I think things are becoming clearer and clearer for me.”
That was the verdict from Rangers boss Danny Rohl after his team stumbled to a goalless draw against Falkirk at Ibrox — a result that snapped their four-match winning streak in the Premiership and left them nine points behind Hearts, with a game in hand, and seven points off Celtic in second.
Rangers have now managed just two league wins in seven home matches this season, many of those under former head coach Russell Martin. When the final whistle blew, it was met by boos echoing around the thinning crowd, frustrated by another flat, uninspired performance.
The display was poor — one supporter shouted that it was the worst showing of the season, and few could disagree. Even under Rohl, signs of real progress have been limited, despite some positive results. Last weekend’s 2-1 win over Livingston was unconvincing and included a controversial non-penalty call that Rangers were fortunate to escape.
But after failing to break down Falkirk, momentum has stalled again. Rohl admitted he now understands the full scale of the challenge with the squad he inherited.
“After six weeks, I have a good overview,” he said. “I know where we stand, but improving things doesn’t happen in a week. My hope is that we look back one day and say this was our lowest point — and from here, we built something.”
What went wrong against Falkirk?
Plenty. Rangers barely threatened Scott Bain’s goal. Rohl rotated heavily in attack, but the changes backfired. Oliver Antman struggled, Thelo Aasgaard was quiet, Bojan Miovski ineffective, and Nedim Bajrami had only sporadic bright moments.
All four were summer signings that cost close to £10m combined, yet few stepped up.
Players looked hesitant, reluctant to take responsibility, and the crowd’s frustration only amplified that.
“This is exactly the issue,” Rohl said. “When confidence is high, you make the right decisions naturally. But right now, you can see some players overthinking. After four straight wins, confidence should be rising — but it isn’t.”
Recruitment causing deeper problems
There was huge optimism when the club’s takeover was completed, but poor recruitment has undermined progress. The failed summer window — highlighted by the dismissals of sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart — still casts a long shadow.
Two defenders who started against Falkirk are loan players who haven’t impressed. Emmanuel Fernandez cost a sizable fee but has barely featured until injuries opened a door.
Youssef Chermiti, out ill this weekend, has not justified his hefty £8m price tag.
Only Djeidi Gassama shows promise, though his form has dipped too.
Rohl admitted that some players may not have long-term futures at the club.
A brutal December ahead
The run into the New Year looks unforgiving:
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Away to Dundee United
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Away to Kilmarnock
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A must-win Europa League trip to Ferencvaros
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Hibs at Ibrox
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Hearts away
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Motherwell and St Mirren at home
Based on Sunday’s showing, few will back Rangers to come through that stretch without serious setbacks. With the January window looming, fans expect major changes — though it’s unclear how much financial flexibility Rohl will have.
What pundits are saying
Stephen Craigan didn’t hold back:
“After spending £30m in the summer, it’s crazy to say — but this Rangers team needs major surgery. Who would you keep? It looked like 11 strangers out there.”
Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson agreed:
“The optimism of the summer has evaporated. Recruitment has failed. There was no creativity, no chances, nothing to excite the fans. And you could hear their frustration.”
What supporters are saying
Fans were just as blunt:
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Bill: “I miss the team we had under Mark Warburton when we returned to the Premiership.”
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Abernethy: “Another dreadful performance. The Old Firm derby looks hopeless. The 49ers pulling out won’t help — European football next season looks unlikely.”
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