Danny Rohl: “We need players that understand what it means to play for Rangers”

Danny Rohl wants to add players in the January transfer who understand what it means to play for Rangers. The Light Blues failed to make it five league wins in a row after drawing with Falkirk at the weekend. It’s been a chaotic couple of months for the Ibrox club as they sacked former head coach Russell Martin, chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell. Oliver Antman is going to be out for eight weeks with an abductor problem and Nasser Djiga and Ousmane Diomande are expected to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations later this month. Before the Gers’ away fixture against Dundee United tomorrow, Rohl confirmed that he’s having regular discussions with chairman Andrew Cavenagh: “In general, I’m in a conversation with Andrew nearly every two or three days. “I think this is crucial. He will be also in, in the next couple of days, so we will have the next meetings. “I give my feedback every day or every matchday back to him. What I see is not just about positions, also what is important for us as a group – which profiles we need. “From the skills, from the tools, from a specialist in some areas, I think this is crucial. “It’s not just about the physical speed, it’s also the mindset, how quick is the mind at the moment, how quick you can receive the ball, how quick you can accelerate our game. “I think we need players that have a natural aggressivity against the ball, this is also crucial for me. “And we need players that also understand what it means to play for Rangers. This is also what I feel and learn in the last weeks, which players can handle this environment and which players have to improve. “We have to make the right decisions. This is crucial. We have a big responsibility for us, for the club. “I have a big responsibility now, after we lost Kevin and Patrick. I think this gives me more influence. “Hopefully we make a good step forward. The key is that we are on one page, that it is very clear how we see things and now it’s about preparing everything and have a good shot at the target.” The 36-year-old was asked if players will need to leave before some are brought in. He said: “You need a squad that is not too big but big enough so you can double up positions with good competition. I think this is crucial. “If I say now (we’re signing) five and bring four in, then you will ask me, why just four? “Key is that you bring the right players. If it’s at the end, two or three who can really make an impact, then it’s a good step. “If it’s six, because we could get six out, then it’s also good. “But for me, it’s more about the quality of players instead of the numbers of players.”

Rangers legend believes Danny Rohl knows who to oust in January window

Rangers failed to make it five league wins in a row as they drew 0-0 with Falkirk at Ibrox at the weekend. Many of the players that were brought in during the summer transfer window have failed to deliver, one in particular being big money signing Youssef Chermiti who has only managed to bag one goal in 14 appearances since joining the Light Blues. After the draw against the Bairns, Danny Rohl said he has a clear ‘overview’ of what he needs to do in the January transfer window. The Gers are on the look out for a new chief executive and sporting director after sacking Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell last week. Speaking on The Go Radio Football show, Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson believes Rohl knows exactly who he will be looking to offload from the club next month: “He now knows that there are players he want and players that are going to be surplus. “It’s just about who they are and how much money is going to be available in January. “Certainly the squad needs strengthening. If you don’t produce at these big clubs, you are not going to be part of it. “He has obviously spent time assessing them and just listening to the first part of his interview, there is a bit of frustration in there. “There is nothing he can do until the 1st of January but I am sure he has already identified areas that he wants to strengthen. Hopefully he’ll get the backing to bring those players in. “The chairman and owner have made some massive decisions in the last five weeks. They want to put the wrongs right and hopefully this is the start of it.”

Greenock Morton progress to the 4th round of the Scottish Cup

Greenock Morton have progressed to the 4th round of the Scottish Cup in dramatic fashion after defeating Peterhead 5-3 on penalties. Billy Davies is in interim charge following Dougie Imrie’s departure to Raith Rovers midweek. The Ton thought they had the job done until Kieran Shanks scored in stoppage time to make it 2-2, which forced extra time. Tomi Adeloye bagged a brace for the Cappielow Park side but was sent off at the 73rd minute. Despite the difficult circumstances, Davies’ men got through and that’s two games unbeaten for the former Derby County boss. Davies was in charge earlier this season and drew 0-0 with Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline. The Scotsman included two 16-year-olds on the bench, which shows the Greenock club’s ambition of giving youth players a chance. Morton are currently seventh in the Scottish Championship and could be potentially drawn in a glamour tie against Rangers or Celtic in the 4th round of the iconic Scottish Cup.

