Danny Rohl has inherited a Rangers squad that failed to take a step forward during the summer transfer window.
Russell Martin’s spell at Ibrox lasted just 123 days after overseeing one of the club’s poorest league starts in recent memory.
Since taking over, Rohl has revived belief that the Light Blues can still mount a William Hill Premiership title challenge. Victory at Tynecastle on 21 December would cut the gap to leaders Hearts to just six points.
Ally McCoist blasts Rangers’ summer business
Rangers legend Ally McCoist has delivered a scathing verdict on the club’s summer recruitment, labelling it “absolutely diabolical” and suggesting former sporting director Kevin Thelwell weakened the squad.
Although Rohl has managed to extract improved performances from the players available to him, doubts remain over whether the group has enough quality to sustain a title push across the full campaign. McCoist believes Rangers failed to replace key departures, with players such as Jefte, Ridvan Yilmaz, Leon Balogun, Vaclav Cerny, Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane all moving on.
Thelwell was eventually dismissed by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, with Patrick Stewart also departing shortly after. Given the circumstances, the former Everton executive can have few complaints, as Rangers appear to have regressed despite a reported net spend of around £20 million during the window.
Of the 12 signings made under Thelwell’s watch, many have struggled to make the desired impact in Govan.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 17 December, McCoist said:
“Rohl has a massive job on his hands because the recruitment at Rangers has been absolutely diabolical. The team hasn’t been improved in any area.”
Transfer rebuild looming at Ibrox
Attention is now turning to the upcoming transfer windows, with a striker expected to be a top priority. Defensive and midfield additions are also likely to be required to better suit Rohl’s approach.
The US-led ownership group showed a willingness to spend during the summer, and further investment is expected in 2026. Cavenagh has already brought in former Norway international Stig Inge Bjornebye in a consultative role ahead of January, with a focus on shaping the club’s recruitment strategy.
A significant overhaul of the playing squad appears inevitable, and major changes at Ibrox could soon follow as Rangers look to close the gap at the top
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