20 Mar 2026 10:07:16
@ Aphe
Regarding your comment about agents Recommending players
Old Firm is often seen as a stepping stone to the Premier League, as someone else mentioned and we've seen that happen several times with Celtic over the last decade.
You've said before that Andrew Cavanagh and the 49ers are astute businesspeople and that they'll help make Rangers a force again. So what's changed?
Wouldn't this actually be an excellent time to join Rangers when the club appears to be on the up and looking to strengthen both on and off the pitch? Surely that makes us more appealing than before? Or has your view on that shifted in some way?
Let's also be realistic players earning thousands of pounds a week aren't going to be put off joining a club because of something a fan says on a forum. In most cases, they won't even read these pages infact 99% of time they won't be I'm sure?
At every club in the world, you'll have fans who blindly support and others who voice their frustration when performances aren't good enough. That's just football.
If we followed your logic, almost every club worldwide would struggle to sign players. Just look at leagues in Turkey, Russia, Serbia, or even Italy their fanbases can be far more intense and demanding than what we typically see in Scotland.
So let's not become overly sensitive because some supporters express strong opinions on a forum. It's part of the game.
And it's not going to stop agents recommending players to joint either of the Old Firm that's a fact!
20 Mar 2026 10:46:42
Stig, I think you are completely misunderstanding my point.
My view about our leadership has not changed, and I have been vocal about that.
You yourself have, on occasion, said the Glasgow bubble is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Has your opinion changed?
My point is, unfortunately, the Old Firm are not the stepping stone they once were.
I will always want Rangers to sign the best talent we can, and will always give suggestions to players I would like us to sign.
What I am saying is Rangers need to disrupt already existing player pathways, so we need to show we are a viable pathway.
It is evident that in Glasgow, hostility towards players belonging to the team you support is far more prevalent than in other countries I have witnessed.
20 Mar 2026 10:51:18
Stig, I think we're all hopeful after the recent changes, but the continued turnover in the boardroom makes me wonder if that underlying instability is still a factor.
For me, the main issue is creating a stable environment for players to thrive. While agents may prioritise money, they also want to protect their clients. I worry that a high turnover of managers and a "toxic" atmosphere can be seen as a risk by agents and players.
While players might not read forums, the frustration from them often spills over into the stadium.
When fans are already frustrated, players can get jumped on after a single mistake. If an agent is choosing between us and a club in Belgium or Holland, where there's less pressure, they might choose the more stable environment for their player.
This isn't meant as a dig at the club or fans, just a discussion on the realities of modern football and what players need to succeed.
20 Mar 2026 10:58:24
Our league is currently ranked 7th in Europe in terms of the value of players moving directly to the Big 5 leagues over the last 5 seasons.
1 Primeira Liga EUR241M / year
2 Championship EUR216M / year
3 Eredivisie EUR172M / year
4 Pro League EUR110M / year
5 Austrian Bundesliga EUR38M / year
6 Superliga (Denmark) EUR25M / year
7 Scottish Premiership EUR19.5M / year
If it's flipped to the volume of players, we drop to 8th as Ligue 2 in France (aka the talent factory) slips into second place.
We're just not seen as a viable stepping stone by players and agents anymore, and with the changes to the European places from next season, it is only going to become more difficult.
20 Mar 2026 11:00:47
I'm not changing my opinion about the Glasgow bubble; it is intense. But intense doesn't mean uniquely hostile, and it definitely doesn't mean it's a deterrent.
There are multiple leagues around the world where the pressure and fan culture are just as extreme, if not more so. Look at Argentina: the atmosphere around clubs in Buenos Aires makes Glasgow look tame at times. In Turkey, the environments at derbies in Istanbul are ferocious. In Italy, clubs in Naples live under constant scrutiny. Yet players still queue up to play there.
Intensity is part of elite football. It's not a Scottish invention.
And I'd actually argue the opposite of what you're suggesting: the Glasgow bubble is part of the attraction.
Plenty of players want to experience that atmosphere, that rivalry, that spotlight. It builds resilience, profile, and big-game experience. That's something you can't replicate in quieter leagues.
