Glasgow Rangers will need to turn things around swiftly in the Premiership if they hope to undergo a title challenge this season.

After five league matches, Rangers trail both Celtic and Aberdeen by five points already, winning just three of their games.

The Belgian didn’t exactly enjoy the greatest of transfer windows, despite signing a host of new players for the Ibrox side. Several key targets ended up moving elsewhere, while those who were surplus to requirements at the club ended up leaving for less than their market value, or too late in the window to adequately replace them.

He isn’t the first Rangers manager to have missed out on key targets during his spell in charge of the club, as many of his predecessors were linked with more prominent names than the likes of Albion Rrahmani, that’s for sure.

The late Walter Smith had the chance to sign several high-quality stars during his two spells in charge of the club, especially when money appeared to be no object during the 1990s.

Sometimes he was able to get his man, with Brian Laudrup and Paul Gascoigne being prime examples. Other times, however, he was forced to settle for second best, which certainly impacted the performances of the team on the field.

After winning a ninth league title in a row during the 1996/97 campaign, Smith had the perfect opportunity to go for ten in a row and surpass the record Celtic had set in the 1960s and 1970s.

He had to get things spot on in the transfer window, however…

Walter Smith’s signings after winning nine in a row

The Light Blues were still able to call upon players such as Laudrup and Gascoigne heading into the 1997/98 season. With history beckoning, this was a chance the club might not achieve again.

That summer, the manager signed Lorenzo Amoruso, Sergio Porrini, Gennaro Gattuso and Jonas Thern, among others. These four signings had a wealth of experience in Serie A, with Porrini even winning the Champions League with Juventus just a year earlier, showing that Smith meant business.

It was another player that joined the squad from the Italian top flight who was somewhat of an unknown quantity, but would demonstrate his talents for the Gers, especially during the first six months of the season – Marco Negri.

Marco Negri’s statistics at Rangers

With the elusive tenth league crown in a row waiting if Rangers won the league, getting off to a good start was imperative.

Negri hit the ground running superbly well at Ibrox. In his first ten league matches, the striker netted an impressive 23 goals as it looked like the club certainly had the perfect heir to an ageing Ally McCoist, who would leave the following summer.

The £3.5m signing from Perugia looked the part, with Smith’s side taking an early lead in the Championship title race thanks to Negri’s goals and some confident performances.

Everything looked rosy until the Italian suffered an eye injury while playing squash in January, limiting his opportunities during the second half of the season as Celtic eventually finished as champions.

There is no doubt the Light Blues would likely have won the title had Negri not suffered the injury. But might Smith have signed a better centre-forward in 1997 rather than the Italian? As Brazilian icon Ronaldo was surprisingly linked with the club.

Rangers’ wanted a “phenomenon” in 1997

Having signed various players from the Italian top flight in the summer of 1997, one name stood out above the rest – Ronaldo.

A few years ago, a documentary was released surrounding Ronaldo’s exit from Barcelona in the summer of 1997 and his former agent was on hand to claim that the Light Blues showed a surprising interest in bringing the striker to Ibrox, having even made an offer at the time.

“We had nothing against the renewal of Ronaldo with Barca, but we wanted to avoid image contracts and complicated situations,” said Giovanni Branchini, Ronaldo’s agent.

“While the negotiations remained stalled, we observed the interest shown by Lazio, Inter and Glasgow Rangers.

“The offer from Glasgow Rangers was incredible. They told us he didn’t have to play on a Saturday in the Scottish League.”

Rangers would have been significantly bolstered with the addition of Ronaldo to the side, and they could certainly have progressed far in the Champions League.

Ronaldo moved to Inter Milan instead, establishing himself as one of the finest strikers to have ever played the game.

Ronaldo’s career statistics

Former Chelsea star Gus Poyet hailed the Brazilian as a “phenomenon” as the striker showed his talents in Milan, despite suffering a series of knee injuries which hampered his progress.

After winning the World Cup in 1994 as a 17-year-old, Ronaldo scored eight goals during the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea, redemption for 1998, where he was uncharacteristically quiet in the final against France.

A spell at Real Madrid yielded over 100 goals, before he wound down his career with spells at AC Milan and Corinthians in his homeland.

