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Ferguson Finally Breaks Ibrox Duck as Rangers Hit Aberdeen for Four

Barry Ferguson has waited a long time for this. At the sixth time of asking, the Rangers interim boss finally delivered a home win – and in emphatic fashion – as his side dismantled Aberdeen 4-0 in the William Hill Premiership. After a tepid and, at times, tense opening 45 minutes, the match sparked into life in the second half. Vaclav Cerny fired Rangers in front ten minutes after the restart, finishing calmly after a smart through ball from Nicolas Raskin. Cyriel Dessers, who had endured a frustrating first half, doubled the lead shortly after, burying a cutback from Raskin to make it 2-0. From that point, Aberdeen crumbled. Hamza Igamane, introduced at the interval, made a real impact – and his 70th-minute strike was the pick of the bunch. Flicking the ball up and lashing home from distance, the Moroccan offered a moment of real quality on a day when Rangers badly needed a boost. Jefte’s late strike – a deflected effort from Cerny’s shot – added gloss in stoppage time and ensured Ferguson could finally celebrate three points at Ibrox. For Aberdeen, it was a damaging result in the race for third, and with just two games left, they remain three points adrift of Hibs. Having shown promise in the opening stages of the second half – with Topi Keskinen rattling the woodwork – their collapse was as alarming as it was sudden. Rangers, meanwhile, snapped a five-match winless streak at home stretching back to early February. Ferguson, brought in on a short-term deal to steady the ship, has endured a rough spell – and while this win doesn’t change the bigger picture of a trophyless season, it does ease some pressure. The takeover talk continues to dominate the narrative around the club, with the expected arrival of Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises looming large. For many fans, the fresh start can’t come soon enough. Key Moments: 55’ – Cerny opens the scoring after a fine pass from Raskin. 60’ – Dessers doubles the lead with a composed finish. 70’ – Igamane stuns Ibrox with a brilliant long-range effort. 90+2’ – Jefte rounds off the rout with a deflected fourth. It may be too little, too late for Rangers’ season ambitions, but for Barry Ferguson, it was a long-overdue homecoming worth savouring.

May 11, 2025

Rangers maintain title hunt with Celtic win

Rangers kept themselves in the hunt for SWPL title, edging past Celtic courtesy of Kirsty Howat’s early goal and maintaining their undefeated status against their rivals this season. A long range pass from Tessel Middag saw Howat dart into space with only Kelsey Daugherty to beat, the striker making no mistake in passing the keeper before slotting home the opener. Fife, was called into action after a quiet first-half as Saoirse Noonan fired a low driven shot in the second half, but the keeper was equal to it. It proved to be a difficult afternoon for the Irish striker, who fired another good chance clear over the bar. Howat almost grabbed herself a double, one on one with the keeper she was denied by a sprawling Daugherty as Celtic looked to find a way back into the game. Coming close to adding a second for Rangers, Kirsty MacLean’s rocket from outside the box was well saved by the American shot stopper. However there would be no opportunity more golden than one wasted by substitute Morgan Cross, whose diving header could only send a potential equaliser wide following Smith’s excellent cross. Holding for the three points, Rangers pipped Glasgow City to second thanks to their vastly superior goal and sit just three points behind Hibernian with two games left to play. Line-ups: Celtic: Daugherty, Barclais, Clark (Carstens 89), Lawton, Ashworth-Clifford (Cross 70), Nakao (Harrison 82), Gallacher (Cavanagh 82), Smith, McAneny, Noonan, Agnew (Loferski 71) Unused subs: Dawson, Bruna Lourenço, Rodgers Booked: Cavanagh Rangers: Fife, Docherty (c), Rafferty, Middag, McLeary, MacLean, Wilkinson (McAuley 83), Cornet, Hay (Lafaix 92), Howat (Berry 92), Hardy (Ross 88) Unused subs: Arnot, Cruft, Esson Goals: Howat (12) Booked: Cornet, Howat