If the Old Firm aren't the stepping stone they once were, that's about structure, recruitment strategy, and the selling model, not because fans are too passionate. Passion has always been there. It didn't stop players coming before, and it won't stop them in future.
The environment isn't the issue. The football model is.
And that's where we want to see Andrew and co developing our club and keeping their promises of making us the club we once were, surely?
20 Mar 2026 11:14:01
Stig, having been lucky enough to go and see Boca, the atmosphere at that game was totally different, imo. It was more of an event, with cheerleaders and organised singing and chanting from both sets of fans.
It was all played out in a 'friendly' rivalry. I didn't see any of the enmity you get at an OF game or Aberdeen game.
I was actually laughed at by the tour guide who took us there when I voiced concern about sitting as close to the away fans, as I was worried about throwing of missiles. He reassured me it wouldn't be an issue, and it wasn't.
20 Mar 2026 11:14:38
I think the mentality of players has shifted. You can make a good career without winning trophies and being under severe pressure. Years ago, it meant being in the top leagues. Today, you can be in the lower leagues for years and earn a good wage.
Not sure about being a stepping stone to the top EPL, but definitely a stepping stone to bigger financial benefits. Thus why I mention Journeymen. It's a career, it's a job, it's a living, and I get it. As I have said before, what is the desire for an SPL winners medal.
??
The hostility APH mentioned is a byproduct of nearly 6 years of hurt. In the 70s and 80s Ibrox had crowds of under 15000 when it was going south. In fact, after the 4-2 league decider at Parkhead in the 80s, the next home game had around 8000. Never googled it, just things stick in my head. Also full-scale protests. Football has changed dramatically, and the amount, cash-wise, that a fan invests creates toxicity when the product is failing.
20 Mar 2026 11:18:22
EHl
My post was in direct contrast to what Aphe said about agents not recommending players to come here because of fan scrutiny.
Fan scrutiny exists everywhere in elite football. That alone wouldn't make us a less appealing club to join. Blaming scrutiny feels like an easy explanation. Pressure exists at every serious football club, that alone doesn't make us any less attractive, surely?
Angus, I was hoping that with our takeover and the involvement of Andrew and the 49ers, we'd become more stable; that's how it was sold to us, anyway. They made a mistake with Martin, but we have Rohl now, and if properly backed, hopefully we won't see or need any more managerial changes for a while.
But a club like ours, with the money being spent, the manager and players will always be under pressure to perform and challenge for titles and cups. It's the nature of the beast up here. I'm sure Andrew and the 49ers didn't come into this with their heads in the clouds. They know what was expected and what is expected. They've said themselves they want success fairly quickly, so the manager won't just be under pressure from fans, but also from those who pay his wages. And I'm sure he'll be very aware of that.
20 Mar 2026 11:25:30
Stig, I agree and tried to post something similar about fans everywhere but hasn't come thru, so may come thru later, repeating the same point. We make out fans here are different (or allow others to say that), yet clearly don't pay attention to other countries, which are just as intense and outspoken, if not more so.
EHL, I'm actually surprised we're up as high as 7th given recent couple of seasons, but it does still show a pathway is there and agents are using us. EU changes are also meaning clubs are targeting our youth again, so there are positives.
20 Mar 2026 11:28:17
Stig, correct, the pressure is always there, but it is the way it shows itself, which can be the issue. Due to the countless years of lack of success, that frustration can often boil over, even if it is just the fact we seem to judge players so quickly on whether they are good or not.
Same with managers, really, so hopefully that stable environment with club and manager comes now, and we win something to remove that frustration.
20 Mar 2026 11:46:38
Angus, I would say your point is valid 20 years ago, but since the invention of social media, I'm afraid it matters not which country/league players play in. Agents can't protect their clients from "toxic atmospheres", as you call it.
There are so many platforms that fans and players themselves use, so it will happen regardless of where they play, granted some might get it worse here than other countries, but they can't really be shielded like prior generations.
20 Mar 2026 12:40:08
Angus, when were u at Boca, mate? I'm pretty sure they and River have banned away fans for years now, so not exactly a great recommendation, though it would have been a pretty amazing experience to go there.
20 Mar 2026 12:40:55
bbj, that would be fine, but it was 3 years ago I was at the Boca game. It wasn't the Superclasico with River Plate, so that may be different and more violent.