In what was a remarkable career, Ronaldo scored a total of 298 club career goals in 454 matches. Another 62 goals in 99 appearances for Brazil, which would have been more if not for injuries, and it is evident he is one of the best number nines of all time.

Imagine his presence at Ibrox during the 1997/98 campaign? He would have been the finest signing ever for a Scottish side. Considering how in demand he was due to a stunning spell at Barcelona, perhaps Smith never really stood a chance of bringing him to Ibrox.

To watch Ronaldo in his prime was a joy to behold. The sheer pace, especially before his knee injuries, was absolutely devastating, while his ability to finish from anywhere in the opposition penalty box made him one of the most revered forwards of his generation and perhaps of all time.

Negri was excellent for a brief period, but Rangers may have had the chance to bring a legend of the game to Glasgow.

“Difficult”: Four Lads renders a decision on the King v. Park dispute amidst commotion in the Rangers backroom

Four Lads’ Stevie Clifford does not want to see a war between Dave King and Douglas Park as they aim to seek control over Rangers.

The Daily Record reported on 16 September that Park is expected to oppose King returning as the chairman of the club.

King is understood to be keen on making his return to Ibrox and has urged fans to be the ones to make the decision rather than the board.

Clifford wrote in the Rangers Review on 20 September: “King’s statements this week and his wish to come back as chairman gave me mixed emotions. The stuff he said rings true and part of you wants to go ‘Give him it, let him sort it out’. But the other part of me wants to ask so many questions surrounding the decisions King made and how he left.

“That doesn’t make me anti-King, or even anti-board. I also think, though, it’s fair to say that there have been so many instances that caused the support to question the many decisions that have put the club in a difficult position. What I don’t want is a King versus Park war in public. This club urgently needs stability and to make the right key appointments off the field to give us leadership.

Fans, being the lifeblood of any club, bring a unique perspective that combines passion with a keen understanding of what has historically worked or failed for Rangers.

When fans are involved in decision-making, there’s a higher likelihood of decisions resonating with the club’s heritage and expectations, potentially leading to better managerial appointments, transfer strategies and overall club management.

This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among fans, which can translate into greater support and atmosphere during matches, elements crucial for success.

King is playing into this exact sentiment in the hope that it may help get him back into the hot seat at Ibrox.

What we learnt from the Shrimpers’ latest statement

SOUTHEND United chief executive Tom Lawrence has issued an update on the club’s plans for the future.

Lawrence said: “We are in the process of developing a scope of works document and we are taking steps to understand the non-matchday market which will enable us to prepare a draft masterplan setting out how we best utilise the space at Roots Hall, ensuring an exceptional matchday experience, good community connections and a thriving non-matchday business.

“Supporters will form an important part of the consultation process in respect of the medium-term works and once we have prepared a draft scope of works (having obtained advice from architects and other professionals) we will publish that and thereafter embark on a comprehensive consultation process.”

In the midst of Dave King’s comeback, Rangers legend claims the team is “in a state” and that the Ibrox chiefs must be “tried and tested.”

The Gers hero has been left disappointed by the “state” his old club are in at present as the board now search to find Bennett’s permanent successor as well as appoint a new chief executive after James Bisgrove sudden exit for the Middle East.

King is convinced the Glasgow giants need fresh leadership and is proposing he guides them through the first two years of that. Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist believes the 60-year-old is the “tried and tested” solution and would be the right man to steady the ship in Govan, although he doesn’t expect major investors to plough cash in from the likes of Saudi Arabia or the US as King had indicated.

“From where I am sitting, the best option would be to go with another tried and tested, He has been there before and had success. It would be a gamble, no matter who comes in, but I think someone like Dave King, who has had a proven track record, would be good.”

Bennett made himself appear foolish by showing little interest in the Rangers while running for the top job.

John Bennett has been made to look a fool once again after what St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson said regarding Jim Gillespie‘s potential move to Rangers.

It was reported by the Daily Mail [10 September] that Gillespie was the frontrunner to take the vacant CEO post left by James Bisgrove, but he has now dropped out despite entering into advanced talks.

The current St Mirren vice-chairman is understood to be a lifelong Gers fan with contacts inside Ibrox [Scottish Sun], but it has now emerged he never had any interest in making the switch to Glasgow.