May 11, 2025

Idah Strikes as Celtic Deny Rangers a Final Flourish at Ibrox

On a day when Celtic had little to prove but plenty of pride to protect, Adam Idah ensured that Rangers’ hopes of ending their domestic campaign with bragging rights were reduced to rubble at Ibrox. The Irishman’s deflected second-half strike not only cancelled out Cyriel Dessers’ opener but extended Rangers’ winless run at home against their bitter rivals to a historically grim seventh game — the longest such sequence in their storied history. While the title had long been sewn up by Brendan Rodgers’ side, the notion that this derby was meaningless was swiftly laughed off in a contest crackling with tension, controversy, and old scores still to be settled. Barry Ferguson, leading Rangers in what may well be his final Old Firm bout as interim boss, demanded fire and purpose from his players — and, for the first 45 minutes, he got it. Nicolas Raskin thought he’d broken the deadlock with an early header, but VAR’s icy grip ruled him offside. Celtic looked vulnerable — particularly from set-pieces, a flaw Rodgers had flagged pre-match — and were lucky to see Leon Balogun’s point-blank header clatter the bar rather than the net. Eventually, the breakthrough came. It was Dessers again — goal number 25 in a season marked as much by scrutiny as by strikes. A flowing Rangers move ended with the striker shrugging off Liam Scales and burying his finish low past Sinisalo to ignite Ibrox. But as they’ve done so often this season, Celtic responded with maturity and steel. Maeda’s burst down the left forced chaos in the box, and when the ball fell to Idah, the striker swivelled smartly before drilling a shot — via a deflection — beyond Liam Kelly. The linesman’s flag came up. For a moment, Ibrox celebrated. But VAR — this time in Celtic’s favour — ruled that Maeda was passive, not interfering. Goal. One apiece. Rangers, for all their aggression, couldn’t muster another telling blow. Celtic, though far from fluid, managed the latter stages smartly, denying the hosts any clear sight of a winner. Maeda might’ve stolen all three points late on but scuffed a golden chance on the break. In the end, it was a result that encapsulates much of Rangers’ season: promise, frustration, and familiar failings at home. Talking Points Rangers’ Ibrox Curse DeepensSeven without a win against Celtic at Ibrox is more than a blemish — it’s a scar on the psyche of a club still reeling from losing the league with barely a whimper. Ferguson’s men showed character but once again lacked killer instinct. Celtic’s Mentality Remains UnshakenAlready champions, and having shipped three goals in each of their previous three derbies, Celtic might have wilted. Instead, they dug in and salvaged a point through grit and nous — exactly the qualities that have made Rodgers’ men worthy champions. Idah’s Big MomentIt hasn’t been a headline-grabbing spell in Glasgow for the Republic of Ireland striker, but in the white-hot atmosphere of Ibrox, he delivered. His sharp turn and finish spoke of a player growing into the shirt at just the right time. What They Said Barry Ferguson, Rangers interim head coach: “The effort and energy were there. We scored a good goal and handled most of what Celtic threw at us. But the quality in key moments — that’s where we need to improve.” Brendan Rodgers, Celtic manager: “Once we adapted to their shape, I thought we controlled large parts of the game. The goal was deserved, and I never felt like we were under sustained pressure. It’s a result that reflects the character in the team.”

