Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Daniel Davis

Tue 14 April 2026 8:10, UK

The last time Rangers found themselves under the cosh at Falkirk, Russell Martin was unceremoniously guided out of the ground by a police escort.

Supporters had gathered around the stadium and surrounded the team bus after a dire 1-1 draw back in October, in what proved to be Martin’s final match in charge. Fast forward six months, and the Light Blues are back in the title hunt despite still not quite convincing.

The manner of Martin’s departure – both from Stirlingshire and, later, his role at Ibrox – threatened to define the Gers’ campaign. But Danny Rohl has performed miracles to correct their course, and with five matches to go, they are just one point adrift of leaders Hearts.

While results have largely been solid under Rohl, too many performances have been disjointed and lacking in fight. At Falkirk Stadium, this was again the case. The visitors slipped two goals behind and were blown off the composite pitch in the first 45 minutes.

Fortunately, their superb recovery after the interval saw them close in on the Scottish Premiership summit, albeit after a display that disgusted and thrilled in the blink of an eye.

Jekyll and Hyde Rangers still have a problem

Rangers looked to be down and out after the first 40 minutes. They had been clinging onto the ropes, about to tap out with their title pursuit dissipating like smoke on the wind. They could also have no complaints. Falkirk blitzed them, delivering blow after blow.

But then, the Gers’ Jekyll and Hyde tendencies resurfaced again, this time in their favour.

After Tochi Chukwuani’s goal shortly before half-time reduced the deficit, Rangers headed back inside to hold a dressing room inquest. Standing to one side, Rohl would have seen the fruits of his labour unfold. His players scolded each other, demanding higher standards.

It was as though a switch had been flicked.

The head coach played his part in the recovery, replacing Mikey Moore with Bojan Miovski and switching to what appeared to be a 4-4-2. The change paid dividends instantaneously, Youssef Chermiti tapping home on 47 minutes. Suddenly, Rangers smelled blood.

Four of their six goals came in a 16-minute flash that completely turned the game around, sending a timely reminder to Hearts and Celtic that they are going nowhere.

What will frustrate Rohl the most, however, is his side’s tendency to drift in and out of games. They looked as though they were still nestled in the leather-adorned confines of the team bus during the first half as Falkirk ran riot, unpicking them with alarming regularity.

Again, though, their glass jaw turned to granite. They have now scored a staggering 14 times in their past three league outings, a significant boon to their goal difference, and have proven that when they do step up the tempo and take risks, they can blow any team away.

The fact that they don’t do it more often boggles the mind.

James Tavernier put in a dismal performance against Falkirk and was culpable for much of Rangers’ first-half woes. The captain took up advanced positions down the right-hand side but was caught napping after quick turnovers, allowing the hosts to rampage in behind.

Tavernier restored a semblance of dignity by improving somewhat in the second half, aside from gifting away a sloppy penalty. He encapsulated this Jekyll and Hyde side, which leaves supporters not knowing what to expect minute by minute, let alone game by game.

Rangers’ fragile mentality could derail title bid

Rohl will try to get a grip on the issue, but he may as well be catching vapour with his bare hands. His players talk the talk and are clearly capable of walking the walk, but in crucial moments, they can still lack the necessary snarl and killer bite that defines champions.

At Falkirk, this fragility was exposed. They looked as though the slightest of winds would blow them over. They were outmuscled, outthought and outrun, another reminder that they have not won more than two successive away games in the league this season.

It is impossible for Rohl to predict what he will get, but there are signs that his squad are turning the corner. After a 3-0 battering against Brann in his first match in charge, there was silence in the dressing room. No one wanted to step up to take responsibility.

But at the weekend, Rohl did not need to unleash the hairdryer. His players did it for him. After arguing among themselves, the manager sent them back out with tactical tweaks.

“It wasn’t necessary for me to give too many emotions at half-time because the players themselves were emotional,” said Rohl post-match. “They spoke to each other.

“That shows we’re growing as a group and we have leaders in the right moments.”

Rangers will now jet out to the warmer climes of Spain. There, Rohl must urgently address his squad’s up-and-down nature if they are to have any chance of leapfrogging Hearts.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.