Speaking to BBC Sport on Friday (13 September), Robinson said: “I know Jim’s staying. He never wavered from St Mirren the whole time that the stuff’s been in the press.”

Jim Gillespie snubs hierarchy position at Rangers

This is not the first time Bennett has been made to look silly, with the chairman constantly hammered by the fans during the summer transfer market.

Rangers bosses were said to be “stunned” after Bisgrove’s unexpected exit to Saudi Arabia this summer [Scottish Sun], having only been the club’s CEO for a little over a year.

The Gers are desperate to bring a new figure in through the Ibrox doors to help run the club, but that looks to be a much harder job than anticipated for Bennett.

The allure of working with the Gers – Scotland’s greatest club – should be enough of a factor to draw people in but that does not seem to be working, at least not with Gillespie.

Despite all the rumours linking the St Mirren man to the Rangers job, Bennett has now been left high and dry as he continues his search for a new CEO, being made to look a fool once again.

Ibrox View: Rangers star with an incredible international break, ranked higher than an Arsenal forward

Rangers new signing Vaclav Cerny grabbed an assist in a 3-2 win over Ukraine on Tuesday (10 September).

Cerny has shown promise in his opening few games at Ibrox, and will be hopeful over carrying his international form into the next stage of the season.

The 26-year-old has already managed a goal and an assist in the Scottish Premiership this campaign and Rangers fans will be hoping he can be on form for the next match against Dundee United.

Will Cerny help achieve Rangers’ goals?

The Czech winger has been a welcome signing in Scotland so far, and has shown he has the ability to help Rangers this season, with his contributions in his first four league games.

Cerny averages 2.21 progressive carries, and 1.17 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, making him a solid threat to opposition defenders, according to FBRef.

On top of that, the loanee ranks higher than Premier League stars, Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard, in both offensive and defensive actions per 90, which is why he is a solid acquisition for manager Phillipe Clement.

His fellow national teammates are no pushovers either, with Cerny starting ahead of Adam Hlozek who was part of the invincible Bayer Leverkusen side who won two trophies in Germany last season.

If Rangers are able to keep the forward fit for the remainder of his loan spell, he could help guide them back to the top of Scottish football, especially after their poor start to the campaign.

Alistair Johnston makes Canadian podcast appearance and reveals how Celtic have blown him away

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has made as impressive a start to the 2024/25 season as anyone in green and white, starting all five matches. He’s registered a goal and assist along the way, and he’s also been important to four successive clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership.

Like many of his colleagues, the Canadian is kicking on to new heights under manager Brendan Rodgers and seems set to take his game on to a greater platform in the UEFA Champions League.

He plays like he’s a veteran of Celtic and Scottish football but surprisingly he’s been at the club for less than two years, savouring every moment since arriving in the January 2023 transfer window. It’s evident how much he loves the Celtic experience, from playing in front of such passionate supporters to the pressures of winning every week and always bettering himself as an athlete.

Alistair Johnston likes playing for Celtic

He isn’t bashful in the media and his latest podcast appearance on international duty with Canada is another indication of how great an impact life in Glasgow is having on him. Johnston spoke poetic about all facets of Celtic and what he appreciates most about representing the Scottish champions.

He told Footy Prime: “Obviously I knew how big of a club it was but when you touchdown there – I just signed, I literally got off the plane and I hadn’t even kicked a ball yet, but they were all coming up to me.

“Once I got to the training facility, I saw the levels. I think that’s the biggest thing I really enjoy – we’re all competitors, we want to see what the highest level is we can get to. You want to be around the best players, you want to be around the best coaches – that was something I got as soon as I got through that door.

“MLS is a little different with the salary cap and all of the different permutations and rules. It’s difficult to have one through 30 all being top, top players – versus at Celtic I was like ‘Man, that guy isn’t even making our squads and he’s a full international for a European country’.”

Celtic coaching ‘unbelievable’ for players

The right-back continued: “It’s going to be competitive and you need to be on it every single day. The coaching is unbelievable. I’ve been lucky enough to have Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.

“It’s top, top stuff. You’re learning, you’re pushing yourself and you’re seeing what level it is I can reach. What is my full potential? That’s something that, deep down, every single athlete wants.