May 5, 2025

Celtic One Result Away from Title as Post-Split Premiership Fixtures Confirmed

Celtic could secure the Scottish Premiership crown on 26 April when they visit Dundee United, needing just a draw to mathematically confirm their dominance. The reigning champions hold a commanding 15-point advantage over Rangers with only five games left, putting them on the verge of a 13th league title in 14 seasons. In a post-split schedule that raises some familiar concerns about fixture balance, the SPFL has now confirmed the remaining fixtures for both the top and bottom halves of the table. The final Old Firm clash of the campaign is set for Sunday 4 May at Ibrox – a potentially fiery occasion even if the title is already wrapped up. Aberdeen kick off their top-six run with a home tie against Hibernian, while Rangers will travel to face St Mirren in their opener. The top-six fixtures will all conclude on Saturday 17 May with simultaneous 12:30 BST kick-offs. However, the post-split format has once again led to some uneven home-and-away tallies. Hibernian must travel to St Mirren for a third time this season, granting the Buddies 20 home matches and only 18 away. Motherwell, meanwhile, will end their campaign having played 20 away fixtures. It’s the first season since 2017-18 where fixture balance couldn’t be maintained across the league. At the other end of the table, St Johnstone begin their survival bid away to Motherwell. They sit bottom, five points behind the rest with time running out. Just six points separate seventh-placed Hearts from 11th-placed Dundee, with only the side finishing 12th relegated automatically. The team in 11th will enter the play-offs. Bottom-half clubs will conclude their campaigns a day later than the top six, with all games on Sunday 18 May at 15:00 BST. 🔝 Top Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Dundee United v Celtic (12:30) Aberdeen v Hibernian (15:00) St Mirren v Rangers (15:00) Saturday 3 May Hibernian v Dundee United (15:00) St Mirren v Aberdeen (15:00) Sunday 4 May Rangers v Celtic (12:00) Saturday 10 May Celtic v Hibernian (15:00) Dundee United v St Mirren (15:00) Sunday 11 May Rangers v Aberdeen (12:00) Wednesday 14 May Aberdeen v Celtic (19:45) Rangers v Dundee United (19:45) St Mirren v Hibernian (19:45) Saturday 17 May (All 12:30) Celtic v St Mirren Dundee United v Aberdeen Hibernian v Rangers 🔻 Bottom Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Hearts v Dundee (15:00) Kilmarnock v Ross County (15:00) Motherwell v St Johnstone (15:00) Saturday 3 May Dundee v Motherwell (15:00) Ross County v Hearts (15:00) St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (15:00) Saturday 10 May Hearts v Motherwell (15:00) Kilmarnock v Dundee (15:00) St Johnstone v Ross County (15:00) Wednesday 14 May Dundee v Ross County (19:45) Hearts v St Johnstone (19:45) Motherwell v Kilmarnock (19:45) Sunday 18 May (All 15:00) Kilmarnock v Hearts Ross County v Motherwell St Johnstone v Dundee

April 15, 2025

Rangers Set for Summer Overhaul as 49ers Enterprises Prepare to Back Six New Signings

Rangers Set for Summer Overhaul as 49ers Enterprises Prepare to Back Six New Signings Rangers are preparing for a major summer rebuild, with 49ers Enterprises ready to inject significant funds into the squad in an effort to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, sources have revealed to Football Insider. The Ibrox side managed to cling to slim title hopes thanks to a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser from Ianis Hagi at Pittodrie on Sunday, denying Celtic the chance to seal the league with five games remaining. But with Rangers now trailing their Old Firm rivals by 15 points and holding a significantly inferior goal difference, any realistic shot at reclaiming the title this season is all but gone. Plans are already in motion for a transformative summer under the incoming ownership of 49ers Enterprises. According to sources close to the club, the American investment group intends to back the arrival of at least six new signings to kickstart a new era at Ibrox. Permanent Deals for Loan Stars on the Table With several players currently on loan, including Vaclav Cerny, Rafael Fernandes, and Oscar Cortes, Rangers are expected to push for permanent deals—particularly prioritising a move for Wolfsburg winger Cerny, who has been one of the standout performers this season. It remains to be seen whether these loan deals will be included within the six new signings or come in addition to them, but the intention from 49ers Enterprises is clear: build a squad capable of matching Celtic stride for stride next season. Managerial Decision Looms Before any transfer business can truly ramp up, a decision must be made on the managerial front. Rangers legend Barry Ferguson is currently in interim charge, but Football Insider has reported that he is unlikely to be offered the role on a permanent basis. Once a new manager is appointed, 49ers Enterprises are expected to provide immediate financial backing in the transfer market, with an emphasis on high-impact signings. The goal is to not just add depth, but to bring in players who can change the course of a season. Eyeing Ambitious Moves The American owners understand the scale of the challenge ahead. Bridging the gap to Celtic will require bold moves—both in management and recruitment. Speculation has even emerged over potential interest in prising Scotland international Greg Taylor away from Parkhead, a move that would certainly send shockwaves through Scottish football. For Rangers supporters, this summer represents a turning point. With new investment, a new manager, and a squad refresh on the cards, the pressure is on for the club to hit the ground running. 49ers Enterprises have made their intentions clear: the days of settling for second are numbered.