James Tavernier equals Ally McCoist’s European record

James Tavernier equalled Ally McCoist’s European goal scoring record in Rangers’ 1-1 draw against S.C Barga. The captain scored his 21st goal in Europe and is just behind Alfredo Morelos who is the Ibrox club’s top European goal scorer with 29 goals. Tavernier currently holds the record as Britain’s top scoring defender with 145 goals to his name after he slotted away his 72nd penalty for the Gers. The right-back won’t be celebrating too much over the achievement as the Light Blues missed the opportunity to defeat the ten men Portuguese outfit. Speaking after the game, the 34-year-old was disappointed with the result but believes there is still a great chance to qualify for the knockout stages: “It feels almost like a loss. “I’ve got no complaints with Nasser [Djiga]. “Everyone makes mistakes, but ultimately, we should have that game tied up before that even happens. “Being a Rangers player, you have to win every single game, and that’s what the fans require, no matter who we play. “That’s what we have to do from now until the end of the games in this competition. “It’s definitely not over. “We have to be more clinical up top. “I know that if we keep a clean sheet we win tonight, but the game tonight, we should’ve had that in our pocket with the 10 men that we were playing against.” After reaching another milestone at the Govan club, Tavernier said the achievement of equalling McCoist’s record meant nothing to him due to the result: “It obviously feels like nothing right now because you’re fresh from playing the game.”It obviously feels like nothing right now because you’re fresh from playing the game. “I think obviously when my time is done from football, I’ll look back at the achievements. “Ultimately, I wanted to win tonight and get the three points. “If I can help the team, I always will.” Danny Rohl’s men are back in action this Sunday against Falkirk at Ibrox as they look to make it five league wins in a row.

Celtic fans are UNGRATEFUL and abuse towards the board is crossing a line – Scott Bradley

It’s safe to say, the relationship between the Celtic board and fans could not be more toxic. Celtic hosted their AGM last Friday and the atmosphere in the room was as poisonous as expected. The shareholders showed their displeasure towards the under-fire Hoops hierarchy holding up red cards during the meeting. Ross Desmond read out a scathing statement that added more fuel to the fire to the situation where he LAMBASTED sections of the Parkhead faithful regarding their behaviour over the past few months. Desmond said: “The behaviour of certain sections increasingly brings the club and it’s fanbase into disrepute. “The incident a few weeks ago at the Falkirk match was systematic of wider behaviour that cannot be ignored. “These people are bullies, and they try to hijack the good name of Celtic. “They try to hijack the good name of Celtic supporters, and we cannot allow them to define who we are. “I am well aware of the target that I put on my back by saying this.” After Desmond’s defiant words, Peter Lawwell brought the meeting to an abrupt close, which sparked even more anger from the shareholders in attendance. Interim manager Martin O’Neill thought it was a ‘really sad morning’ and wondered what Jock Stein would have made of the scenes. Are the Celts board perfect? No far from it. But their supporters are ungrateful and the abuse towards them is crossing a line now. They’ve enjoyed an unprecedented amount of success over the last 13 years winning 13 league titles out of 14. Say what you want about Dermort Desmond, but he is a shrewd businessman, who knows how to run a football club and he’s done a phenomenal job. I don’t know what more Celtic fans are wanting. They’re sabotaging their season by creating an unnecessary hostile atmosphere and the only clubs it benefits are Rangers and Hearts. Many feel as though the board didn’t back former manager Brendan Rodgers enough but are forgetting that he spent £55 million in the past two years in the transfer window. Rodgers brought in Adam Idah for £9 million, Arne Engels for £11 million, and Auston Trusty for £6 million. Fine players but nowhere near worth that amount – three big signings all signed off by the Northern Irishman. After Rodgers’ departure last month, Dermort Desmond released a bombshell statement accusing him of being ‘divisive, misleading and self-serving.’ Desmond also said that the claims of Rodgers not being offered a new deal were ‘simply untrue.’ After Rodgers’ dismal transfer record on big money signings and his unwillingness to commit to a new contract – it makes total sense as to why the board were slightly reluctant to give him another big cash injection in the summer. This new generational of Hoops fans are entitled and should be more grateful for the unbelievable success they’ve experienced over the years. Ungrateful, entitled, and spoilt is the best way to describe their disgusting behaviour towards the board.

