When we recently defeated Dunfermline, Hearts and Kilmarnock to win three consecutive league matches many bears thought we had turned “the corner” but a lot of Bears were quite rightly concerned that we may slip up at Falkirk. Any Rangers team selected should be more than capable of beating these clubs comfortably. The current Dunfermline team is one of the worst SPL sides in recent years; Hearts are in turmoil on and off the field, and Kilmarnock is an average side that has slashed their budget massively in recent years.
We're in such a mess that each and every other SPL team is capable of beating Rangers at home and away. Already this season we have lost to Celtic, Dundee United, Hibs, Inverness and now Falkirk. Although Dunfermline are poor we struggled to pick up a point there earlier in the season. No doubt we'll struggle when we travel to East End Park again in the New Year. The recent form is not what one expects from a Rangers team especially when we expected so much of this squad following last season's disappointing campaign. How many times have we left the ground thinking how disappointed we were with both the result and performance?
It is apparent we have saved our best form for Europe. Having a decent run in Europe is a bonus during any season, but the league is our bread and butter and to be so far behind Celtic this season is grossly unacceptable. I fear that things are going to get even worse before they get better - none of us can predict what will happen in any Rangers game. Failure to finish second, for the second successive season, is very possible and there is no doubt we face a massive battle to finish above Hibs, Aberdeen and Hearts. Currently we're fighting with Hibs and Aberdeen to get the second spot, of course we play both these sides over the next few weeks and have the small matter of an Old Firm league match sandwiched in between.
For me, only a miracle will see us win all three of these games. Of course, if we did win them it would be a deserving Christmas present for the Rangers support. Since moving to London in 1998, I have not travelled to that many away matches especially in recent years. Those Bears who give their all for the Rangers cause week in, week out deserve praise; it is unbearable to witness most away games on Setanta Sports so I can only imagine how difficult it is to be at the game. Going through that pain for the Rangers cause is the loyalty we expect of a true Ranger and every Bear who gives this support deserves to see a successful Rangers team.
As a key rival for second spot, a win in Saturday's match with Hibs is vital. Defeat is unthinkable, but we have struggled to beat them on many an occasion; they came here and won in the league and cup last season so we must be on guard. Playing a UEFA Cup game on Thursday is not ideal preparation for another must win Old Firm game but big games close to each comes with the territory at Rangers and should never be used as an excuse for dropping points or playing below par. Having not beaten Celtic for so long is embarrassing and the run of no Old Firm wins as well as the goal drought against them must end on the 17th, although I really fear for us next Sunday. To go even further behind Celtic in the league would be a disaster for this club. Winning the league is probably beyond us but a win will salvage some pride and could be the “kick start” our season desperately needs!
The record of Paul Le Guen so far is poor. Results cannot hide this fact. However, I have the belief that he can still become a successful Rangers manager. Having said that, a lot of damage has already been done; he may never recover from the awful start he has made. There is an apparent lack of commitment from the Rangers players, the Falkirk players was far more committed than Rangers players last weekend. We expect more from the players - if the current crop lack the attributes we expect of a Ranger they should be shipped out and replaced by players who will give their all for the Rangers cause. We all appreciated that Le Guen needed time but perhaps we underestimated the enormity of the task he was taking on? Hopefully in January he'll bring in the new faces that will help us turn the corner. Unlike the summer he must replace the players discarded with better players. Whether that is Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson, Steven Naismith and/or Russell Andersen will be known within a month or so. Let's get back to basics and sign players capable of playing in the SPL!
To turn the corner will take a massive effort from everyone associated with Rangers, not just Paul Le Guen and his backroom staff. As fans we must never forget that the club needs our support more than ever in this time of crisis. No supporter can be happy with this season's results and performances, but we have a duty to make Ibrox a fortress especially when the great unwashed visit next weekend. At board and ownership level David Murray and Martin Bain have to release the funds necessary to add quality to the Rangers squad. If David Murray really does care about this club he'll give Paul Le Guen the money he needs to bring it players good enough to play for Rangers. We've a huge corner to turn, but together we are more than capable of turning it.