April 15, 2025

Mourinho Unshaken as Fenerbahce Boss Insists: ‘We Are Better Than Rangers’

Jose Mourinho remains defiant ahead of Fenerbahce’s Europa League showdown at Ibrox, insisting his side are superior to Rangers despite trailing 2-0 from the first leg. The Portuguese manager, never one to lack confidence, believes Barry Ferguson’s men capitalised on his team’s errors in Istanbul rather than outplaying them. “They weren’t better than us,” Mourinho asserted. “They won because we made mistakes. They were disciplined, they fought, and they took their chances – but that doesn’t mean they are the better team.” Rangers executed a clinical counter-attacking gameplan, sitting deep and striking when opportunities arose, a strategy Mourinho acknowledged but dismissed as evidence of superiority. Despite history being against him – he has never overturned a two-goal home deficit in nearly 200 European matches – Mourinho is adamant Fenerbahce still have a real shot at progressing. “If I didn’t believe we could do it, I wouldn’t even be thinking about this game,” he said. “I’d be focusing on Sunday’s league match instead. But we have a chance – and as long as we do, we go for it.” With Fenerbahce chasing Galatasaray at the top of the Turkish Super Lig, Mourinho could have prioritised domestic matters. Instead, he is throwing everything at Ibrox. Fond Memories of Glasgow – and a Secret Old Firm Experience Mourinho has been to Ibrox before, most notably with Chelsea for a friendly in 2007. But his fondest memory of the famous stadium comes from a much more low-key visit. “If you ask me the result of that Chelsea game, I couldn’t tell you,” he admitted. “It was just a friendly. But my best Ibrox memory? You don’t know about it. I was hidden in the crowd, watching Rangers vs Celtic. “It was a couple of weeks before my Porto side faced Celtic in the 2003 UEFA Cup final. Nobody knew me at the time, so I could just walk out with the fans – good times.” Fenerbahce were unbeaten in 18 matches across all competitions before their first-leg defeat to Rangers, but Mourinho is hoping his team can feed off the atmosphere at Ibrox rather than be intimidated by it. “They have to embrace it,” he said. “Even if the crowd is against us, this is the best place to play football. The UK is special. Let’s enjoy it – and let’s go for it.”

