There’s a phrase that always pops up around Ibrox the minute results wobble: “it takes time”. Truth is, time at Rangers isn’t something you’re given. It’s something you earn. And the currency is simple enough: winning football matches.
Standards here don’t change
That’s not being entitled, it’s just the reality of the job. Rangers are expected to win most weeks, expected to go on runs, expected to look like the bigger club in the vast majority of domestic games. That pressure has been here longer than any of us have been going through the turnstiles, and it’s not going away because someone fancies a “project”.
But here’s the bit some folk miss. Rangers fans aren’t robots. We can accept the odd bad performance. We can accept a dip in form. What we don’t accept is watching a jersey being worn by someone who looks like they’re doing the bare minimum. When heads go down, when the second ball isn’t competed for, when it’s all a bit too comfortable. That’s when patience disappears in a flash.
Effort is the minimum, not a bonus
The difference between a groan and a backing, a boo and a rally, often comes down to work-rate and attitude. If a player is sprinting back, showing for the ball, taking responsibility even when it’s not happening for them, you can feel the crowd stay with them. You can almost hear it: “at least they’re trying.”
Since Danny Röhl came in, you can see some players have taken that message onboard. Bajrami is the name that sticks out in this chat. Not because everything is suddenly perfect, but because there’s a clear sense of purpose. More urgency. More willingness to influence the game.
And yet, it’s hard to ignore that others still look like they’re just drifting through spells. Not hiding exactly, but not grabbing the game either. That’s what gets supporters riled up. Not a misplaced pass. The lack of edge.
Results first, style later
It’s pretty clear what Röhl is leaning towards: win first, polish second. Some might not love that in theory, but in practice most Rangers supporters understand it. If you’re winning, you can afford to experiment. If you’re not winning, “nice ideas” quickly turn into a stick to beat you with.
So if Röhl is going to get time, it’ll be because he understands the one non-negotiable at this club. Win. And make sure everyone in that team looks like they know what it means to play for Rangers while doing it.
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Rangers News Views offers daily Glasgow Rangers coverage including match reaction, transfer analysis, SPFL context, tactical breakdowns and opinion-led articles written by supporters for supporters.