I use the words toxic environment as it seems to fit the definition I found of a negative or abusive environment created by supporters within their own stadium, primarily directed at their own players, coaches, or management. It is probably more than just us, but that at times seems to fit, though.
There has always been fan reaction to poor play, players not playing well, but it seems to have got much worse recently.
That may be down to social media and the way fans can interact between games, but players perform better in a good, supportive environment.
So agents will still try to protect their clients, so given the choice of Belgium or Scotland and seeing that the pathway to a top 5 league is better as well, which way do you think an agent will advise his client to go? That is all I mean.
20 Mar 2026 12:50:21
That's bucket list stuff, Angus. Great stuff, mate. Hopefully you saw some goals. ??
20 Mar 2026 12:56:44
Simple, Angus, where they make the most money off of their client.
I know what you meant, bud, I'm just posing an alternative, as nowhere is safe these days due to technology, both for fans and footballers.
I agree that, of course, if they were getting the fans always behind them, then they would perform better, but they are professionals and well paid at that.
They have to earn the right to be cheered by fans. The safe environment and pat on the back and reassurances are down to the manager/coaching staff to create. Fans pay money and are more than entitled to voice frustration when these big earners are not performing. This happens at every club, but it's usually blown out of proportion at Rangers.
20 Mar 2026 13:27:35
If I was a player, I wouldn't want to be here on occasions. The negativity is draining. Just look at the abuse Tav gets. More abuse than support at times.
On the flip side, when we sign the right player at the right time, they can become legends after only a couple of seasons.
20 Mar 2026 13:40:06
bbj, I agree re cash probably being the agent's first thought along with the pathway to progress. But they will know their players will play better in a decent atmosphere.
I also agree about it being part of the game, and it will always happen, but it just seems to be particularly negative and reactive over the last few years with us.
I am a professional (sounds grand it isn't ?, we all are if it just means getting a wage to do a job), but whilst I try to perform to my best always, at some companies the lack of support and infrastructure means that I don't perform anywhere near that. We have all had managers on our backs, colleagues who are critical at some point, which creates issues with our performance, and football won't be any different no matter the size of the wage.
I have used a little bit too much hyperbole perhaps, but the issue exists. You can't remove the groans etc., but booing off at half time etc. goes a little beyond the accepted, surely.
Jking, I've been lucky enough to go twice, once versus Newell's Old Boys when Boca were poor and lost 3-0. Ortega, playing for Newell's, turned a guy in the middle of the pitch with a drop of a shoulder and the opposition player had to pay to get back in. ? Last time was versus Racing Club when Boca got beaten again. I got a letter recently to say I am banned as they never win when I am there. ?
20 Mar 2026 13:42:05
Angus, I was reading they have only begun reintroducing away fans in certain games the last couple of years, so u must have picked the right time to go. Glad it was a good experience for u, but their ongoing bans across the country still illustrate the worldwide fans point that was made.
20 Mar 2026 13:49:15
Mate, most workplaces are draining when it's full of negativity. Ibrox is tenfold because it's Ibrox. That's what I'm talking about. Big Amo took absolute pelters, but still got up and performed. Ally got booed by a full stadium.
So, do you knuckle down, or go and earn the same at a place that has less stress? Most pick the second.
Footballers are no different. Everyone has their ceiling. Perhaps Brugge is Olsen's ceiling. ?? No one knows until they try. As for social media, it has a part to play, but these players have grown up with it, so they should be able to detach when required.
20 Mar 2026 14:15:23
Stig, thanks for provoking a well mannered debate.
Once again, I apologize for not reading your thread fully.
20 Mar 2026 14:31:13
Windy, I agree with 99% of your post, but to claim that Brugge, who beat us 9-1, is his ceiling made me chuckle.
20 Mar 2026 14:37:49
Playing at Rangers is not toxic, not even close, compared to other countries, where players need to go and talk to ultras or they get attacked. This happens all over Europe. Playing for Rangers is easy compared to all that. I don't understand the drama that gets made about it. Go and research ultras in Italy, Serbia, etc. They are in other countries too.
20 Mar 2026 16:14:31
Well put stig