March 13, 2025

SPFL Weekly: Five Talking Points

Rangers’ second-half performance saves Barry Ferguson’s embarrassment, Hibbies go 14 games unbeaten and Hearts move into top six. There was also a debut home win for new ‘Well boss Michael Wimmer, St Johnstone closes the gap at the bottom, and Celtic win emphatically in unconvincing display. Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 28 in the 2024/25 SPFL season. AvenGERS thrust into blockbuster action A heroic second-half performance saw the Light Blues come from two goals down to defeat Killie 4-2. The script replicated a typical superhero blockbuster with the protagonist struggling against a grave threat, only to overcome it in the picture’s second half. Cyriel Dessers was the hero who saved Barry Ferguson, the man chosen as Phillipe Clement’s successor on Monday. Dessers’ two decisive goals carried the Light Blues into the lead to give the interim manager his first SPFL victory. Throughout the first half, Ranger’s defence was terrorized by Kilmarnock’s front two, Bobby Wales and Marley Watkins, prompting Ferguson to make the bold decision to hook French centre-back Clinton Nsiala after just 30 minutes. A goal from Vaclav Cerny ten minutes before half-time gave them hope, and the team talk from boss Captain Hamilton must have helped rally the gang as his team put on a gritty and determined performance in the second half. A tired Kilmarnock ran out of steam as the game wore on, and the Glasgow side only grew in confidence. Ferguson’s team must continue to perform to close the 13-point gap on Celtic. Is there a Hollywood ending in sight, or is it too little or too late? All eyes will be on this weekend’s sequel as Motherwell visits Ibrox. Unbe-Leith-able! Hibs march on Hibernian extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches after late goals from Kieron Bowie and Junior Hoilett, which gave them a dramatic 3-1 victory at Tannadice. Their goals came after Dundee United had a second-half leader disallowed for handball in the second half following a lengthy VAR check. Jim Goodwin was incensed by the decision, but referee Dermot Gallagher on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch agreed with the VAR’s decision that Sam Dalby headed the ball onto his arm. The positive vibes continue to build in Leith following the announcement that they have signed Aberdeen’s Jamie McGrath on a pre-contract deal, and Hibs owner plans to make £7m donation to cover club losses. Wimmer feels at home Michael Wimmer experienced his first taste of victory on his Fir Park debut following his arrival last week. Attendance last night was at 4,258, and the home fans would have been excited to see how their new boss got their team playing. However, it was set pieces where they looked most dangerous. Defender Dan Casey scored the two goals to stop the Lanarkshire side’s rot, leading them to their first win in eight matches. The game also saw a landmark for ‘Well midfielder Callum Slattery, who made his 100th appearance for the Steelmen, with his first appearance coming against Annan Athletic just over four years ago. The visitors, Dundee, will now look over their shoulder as they have now lost five games in a row, leaving them three points off bottom spot. Jammin’ Jambos into top six Hearts fought a challenging game, coming from behind to beat St Mirren 3-1, which saw them leapfrog the Paisley side. Victory has taken them into the top six for the first time since August. 17-year-old James Wilson got the equaliser and won man of the match, amusingly posing post-match with a bottle of rum that his parents probably don’t want him drinking. The goal that put the Jambos ahead at Tynecastle was by Calem Nieuwenhof, who was making his first start in almost a year. Hearts manager Neil Critchley told BBC Sport after the game: “It was a really tough game. I didn’t think we were at our best, but we’re finding ways to win games. “We weren’t clean or efficient in our play. I wouldn’t say sloppiness but not our usual selves on the ball. But moments went for us, and we showed real grit and resilience.” Hearts now have eight wins in their last 10 in all competitions. Their next game? Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday. Saints close the gap St Johnstone’s 1-0 victory over top-six hopefuls Ross County significantly boosts their fight for Premiership survival. Only 3 points now separate them and Dundee, who are above them in the play-off relegation spot with 10 games left to play. Fans at McDiarmid Park will feel better about themselves after the win following back-to-back defeats. Mackenzie Kirk’s close-range finish was the decisive goal that, despite a slim scoreline, was a thoroughly deserved result. County ‘keeper Jordan Amissah put in an inspired performance to keep the Saints at bay and the scoreline respectable. Saints Manager Simo Valakari told BBC Sport about the importance of the result: “It was a big win. This match was our most must-win game for our hopes for the rest of the season.” “I’m most happy with how the players performed in this high-pressure game.” County came into this with four wins from their previous five away league games. Their fans were hopeful of the top six but now will have one eye on what’s happening behind them as they still are worryingly close to the relegation play-off spot.

