Rangers face challenges amid manager transition and trophy ambitions
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 2:48 PM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Rangers are navigating a difficult period under new management following a poor start. Historical context highlights that early setbacks have not prevented future successes, as seen with Graeme Souness's initial struggles in charge. The team's focus now shifts to potential silverware. With the pressure mounting, the need for a turnaround becomes critical for the club's ambitions this season.
- •New manager faces challenges after a rough start with Rangers.
- •Graeme Souness's past struggles led to eventual success at the club.
- •Team aims for a turnaround amidst ongoing trophy ambitions.
- •Rangers lost their opening matches while adjusting to managerial changes.
- 2:48 PMThe Guardian Sport — Rangers and the paradox of a painful exit that boosts their trophy chances
"All new managers want to hit the ground running. But landing with a dull thud has never been a barrier to future glory, certainly not at Ibrox. Take Graeme Souness, whose start as Rangers’ player-manager put the ‘pish’ in ‘inauspicious’. On his league debut, away to Hibs, he was sent off in the first half after a revenge attack on the wrong mullet. Rangers lost 2-1 and were beaten in the third game as well. Graeme out! Rangers won the League Cup and finished the season as champions for the first time in nine years. When I reflect on the lack of support for my very reasonable case from 1,057 people (Football Daily letters passim), I find consolation in the fact that I won letter o’the day, and none of them did. The Football Daily merch, when it arrives, will have pride of place in the trophy room at Cushion Towers” – Bob Cushion. So Arsenal are looking to spend €30m on Ezri Konsa as defensive cover. Meanwhile, the club I support, Exeter City, don’t have two brass farthings to rub together (ask your dad). Something wrong here” – Dave Hill. I will admit to the occasional snigger, but today was the first time in a long time that I’ve actually laughed out loud at a joke in the Fiver – the one about Portugal and Euro 2028. It was a joke, wasn’t it?” – Bill Muskett. That 6ft 4in striker Brian Madjo has a very high ceiling is the most common sense, practical thing about modern football I’ve read in a long time” – Peter Oh. Continue reading...
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