Martin O’Neill offers key bit of advice for incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy

Martin O’Neill has warned incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy to stay well clear of the toxic feud that’s going on between the board and fans.  Nancy is set to be appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement after impressing the Celtic hierarchy following a series of talks and could be in the dugout for the home fixture against Dundee next week. Hoops legend O’Neill is in interim charge and has offered some advice to the 48-year-old: “The new manager coming in should divorce himself from all those proceedings. This is a fresh start for him. “He hasn’t been party to anything that’s happened in recent times. “He’s going to step into something that really has been none of his concern. “That’s the way I would be approaching it and it’s not like passing the buck. “It’s just saying, ‘Well, sorry, that’s not of my making — my making is to put Celtic back in the game’. “Let’s say it was me and I’d never manage the football club again. “I’d be saying, ‘Yeah, that’s got nothing to do with me, I have to try and win some football games’.” Jaws dropped when the 73-year-old made his stunning return to the Parkhead club after 20 years and has won four of his five games in charge. The Northern Irishman said he’ll look back on his second spell with fondness and added that he doesn’t know if he would’ve been able to do the job every week: “In a perverse sort of way, I have actually enjoyed it. “Could I really do the job again week in, week out, week in, week out, for months on end? I really don’t know. “Do I have energy and enthusiasm? Yeah, I have those. Is that enough? Not so sure. “I’ve got all of those particular things. Do I have knowledge of the game? Of course, yeah. “When it is over, and I don’t know when that will be, I’ll think, ‘That was actually quite nice’. “It kind of reinvigorates you because you are actually concentrating on something you used to do, and you’d almost forgotten how to do it.”

Barry Ferguson addresses links to Rangers sporting director role

Rangers legend Barry Ferguson refuses to rule out becoming the Ibrox club’s new sporting director following the sacking of Kevin Thelwell.  CEO Patrick Stewart and Thelwell were brutally sacked on Monday after a terrible start to the campaign. The pair were instrumental in the failed appointment of Russell Martin who was sacked after 123 days in charge, and they also oversaw a £40 million squad revamp that hasn’t lived up to expectations. Thelwell received huge backlash for sanctioning the controversial £8 million signing of Youssef Chermiti – a player whose only found the net twice in the last two years. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh says the search for their replacements is under way but insisted there is no rush. The January transfer window is approaching soon and head coach Danny Rohl will no doubt be looking to add some freshness to his squad. Former interim Gers boss Ferguson has been linked with making a stunning return to the Govan club, but this time as sporting director. Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, the 47-year-old was asked about potentially taking on role if he was offered it. He said: “Listen, in terms of my future I’m very comfortable what I’m doing at this moment in time. You can never say never. Listen, it’s a club that I think everybody knows what it means to me and I just want to see them being successful. That’s the main thing for me.” Ferguson added that he hasn’t been approached by his former club regarding the position but praised Cavenagh with his bold decision-making over the past few weeks. “You’ve got to be fair to the chairman over the last four weeks, he’s made three huge decisions. “He’s changed the manager very early, it was his decision, and now two other high profile people at the club. He is very clear on what he wants to do and how he wants to do it, and if that means making changes so early in his time at the club he is going to make them if you don’t perform.”

Raith Rovers set to appoint Dougie Imrie as new boss

Raith Rovers are set to appoint Dougie Imrie as their new manager.  The Kirkcaldy club approached Greenock Morton and talks have been progressing well. Rovers sacked Barry Robson earlier this month and are currently sixth in the league table and three points from the play-offs. The Fife club have spoken to a number of managers but are keen on replacing Robson with the Ton boss. Imrie has impressed in Greenock and done well and has worked with one of the smallest budgets in the league. Morton are currently seventh in the table and have won three of their 16 league games so far. Paul Hanlon has been put in interim charge until a replacement is found.