February 27, 2025

SPFL Matchday 1: Five Talking Points

Rangers gave Philippe Clement his marching orders, Hibernian defeated a lethargic Celtic, there was no new manager bounce for Motherwell, and the cool-as-ice Kabangu kept Hearts ticking. Meanwhile, Ross County continued their push for the top six, and Aberdeen stave off capitulation with back-to-back wins. Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 27 in the 2024/25 SPFL season. Clement sacked – Who’s next? Rangers 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren was the straw that broke the camel’s back. A dismal showing at Ibrox sealed Philippe Clement’s fate in a week filled with speculation about a potential US-led takeover by San Francisco 49ers’ investors. His dismissal came just hours after our report last night, which anticipated the club’s official announcement. After the match, Clement apologised to the fans, telling BBC Sport: “I can only say sorry and apologise [to the Rangers fans] from me and the team. This is not what Rangers teams need to show on the pitch. We all know this was by far below the standards we all expect.” However, for Rangers supporters, it was too little, too late. Some even set up a JustGiving page to fund his rumoured £1.2 million compensation fee. During his 16-month tenure, Clement showed rare glimpses of promise, particularly in Europe, where Rangers secured automatic qualification for the Europa League round of 16. Yet, he struggled to translate those performances into domestic success, leaving the club 13 points adrift of league leaders Celtic. Attention now turns to his long-term successor, with former Everton boss Sean Dyche, ex-Rangers title-winning manager Steven Gerrard, club legend Barry Ferguson, and former Light Blues midfielder Gennaro Gattuso all linked. Ferguson has been announced by the club to manage until the end of the season. VAR controversy mars heroic Hibs performance The heat on VAR grows with Brendan Rodgers’ latest comments following Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian. An equaliser for Celtic was ruled out in the second half after the VAR overruled the on-field officials. Their decision was that Alistair Johnston crossed the ball after it was out of play, with the linesman originally calling it in. Regarding the controversy, Rodgers told BBC Sport: “I was very disappointed we didn’t get that, especially when the linesman didn’t think it was out. He probably has the best view. “I don’t know how you can tell the ball is definitely out from an image from the 18-yard line. We need to see evidence the ball was out. If you don’t have that, you’re having a guess.” However, the debate surrounding the decision has unfairly overshadowed Hibernian’s outstanding and fully deserved performance. They fought with grit and determination to withstand Celtic’s attacks while capitalising on a fatigued Hoops defence in transition. A defining moment came when Rocky Bushiri heroically cleared the ball off the goal line following a surging run from Jota, sparking a deafening roar from the home crowd. By the final whistle, as Sunshine on Leith echoed around Easter Road, there could be no denying that Hibs had earned their moment of celebration. No new manager bounce for the ‘Well One could forgive the neutral fan who gave little thought to this fixture last weekend. However, there has been renewed interest following the appointment of Michael Wimmer as Motherwell’s manager. The German spoke about bringing “intensity, energy, and passion” to proceedings. Still, there was little evidence of this in the first half of a 1-0 defeat to Dundee United. Both sides came into the game in poor form, but the Tangerines struck first and stopped the Lanarkshire side from having a new manager bounce. The visitors did react positively in the second half but lacked the clinical edge to get back into the match. On the second-half performance, Wimmer told BBC Sport: “We can work with the second half. It was really good. It was aggressive, we had opportunities, and we played forward. That’s what we want to see.” The Steelmen are now on their joint longest losing streak in ten years and worryingly looking over their shoulders at the teams behind them in the table. Kabangu injection saves Hearts Nine years ago, the Perth club witnessed a bejewelled Elton John in a stellar concert at McDiarmid Park, singing hits such as Crocodile Rock and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. This weekend, they saw another Elton dazzle before their eyes. Elton Kabangu, the January recruit from Hearts. The Belgian scored twice in a 2-1 away victory to see Hearts look towards the top six and European places. Putting aside last week’s disappointing home result to Rangers, where he failed to take his chances, he was a thorn in the Saints’ side throughout and put away two clinical finishes to take his toll up to six goals from seven games. Hearts boss Neil Crichtley told BBC Sport about his performance: “I’m delighted for Elton Kabangu to get two goals after his disappointment last week. He’s such a great personality to have at the training ground every day. I thought he was fantastic again.” The Saints are running out of games to turn things around, languishing six points adrift at the bottom of the table. Their manager, Simo Valakari, joined the club in October to do just that. With each passing game, that is looking increasingly less likely, and preparations for the Championship may lie ahead. Battle for top six Ross County is on an excellent run of form, with five wins from their last 9. Their only two defeats from that run came against the two Glasgow giants. They came from behind this weekend to beat Dundee 3-1. On the performance, Cowie told BBC Sport: “I was most pleased with how we responded to going behind, we were not spooked by it and deservedly got back in the game at 1-1. “We came out the traps flying after half-time and scored two goals. A fantastic win, and it keeps the momentum going.” The man from Inverness has given the Dingwall fans hope, as the club is only two points off the