“As soon as I walked in the door and got a couple of training sessions under my belt I knew this is exactly where I want to be and exactly where I need to be. And once you get out there and start playing, you realise, ‘I’m not going to give up my starting spot, I will fight through every injury, whatever it takes, I need to be out there playing’.”

The entire interview is well worth a watch. Johnston comes across superbly and as if he wants to represent Celtic for years further – which we all hope he does of course.

The 25-year-old has emerged as a big leader in that dressing room and will help set the tone for further success to come. Long may it continue.

 

‘Hurt’ – Barry Ferguson reacts to what he watched Rangers do in Directors’ Box vs Celtic

Barry Ferguson was left “hurt and disappointed” as Rangers were condemned to a 3-0 defeat by Celtic on Sunday (1 September).

Despite a positive start to the match, and escaping going a goal down thanks to an offside check, Daizen Maeda eventually hit the back of the net after 17 minutes.

Kyogo Furuhashi doubled the Hoops’ lead just shy of half-time before Callum McGregor rounded off the victory in front of the Celtic Park crowd while the Gers fans could only watch on from home.

Writing via the Daily Record on Tuesday (3 September), Ferguson said: “I’m not going to lie. This one hurts. Maybe it was because I was there to watch it with my own eyes, sitting in the directors’ box at Parkhead.

“Perhaps it was the joy on the faces of the Celtic fans when they were doing their wee huddle dance and laughing in my face when their team was 3-0 up. It was interesting, let’s just leave it at that.

“But mainly, the hurt and disappointment I’ve been left nursing was caused by a Rangers performance which was simply not good enough on derby day in Glasgow’s east end. To be honest, I’ve still got an empty feeling inside more than 24 hours later and that’s not like me.”

Rangers fans disappointed by Old Firm result v Celtic

The passionate fans at Ibrox have every right to be disappointed by the result, voicing their concerns about Philippe Clement and the state of the behind-the-scenes happenings with the board.

There is a clear gulf between the two rivals, which was especially relevant during the summer transfer window as Brenden Rodgers was able to splash millions on new signings.

At the same time, Clement and Nils Koppen were tied to a shoestring budget, having to search for alternative options, including free agents.

With only four matches of the new Scottish Premiership campaign played so far, there is plenty of time for Clement to turn things around, but with a new-found pressure at the helm, he may not have as much time as he thinks.

The Belgian must do something he has been unable to do during his tenure so far – beat Celtic. The league title is there for the Gers to take, but they must defeat their Old Firm rivals to claim it.

 

Rangers star is accused by Keith Jackson of “throwing in the towel” against Celtic

Following Sunday’s disappointing 3-0 loss to Celtic, Rangers captain James Tavernier was accused by Keith Jackson of “throwing in the towel” (1 September).

With all the pressure Philippe Clement is already under at Ibrox, the defeat to Celtic, their Old Firm rivals, will not help him at all.

Tavernier, who was rumoured to be leaving Ibrox during the summer transfer window, has been praised for his play and has managed to hold onto his position this year.

“The truth is – as unpalatable as it may be for them to swallow – is that these fans are now on the point of throwing in the towel, in the same way, that captain Tavernier did yesterday afternoon while his team was being taken apart by the neighbours,” Jackson wrote in a piece published by the Daily Record on Monday, September 2.

After Rangers vs. Celtic, James Tavernier bears the majority of the blame.

Tavernier shouldn’t mind being singled out by the media and supporters because he is the club captain.

After switching from Wigan to the Gers in the summer of 2015, the 32-year-old has committed nearly ten years of his life to the team, but it appears that his time there is running out.

Many supporters thought the right-back would be leaving Ibrox this summer after clubs approached him, but he is still a member of Clement’s starting lineup.

Fans are frustrated by Dujon Sterling’s involvement because they feel that he should be playing midfield to gain experience rather than starting at full-back.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement

Although Tavernier has received harsh criticism for yet another appalling performance, the manager ought to bear the majority of the guilt as he has ready his team to play at Celtic Park against Brenden Rodgers’ squad.

The fierce supporters of the Gers have every right to be worried about their chances of winning the Scottish Premiership title already, as the team has only triumphed once against their Old Firm rivals in the previous 12 meetings.