The festive party won’t be up and running at Ibrox after a nightmare season so far
Rangers manager Danny Rohl
Danny Rohl was dishing out chocolate Santas at his press conference last week. But after a defeat to Premiership leaders Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday, the Rangers gaffer now needs some gifts of his own.
The Ibrox side’s slim title hopes now hang by a threat as they trail the league leaders by 12 points and languish in fourth place. It’s been a disastrous season for Rangers so far – on and off the pitch.
Russell Martin was sacked as manager after crashing out of the Champions League and struggling to win a game. Then Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell lost their jobs for playing a part in one of the club’s worst ever summer transfer windows.
Rohl has been left to pick up the pieces with a group of players who are clearly not up to scratch. Their Europa League campaign is already over and they’ve got a mountain to climb domestically – even just to finish in the top two.
The German is gearing up for a pivotal January when he’ll hope to bolster his squad and get Gers back on track again. Here are the five presents Record Sport believes Rangers need for Christmas this year:
A SACKFUL OF SIGNINGS
Ultimately, what Rohl needs most is new players with experience and quality. Rangers spent around £30 million in the summer but didn’t get anywhere near value for money as the recruitment was abysmal.
That’s the reason why they’re out of Europe and sitting fourth in the Scottish Premiership.
The manager knows he needs a better standard of player in this window who will be first-team starters ready to make an immediate impact – and they’ve already been linked with a move for former star Josh Windass.
Josh Windass celebrates for Rangers.(Image: Ian Rutherford/PA Wire)
The American owners will need to cough up more cash to support Rohl but if there’s any hope of salvaging this season it has to happen.
A TITLE MIRACLE
Going into the game against Hearts at Tynecastle, Rangers fans were optimistic of getting involved in a race for the league flag. A victory – after a good run of form – would have put them within touching distance of the Jambos and Celtic in the table.
Instead, they’re now even further behind and they’re in a battle even for second spot. The only hope Ibrox punters have is that two things happen over the festive period.
Firstly, their two rivals start dropping points unexpectedly at the top. And also, that Rohl’s under-pressure squad can somehow put together a run of wins to close the gap.
A G-OLD FIRM VICTORY
Never underestimate the size of psychological boost that a Glasgow derby win can give you.
And irrespective of the league positions, it’s imperative that Rangers go to Celtic Park and win on January 3.
It would be a massive result for Rohl, especially after he suffered defeat in the League Cup semi-final to their city rivals earlier this season.
If his side could somehow muster an Old Firm victory in the New Year, it could give Rangers the spark they need to get themselves back in the title race.
Rangers’ James Tavernier celebrates scoring to make it 1-1
Wilfried Nancy is still under pressure to deliver at Parkhead and it’s an opportunity for Rohl to put a marker down with his derby counterpart.
Gers won across the city last term under interim boss Barry Ferguson and it would be huge if they could replicate that display.
A BUMPER BID FOR ST NICOLAS
After squandering millions in the summer transfer window, Rangers have to get their recruitment right in January but that will cost more money. To fund that, the club might be hoping for a mega-bucks bid for one of their most prized assets – Nico Raskin.
With Gers struggling for results, it might be inconceivable to lose one of their better players. But it seems certain that Raskin’s future lies away from Ibrox.
And the Belgian international has already said that – if and when – he leaves, he wants the club to make a decent profit. He’s been off-form this season after his spat with ex-boss Russell Martin and with a World Cup coming up he’ll be desperate to impress his international gaffer.
If a huge offer comes in for him in the New Year, it might be better for ALL parties to accept.
A STABLE IBROX HIERACHY
While Rohl is trying to sort out the first-team at Ibrox and get results on the pitch, there remains too much uncertainty at the top of the marble staircase. After the sackings of Stewart and Thelwell, the club still needs to appoint a new CEO and sporting director to replace them.
The likes of Fraser Thornton and Stig Inge Bjornebye are currently filling in but there needs to be long-term stability within the Gers hierarchy early in the new year if they’re going to properly progress. There are question marks over the club’s academy as well, which would fall into the sporting director’s remit.
Without making the right decisions in these key positions, it’s difficult to see how the club moves forward. Also, for Rohl to be successful as manager, he needs a functioning structure around him as soon as possible.