February 24, 2025

Dundee 1-1 Rangers: Player ratings from Dens Park

Aaron Donnelly made a big impression on his second debut whilst Ridvan Yilmaz endured a night to forget. Dundee (3-4-2-1) Trevor Carson Probably surprised not to have more work. Nothing he could do to stop goal and good saves to deny Igamane and Cerny. 7 Ryan Astley Part of strong back three that kept attack quiet. 7 Clark Robertson Like Astley, acted like a brickwall when Cerny approached. 7 Aaron Donnelly Return to the club showed what shrewd eye for loans the club has. Attacking threat and had the beating of opposite number all night. Love of duels evident with celebration after stopping Cortes. 8 Josh Mulligan Assist led to opener and worked tirelessly to cover right hand side. Easily dealt with Matondo after Welshman’s introduction. 8 Mo Sylla Taught Diomande and Barron a lesson in controlling the midfield. Strong on the ball if slightly lacking going forward. 7 Cesar Garza Filling in for injured talisman Lyall Cameron no easy task but recent arrival from Mexico did not put a foot wrong. Docherty full of praise during press conference. 7 Ethan Ingram Enterprise led to goal. Asked to play in unfamiliar position and did so without noticeable difficulty. Task made easier by facing an out of sorts Yilmaz. 7 Scott Tiffoney Not his most scintellating evening but showed his value as he directed his teammates around the park. 6 Oluwaseun Adewumi Continues to go from strength to strength during his loan spell. Composed finish for goal and was denied a second by the offside flag. Will have attracted a few eyeballs from around with performance. 8 Simon Murray Could not add to hot goalscoring form but continued in his role of terrier/ master of the dark arts. Experienced showed against Nsiala but sometimes too keen to look for foul. 6 SUBSTITUTES: Julian Vetro (for Tiffoney 70′) Added dynamism down right 7; Seb Palmer-Houlden (for Murray 70′) brought on to see out draw and did just that 7; Simon Braybrook (for Garza 78′) Same as P-H 7. Tony Docherty A side with only four outfield players on the bench compared to Rangers’ eight should not look the more energised by the end but such is the great work Docherty has done. Continues to get the best out of players. Return of Donnelly looks a masterstroke. 8 Rangers (4-2-3-1) Liam Kelly Nervy start. Early punched clearance was a player lacking control of his area. Little to be done about goal and wasn’t particularly troubled after that. 5 Ridvan Yilmaz One of his worst in a Rangers shit. Cut in on the left far too often when space was on the right. Leting the ball bumble out of feet near touchline summed up his evening. 3 Robin Propper Part of makeshift pairing. Seemed to put early goal behind him but his diagonal passes were done far too often and lacked accuracy. More needed from evening’s captain. 5 Clinton Nsiala Couple of shanked clearances seemed right for a player making first senior appearance but grew into the game. Murray as tough as they come for a debut opponent but did well. Looked more assured of partnership by the end. 6 Jefte Almost identical evening to Yilmaz. Clement was not pleased with performance. Booked for a needless challenge on Tiffoney. 3 Connor Barron Stepping in for Raskin. Not a great night for the midfielder whose difficult first season continues. Easily bypassed in middle of park far too often. Brought off for more effective Danilo. 4 Mohamed Diomande Lacked the physicality to impose himself. Too sloppy in possession as side struggled to string passes together. 4 Vaclav Cerny Found himself running into filled corridors. Got the all important goal and was denied by Carson for second. Despite difficult evening was one of side’s better performers. 6 Nedim Bajrami Not a n10. Struggled to link play together and was almost invisible in first half. Began to drop deeper to create something but to little avail. 4 Ianis Hagi Wonder strike against Celtic feels years ago. Made no impact and was hooked at half time for Matondo. Will be glad to see the back of Dens Park for as long as possible. 3 Hamza Igamane Frustrating evening for the striker. Clement annoyed he tried to create chances rather than finish them. Managed an assist but otherwise kept quiet by defenders. 5 SUBSTITUTES: Rabbi Matondo (for Hagi 46′) Still not back to full force and came off second best to Tiffoney 5; Danilo (for Barron 66′) Livelier than his teammates but could not create anything 5; Ross McCausland (for Yilmaz 81′) Asked to play right back for short time on pitch and did fine 6; Oscar Cortes (for Cerny 87′) n/a. Philippe Clement Stuck to formation and continues to employ almost identical/ exhausted line up despite congested fixture list. If no signings arrive soon it could be a sign of an imminent change in manager. 3

