Two weeks have passed since Rangers dismissed Russell Martin, and supporters still feel the weight of uncertainty. On October 5, club officials removed Martin from his position as head coach after another disappointing result. Security quietly escorted him from Falkirk Stadium as angry fans surrounded the team bus.
That chaotic night already feels distant, yet the unease remains. The outcry for Steven Gerrard’s return grew deafening before he declined the offer. Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl eventually accepted the job after first withdrawing. Rangers also courted Kevin Muscat, but advanced talks collapsed late in negotiations.
Now Rohl steps into the role, inheriting a club in crisis. The pressing question remains: what reality awaits him at Ibrox?
Chaos on the Pitch and Calls for Leadership
Interim manager Steven Smith oversaw a 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox. The result lifted Rangers to sixth in the Premiership, still 13 points behind leaders Hearts. Their upcoming schedule offers no relief — Brann away in the Europa League, Kilmarnock at home, Hibs away, Celtic in a semi-final, and Roma visiting Glasgow.
The team needs stability above all else. Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds believes strong direction must return fast. “They’ll be looking for guidance and energy,” Dodds said. “You need a leader who unites the group and restores the right standards.”
Since Martin’s dismissal, under-19s coach Smith, B team coach Brian Gilmour, performance coach Rhys Owen, and goalkeeper coach Sal Bibbo have managed the squad. Senior players like Jack Butland, John Souttar, Kieran Dowell, and captain James Tavernier form the leadership group, but Dodds insists the dressing room still lacks a commanding presence.
“Tavernier leads by example, but he’s quiet,” Dodds explained. “The group talks among themselves, but they can only do so much. The board must find a strong manager quickly.”
New Manager Faces a Demanding Rebuild
The squad still holds potential. Despite poor results, the team’s core remains solid. Nicolas Raskin recommitted himself after clashing with Martin, and striker Bojan Miovski adds proven attacking strength. Dodds believes the players can respond under the right leadership.
“Confidence must return fast,” he said. “Defensively, they’ve been weak for too long. The new boss has to fix that.”
Rangers fans, however, have little patience left. Since Gerrard’s departure, no manager has lasted longer than Philippe Clement’s 16-month spell. Rohl now inherits that revolving door and a restless fanbase.
Small victories could start the recovery. “They still have a strong midfield and some attacking quality,” Dodds added. “But they need guidance, belief, and stability. That’s what will turn the tide.”
For Rangers, the search for identity now matters as much as any win. The next few weeks will decide whether the club steadies itself — or sinks deeper into turmoil.
