Rangers fans have turned on manager Derek McInnes after Thursday's penalty shoot-out defeat to Jablonec knocked the club out of the UEFA Conference League, with supporters calling for him to walk away from the Ibrox job.
McInnes has won just two games since taking charge, and the European exit has intensified anger among the support. The Hotline was flooded with calls from frustrated fans following the loss at the Chance Arena in Jablonec.
Fans demand action
Andrew Taylor, Glasgow, said: "Congratulations to Derek McClueless, he's achieved what everyone thought was impossible, an even worst start than Russell Martin! I've never seen so many subs at half time or formation changes from any Rangers manager in 45 years of watching them, which tells it's own story. I never wanted him in the first place and he should never have been offered the job, but even I didn't think he'd be this bad. He's completely and utterly out of his depth and needs sacked ASAP for gross incompetence."
Iain Morrison, Livingston, added: "Another shambolic Rangers performance. We laugh at Celtic, well I’m afraid nothing to laugh about. Derek McInnes out of his depth. Totally clueless. We need a goal to win, so he takes a striker off, and puts a defender on. Never thought I’d say it, but it's worse than watching the Russell Martin debacle. Do the decent thing Derek. Resign, please."
Rick Hart said: "What can I say about Rangers? Gutless, spineless, headless chickens running around and they were overrun in all parts of the pitch. Sorry Derek but you are walking away with a P45."
Players criticised
Russell Black, Banchory, said: "This is the worst Rangers side ever, these players are highly paid professionals and they are shocking. Can’t do the simple things never mind create something."
John Spence, South Ayrshire, said: "Despite our many travails during recent years, as a Rangers supporter I've tried to remain optimistic, that the new season will bring improvement, perhaps even some success. And then came Thursday night. The game itself became surreal, like it wasn't really happening, but of course it was. I found myself watching on in disbelief, then a kind of morbid fascination kicked in. Was it possible to get any worse? The answer kept coming back...yes it was, culminating in losing on penalties. Then reality bit. That was a shameful display, unacceptable in the name of Glasgow Rangers."
Lewis Fotheringham, Mount Ellen, said: "I'm sorry but that was simply not good enough last night. Yet another disjointed performance and I am sadly turning into a broken record on the Record Hotline. I feel we have brought in far too many players and hoping they all gel quickly. The performance over the two legs and domestically, St Mirren game aside, stinks of a group of players who are playing as a bunch of strangers."
Jamie Thompson, Glasgow, asked: "Can someone explain why some these Rangers players can't pass cross a ball or hold up the ball? These stupid mistakes lose the ball, they are ment to be professionals. It's been the same game after game."
Mixed views on exit
However, Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, felt the Conference League exit could be a positive for the club: "Rangers being out of Europe at this stage of the season isn't as bad as things seem. Rangers have not had regular Saturday 3pm kick off's for years."
He added: "Plying their trade in the Conference League doesn't bring in as much money. Rangers easiest way to get a shot at qualification for the lucrative Champions League is to win the league. The only problem being is McInnes has no idea how to play his signings and sacking him now is the best way forward in getting a manager in that can try and gel the current McInnes mismatch of a team."
Celtic fans also weighed in after their own Champions League exit to LASK. Steve McSherry, Uddingston, said: "Well, Rangers fans laughing at Celtic didn’t last long. How embarrassing being beaten by the equivalent of a pub team. So, it’s Celtic and Hearts flying the flag in Europe while Rangers contribution is to humiliate Scottish football."
George Wilson, West Sussex, said: "I am a senior citizen who has supported Rangers for over 60 years. I used the words humiliation and embarrassment following Celtics pathetic show against LASK. I have never seen a worse Rangers performance nor a more hopeless bunch of players in my life than that against Jablonec."
He added: "There is no sign of a team there. Just a bunch of clueless individuals none of whom knew what they were supposed to be doing. It may be unfair to blame Derek McInnes so soon but he has brought nothing to the club so far."
"The players on show embarrassed themselves and the club just as Celtic did. I have no idea what is ahead for McInnes and Rangers."
