Rangers’ aspirations for a fresh start under new American ownership were crushed by a 2-0 Europa League loss to Roma, extending their winless streak in Europe to seven matches and fueling widespread fan frustration. The defeat at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday underscored the team’s persistent struggles and the uphill battle facing manager Danny Rohl.
The match unfolded with Roma dominating early, as Matias Soule headed in an unmarked goal in the 13th minute, followed by a clinical finish from Lorenzo Pellegrini that exposed Rangers’ defensive vulnerabilities. Despite Rohl making five substitutions and shifting tactics multiple times, the home side failed to mount a credible threat, with poor final balls hindering any comeback. Pundits like former Rangers striker Steven Thompson labeled the performance “uninspiring,” acknowledging slight second-half improvement but deeming it insufficient to appease disgruntled supporters.
This setback arrives just five months after a US-based consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh took over, vowing to restore Rangers to former glory with new investment and a revitalized outlook. Initial enthusiasm, marked by “Make Rangers Great Again” merchandise and star-spangled displays, has evaporated into protests and vocal dissatisfaction in the stands. The promised renaissance has instead given way to what many describe as a catastrophic period, eroding the early optimism.
Managerial turmoil has exacerbated the crisis, with Russell Martin dismissed after a mere 123 days in charge, and Rohl’s appointment following a chaotic process that saw candidates rapidly enter and exit consideration. This “managerial Hokey Cokey” drew ridicule from fans and heightened scrutiny on the board’s decision-making. Rohl now shoulders the burden of uniting a fractured squad and winning back a disillusioned fanbase amid mounting pressure.
Fan discontent has boiled over into visible protests, including banners targeting chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, as well as reported confrontations in public spaces. The removal of Martin did little to quell the anger, with cries from the crowd and displays like “This is not a hobby this is our lives” highlighting the depth of frustration. Executives face an increasingly hostile environment, with only sustained victories likely to ease the tension.
Transfer missteps have further inflamed criticism, as significant funds were allocated to signings such as Youssef Chermiti—who has scored just once in 12 appearances after an £8 million fee—and others like Oliver Antman and Oscar Cortes, with minimal impact. Meanwhile, key departures including Cyriel Dessers, who netted 29 goals last season, and Hamza Igamane, sold for over £10 million, have left glaring voids. Rangers legend Ally McCoist questioned whether new arrivals are an upgrade, suggesting it may take multiple transfer windows to rectify the squad’s issues.
Amid the gloom, there are glimmers of progress under Rohl, including two wins in his first five games and resilient domestic showings, such as competing with 10 men in a League Cup semi-final loss to Celtic. Rangers trail Celtic by only five points in the Scottish Premiership, indicating the season is salvageable, though they remain 14 points off the summit and well behind Hearts. Rohl has expressed unwavering belief in the team’s willingness to change course, but urgent improvements are needed to capitalize on this narrow window of opportunity.
Looking ahead, the January transfer window presents a critical chance for reinforcements, though it may require player sales in a challenging market. With fan patience wearing thin, the board and management must deliver quick wins to stabilize the club and rebuild trust. The path to redemption appears daunting, and in the relentless pursuit of success, further trials likely await before any new dawn can break over Ibrox.