Since entering administration in 2012, and ultimately being doomed to the fourth tier of Scottish football in an overwhelming vote by their top-flight counterparts, Rangers fans have endured their fair share of highs and lows.
Over the last 12 years, the Gers have climbed all the back to the top and knocked Celtic off their long-standing perch under Steven Gerrard in 2021—winning the Scottish Premiership unbeaten and finishing 25 points clear of the Hoops, ending their 10 in a row bid.
The following year, Rangers went on a fairy-tale run to the Europa League final in Seville. They even had one hand on the trophy when Joe Aribo fired them into the lead in the second half, but Rangers ultimately devastatingly lost to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.
Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup success has also been celebrated under Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Philippe Clement in the last couple of seasons, but the league is the Gers’ main ambition each season, and they haven’t been in the running for the title in Scottish football betting.
Since Gerrard oversaw that historic title success, Rangers haven’t been able to lay a glove on their fierce cross-city rivals. The Hoops have won the last three Scottish Premierships in a row and are well on course to make it four this season, which would see them match the Gers’ record of 55.
Several managers have tried and failed to close the gap since then. Gerrard departed for Aston Villa, which opened the door for the return of former Van Bronckhorst. However, while the Dutchman won the Scottish Cup and led Rangers to the Europa League final, his record in the league cost him his job.
Despite much hype surrounding his appointment, having worked on Gerrard’s backroom staff at Ibrox, Michael Beale’s tenure is a time the Gers’ loyal fanbase would rather forget, and growing pressure is mounting on current boss Phillipe Clement.
Clement, who replaced Beale last October after the Englishman was in charge for just 11 months, beat Aberdeen to win the Scottish League Cup less than two months into the role but has largely struggled to get a tune out of his side domestically.
Rangers finished eight points adrift of Celtic in the title race last season, and are already 11 points behind Brendan Rodgers’ men as the league looks all but over in the football odds at the time of writing.
To make matters worse, the Gers aren’t even currently occupying the runner-up spot either—trailing high-flying Aberdeen by two points. Therefore, is it really any wonder that many pundits and fans alike are starting to predict that Clement’s days in Glasgow could be numbered?
It must be said that Rangers have performed admirably in the Europa League this season, with notable wins over Malmo, FCSB, and Nice leaving them with a solid chance of progressing to the knockout rounds, but they have often looked drab and lost for ideas in the Scottish Premiership.
Domestically, Clement’s record against Celtic is particularly dire, leaving him in a difficult spot when trying to win over the Rangers fans, who are rapidly losing faith. The Belgian has yet to mastermind a win over the Hoops, with a sole 3-3 draw last season the best he’s mustered.
The signings that Rangers have made in the last couple of seasons simply haven’t been good enough, either. That isn’t entirely Clement’s fault, as he still has deadwood left by previous bosses, but he has certainly contributed to some of his arrivals.
Overall, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see how Clement avoids the same fate as Beale and Van Bronckhorst. A good run over the festive period, culminating with Rangers hosting Celtic at Ibrox on January 2, could buy him some time and help the fans, board, and players regain confidence in the coach.