January 10, 2025

Difficulties away from home continue as Dundee hold Rangers to draw

Venue: Dens Park Date: 09/01/25 Time: 20:00pm Rangers’ woeful away record continued as Dundee battled to well earned draw, leaving the visitors with just 13 points from a possible 33 on the road. It was a nightmare start for Clement’s side as Josh Mulligan made the most of a blocked Scott Tiffoney effort to square the ball to Oluwaseun Adewumi who fired Dundee ahead just five minutes in. Having struggled to break down a well organised defence, Rangers found joy just nearly half an hour later as Hamza Igamane’s pass into the feet of Vaclav Cerny finished a rapid counter attack. Rangers were however fortunate to go into the break one apiece with returning loan signing Aaron Donnelly making his presence known from the off, denied only by flying bodies in front of goal. Struggling to find the target, Ridvan Yilmaz endured a torrid evening, firing a distant effort well over the bar as Dundee looked resolute in defence. Cerny came close to adding a second, denied by the outstretched arm of one Trevor Carson before skewing the rebound. Dundee never looked like settling for a point and they were close to getting all three but Adewumi’s double was denied by the offside flag. As the second half wore on Rangers seemed to lose confidence in their ability to find a winner, Igamane a rare brightspark saw his effort parried to safety by Carson. Meanwhile the home side continued to punish sloppy passing, Julien Vetro racing down the right hand sand and feeding the ball to a well placed Adewumi whose effort lacked the requisite accuracy to trouble Liam Kelly. Almost reproducing the goal from nothing, Mohamed Diomande rattled the crossbar from 30 yards with a well beaten Trevor Carson’s feet planted beneath before Jefte put his headed effort just above the woodwork. Donnelly face of dogged Dundee With a squad about as threadbare as they come, Tony Docherty found himself flipping through his roladex to fill out a side needed to put two keepers on the bench. But off the back of tonight it looks as though he’s plucked the perfect name in Aaron Donnelly, who made his second debut for the club after his loan spell last season from high flying Nottingham Forest. The Northern Ireland international epitomised everything the manager wanted from his players, brave in attack and solid in defence. Attempts on goals were denied by some last ditch defending whilst he continued to get the better of his opposite man at the back, making his satisfaction known after denying Oscar Cortes in a duel. Docherty will pray Donnelly can stay fit as the side edges ever closer to the top half. Out of ideas, out of steam Despite having four more outfield players on the bench, not to mention the exorbitant financial gap between the sides, it was Rangers who looked to be on their last legs this evening. Whilst they have experienced injury problems themselves, giving first starts to centre backs Nsiala tonight and Leon King last week, the problems look far greater around them. Jefte and Yilmaz both let the ball slip out of their feet in almost Sunday League levels of ball control and Hamza Igamane was often too desperate in his attempts to create chances for his side as Ianis Hagi had a night to forget before being hooked at half-time. There are still plenty of games to be played this season, including six this month but Rangers are already turning to Europe for salvation as they hope to banish their away day hoodoo. If they can’t find a cure, Clement will find himself answering more and more questions about his future at the club. What the Managers had to say Attendance: 8,606 Line ups: Dundee (3-4-2-1): T. Carson (c), A. Donnelly, C. Robertson, R. Astley, E. Ingram, C. Garza (S. Braybrooke 78′), M. Sylla, J. Mulligan, O. Adewumi, S. Tiffoney (S. Palmer-Houlden), S. Murray (J. Vetro) Substitutes: S. Braybrooke, L. Graham, C. Main, J. McCracken, S. Palmer-Houlden, H. Sharp, J. Vetro Rangers (4-2-3-1): L. Kelly, Jefte, C. Nsiala, R. Propper, R. Yilmaz (R. McCausland 81′), M. Diomande, C. Barron (Danilo 66′), I. Hagi (R. Matondo 46′), N. Bajrami, V. Cerny (O. Cortes 87′), H. Igamane Substitutes: O. Cortes, C. Dessers, K. Dowell, M. Munn, L. King, R. Matondo, R. McCausland, Danilo, B. Rice Referee: Calum Scott

January 9, 2025

Rangers