Rangers fans will ‘not be cutting’ Michael Beale ‘slack’ after Old Firm loss adds to Ibrox woes
Rangers’ new signings are not “doing it” for the club so far this season and fans will be angry at Michael Beale, according to Tom English.
In the aftermath of the Gers’ 1-0 Old Firm loss on Sunday afternoon, the BBC Scotland reporter claimed (3 September, 14:13) that while Jack Butland has been “terrific” since joining, the new outfield players are not hitting the levels required.
While Rangers had their chances, and two disallowed goals, Brenden Rodgers’ side came out on top once again, leaving Michael Beale’s side in “a difficult spot”.
English said: “Jack Butland is a terrific signing, but none of the outfield signings, as it stands, are doing it. And that’s on everybody.
“Rangers are in a difficult spot. Michael Beale is in a difficult spot. The Rangers fans will not be cutting him much slack.”
Tough times for Mr Beale
As the boos echoed around Ibrox at full-time, Michael Beale would have struggled to look any Rangers fans in the eyes after his side’s display.
Rangers were by no means poor on the day. The Gers outshot Celtic with 17 to their 7, while there was hardly anything to split the sides in terms of possession with Beale’s boys earning 49%.
However, the lack of clinical finishing from Rangers and Celtic’s moment of magic with Kyogo Furuhashi’s wonderful volley from outside the penalty area was enough to see the Hoops back to the top of the league.
The new signings did not give a good display of themselves. Cyriel Dessers did not manage any shots in the game but still managed to miss one big chance. With 43% pass accuracy and just 25 touches, this will be one to forget for the Belgian. [SofaScore]
Elsewhere, Sam Lammers and Danilo were unable to make a difference after coming on from the bench. Danilo had a few moments to shine and some lovely touches, but again lacked the cutting edge to change the scoreboard.
Butland, meanwhile, gave a good account of himself and helped keep the scoreline fairly modest. However, the Gers can’t keep relying on him to produce excellent performances each week.
While Rangers fans will feel hard done by the referee after a contentious late penalty call on Todd Cantwell, their side were not good enough on the day. Plenty for Beale, and Rangers fans, to think about.
In other Rangers news, Stephen McGowan has called for a “parliamentary inquiry” after Rangers’ embarrassment