’s performance matches the excitement surrounding their homecoming.

Hibs boss David Gray left fuming after going up against ‘completely dominating’ Celtic

David Grey, the Hibernian manager, is not having a good day after seeing his club lose to Celtic for the second straight week.

Before defeating them 3-1 at Celtic Park earlier today, Brendan Rodgers’ team defeated them 2-0 at Easter Road on Sunday.

Similar to their first meeting, the Bhoys scored early on in the Scottish League Cup match thanks to a goal from Daizen Maeda.

Despite receiving harsh criticism from his coaching staff, Grey believes his players keep making the same mistakes and bemoans the way Celtic dominated the game.

David Grey is upset after losing to Celtic in the League Cup.
After the full-time whistle, Grey told his own team’s media channel that he was “angry.” He then used The Herald to provide a more thorough warning to his players.

“I feel like I’m repeating myself here because of what happened last weekend,” the Hibs manager remarked. We had the early advantage in the game, but after Celtic made their first forward pass and an own mistake, we lost the goal. which is unacceptable, particularly in light of what we discussed before to the game.

“Coming here at any time is a tough enough test, but you can’t give that calibre of opposition a goal of a start.”

At Celtic Park, during the Premier Sports Cup match between Celtic and Hibernian, Alistair Johnston of Celtic and Rocky Bushri of Hibernian compete…

“Then, we were out of the game for the first half hour until we were able to come back into it after a set piece with a nice header and finish. But until then, Celtic was absolutely dominating, so we had to adjust the strategy a little bit to make ourselves even more difficult to beat.

“We reverted to our previous behaviour for the majority of the previous weekend’s game. I was somewhat let down by that. After we made two blunders in a row and lost a goal once more, I believed Celtic was back on top once more. We’ve reverted to the same behaviour, which is unacceptable for us at the moment.

This season, Hibs won’t be the only team that Celtic abandons in frustration.
To be fair to the Easter Road guys, it’s a difficult ask to play two positions against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic team, particularly this late in the season.

While Grey and his players are only getting started, the Bhoys are clicking and cohesive.

Yes, they now appear to be lacking in confidence and talent, but most Scottish teams will look that way when playing the defending champions.

It is Celtic’s responsibility to make sure they feel this way after games, no matter how difficult it is for others. The group is doing a great job, and long may it continue.