Rangers fans have told owner Andrew Cavenagh that the time for talking is over after a winless start to the season left the Ibrox side already five points behind Celtic. Cavenagh appealed for patience when he met with shareholders on Monday morning, urging fans to give Derek McInnes and his new-look side a chance, while chief executive Jim Gillespie said they had a “Jurgen Klopp-style” manager in McInnes.
Fans demand action
But after three competitive games without a win, Hotline callers were adamant that promises are no longer enough. Cooper Steven, Kent, said: “Cavenagh said they are not blaming the recruitment team or McInnes. Well in that case we should blame you Andrew for a process which is clearly not working. In the last two games, I’m pretty sure that the vast majority of fans have questioned Rangers’ starting line up. We start the Hibs game with a midfielder playing at right back, when we have two right backs sitting on the bench, one of whom I’m pretty sure was sanctioned by McInnes himself. The defence has been a shambles for as long as I can remember, and yet we keep signing yet more midfielders. Great teams are built on solid foundations. It’s clear to see that the process at Rangers is not delivering results, so it’s down to you Mr Chairman to get that right. The fans will not endure yet another season of promises unfulfilled.”
Robert Livingston, Palm Beach, said: “Five points in arrears and having to play catch up - new players will have to perform immediately after Celtic's new ones did just that. This nonsense about new players needing time, as does McInnes—there is no such time. The league title is the priority and must be won or another season will be spent in the wilderness. Fans will not tolerate year after year of these failures, knives will be out for McInnes whether he is a favourite son or not.”
Recruitment criticised
Philip Borland emailed: “Rangers say they are going to bring in another three to five new players before the transfer window closes. If they do then I hope they bring someone in who can score goals - that is what we need the most. A player who is going to win us games because right now I don't see Lawrence Shankland, Youssef Chermiti or Ryan Naderi scoring many for us.”
Joe Graham, Garrowhill, added: “Disappointing start of the season for McInnes. A long, long way to go but the support are not happy. They haven’t disappointed in recruiting with nine new players and a promise of more in this window. Unfortunately they haven’t managed to fill the void as yet to a right back in the mould of captain James Tavernier. Sadly missing someone of his callibre.”
Support and refereeing debate
Peter Cooperwhite emailed: ”Lawrence Shankland is encouraged by the Rangers performances! Three poor performances and he's been involved in two. Lawrence, a tip when getting interviewed: take time to think what you’re about to say.” Meanwhile Neil Renton, Leith, said: “I had to laugh when Rangers chief Jim Gillespie likened boss Derek McInnes to Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp. Judging by the start to his Ibrox career McInnes is more Jurgen Flopp.”
But there was a message of support from Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, who said: “I urge all Rangers fans to get behind Derek McInnes. Changing so many players was always going to be difficult but having a Rangers man in charge of a Rangers team should encourage everyone to believe that Mcinnes will get it right. Anyone endorsed by the late, great Walter Smith is good enough for me.”
It wouldn’t be a Hotline without refereeing decisions being cast up. And Don Robertson’s decision to award Hibs a first half penalty - after being called to the monitor by VAR Matthew McDermid - in their 2-1 win over Rangers on Sunday is still causing debate. Adam Peters, Bathgate, said: “Just when you think they can’t get any worse along come Mathew McDermid and Don Robertson. Don was very weak when he went to the monitor regarding the Hibs penalty. When Celtic and Hibs fans are laughing at how pathetic the decision was that tells you everything.” But Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “A season two games in and already we have the same excuses about refs and everything else going against Rangers. Not long ago we were getting told with the new manager and new signings Celtic fans were panicking and they were going to walk the league ? But my big question is: are the Rangers coming?”