Why Rangers NEED to give James Tavernier a new deal

James Tavernier is a Rangers legend who arrived at the Ibrox club ten years ago whilst they were in the Scottish Championship and has carried the team for years. This season, he’s doing the exact same again as he’s their top goal scorer with six goals, and four assists. As he comes into the final year of his contract, it’s only right that he gets offered a new deal. It’s been a long journey for the Rangers captain with many ups and downs, but one thing is for sure is Tavernier has always given his all. The stats Tavernier has are nothing short of remarkable and is currently Britain’s highest scoring defender with a staggering 144 goals. The 34-year-old is a polarising figure amongst the Rangers faithful as many criticise him for not winning enough trophies, where as many others acknowledge the fact he’s worked with some poor players and managers. It’s not the right-back’s fault the Gers have only won three major trophies in ten years – there’s only so much one man can do and he’s bailed the club out time and time again. Tavernier was instrumental in the Light Blues’ iconic run to the Europa League final in 2022 as he finished top goal scorer in the competition with seven goals and helped deliver the club’s first league title in ten years. The Bradford born full-back is showing zero signs of slowing down as he’s been the Govan club’s best outfield player so far this season. He’s always fit, rarely injured, and is still hugely important to the team. At the start of the season, former boss Russell Martin dropped him and it was evident how much the team struggled without his presence. Rangers legend Barry Ferguson worked with Tavernier when he was interim charge last season and is baffled at why the skipper is always up for debate. He said on the Five Stars Podcast: “He’s always up for debate. I don’t understand why, I’ll be brutally honest. Maybe it’s labelled at him that he’s not won enough trophies as captain but I’ll tell you what, see as a player he gives you everything. “He’s got real good quality. Looks after himself, always available, doesn’t buckle under pressure and look at the start of the season it must’ve been hard for him because he was out of the team but you never heard a moan and groan from him. “I know what he would’ve done. He would’ve kept his head down and went and worked as hard as possible on the training ground and we seen how much we missed him. “He’s a real driving force and I’m delighted for him.” The Rangers Hall of Famer is set for his testimonial this season and with his Ibrox future uncertain – it’s only fitting that he gets a contract extension. Of course age catches up with everyone, but Tavernier is a freak of an athlete who still has plenty to offer the team. After Rangers won the League Cup two years, thanks to Tavernier’s winner against Aberdeen, Connor Goldson famously said “This football club won’t appreciate James Tavernier until James Tavernier is not here.” It’s a statement that is true because the fans won’t realise and appreciate the contributions of the captain until he’s no longer at the club. Some of the abuse that Tavernier’s endured has been nothing short of a disgrace but it doesn’t phase or affect him. He is without doubt one of the most mentally strong players in the game. Tavernier is playing well under new head coach Danny Rohl and he most definitely deserves to extend his stay at Ibrox.

Rangers sack Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart

Rangers have sacked sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.  The under-fire pair have felt the wrath of the Ibrox support due to the poor start to the season and were instrumental in the failed appointment of Russell Martin, who was sacked after 123 days in charge. Thelwell joined the Gers in June and received a huge amount of backlash after he sanctioned the controversial £8 million signing of Youssef Chermiti. Stewart was appointed as CEO 11 months ago, and has been heavily criticised over his poor decision making since taking on the role. A Rangers statement said: “Rangers Football Club confirms it has parted company with CEO Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell. “Rangers expresses its sincere gratitude to both Patrick and Kevin for their leadership and unwavering commitment to the club. “Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and Vice Chairman Paraag Marathe have already begun the search process and, until permanent hires are made, Director Fraser Thornton will assume the role of acting CEO.” Cavenagh added: “Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell are leaving Rangers Football Club. “Responsible change is measured and steady. Our first priority has been to improve the sporting performance, and that led to our decision to part ways with Russell [Martin] and bring in Danny [Rohl]. “Danny has now started the process of improving the on-pitch performance, and that has given us the chance to focus on other parts of the club. “Patrick and Kev are both skilled executives and have delivered a lot for the club in their time with it. “We’ve now had six months since we became part of Rangers to assess the club’s needs as well as to get to know Patrick and Kev a bit more. “Simply put, when we think about what we need in both CEO and sporting director today, it’s different than who we think Patrick and Kev are. “We want people that align with the vision for the next chapter. “I will not throw dirt on either of them. I think very highly of them both on personal and professional levels. “It’s just the reality that the club needs different things today than it did six months ago. “We’ve already started the hiring process and hope to have appointments soon, but we will prioritise quality and fit over speed. “I want to reassure our supporters that Danny will continue to have all the support that he needs. “In the interim, Fraser Thornton, our director, will be assuming the duties as acting CEO. “Change like this is always painful, especially when it involves people we care about. “But at the same time, we’re very excited about this opportunity to bring in fresh leadership to this great club. We appreciate everyone’s continued support.”