Rangers

Former England national team head of communications Adrian Bevington is open to talks with Rangers over their vacant chief executive position. (Scottish Sun), external

Rangers chairman John Bennett could be reluctant to turn to Adrian Bevington as their next chief executive because the Englishman played an introductory role in a failed £60m American cash injection led by businesswoman Kyle Fox. (Daily Record), external

Rangers chief executive hopeful Adrian Bevington insists his previous involvement with potential Rangers bidder Kyle Fox should be no impediment to landing a major Ibrox role. (Scottish Sun), external

While Rangers are aware of Adrian Bevington's desire to be chief executive, the Ibrox club also still hold an interest in Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

The Turkish Football Federation's decision to stick with a limit of 12 non-national players in domestic squads has ruled out the possibility of Rangers captain James Tavernier joining Besiktas or Trabzonspor this week. (Daily Record), external

Former Rangers midfielder Todd Cantwell claims his "maturity" led him to stick by his transfer request as he conceded moments of doubt over his Ibrox exit push before joining Blackburn Rovers. (Daily Record), external

Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny has blasted his own FA for allowing the Czech Republic's home Nations League game to be completely taken over by visiting Ukrainian fans. (The National), external

Former Rangers and Watford striker Dapo Mebude is training with Dunfermline Athletic as the 23-year-old looks for a new club after leaving Oostende months after suffering life-threatening injuries in a freak car crash and having trials with Livingston and Raith Rovers. (The Courier), external

Read all of Thursday's Scottish Gossip

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Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum has highlighted three controversial incidents involving Rangers in the opening four weeks of the new season but concluded officials got the decisions correct.

But he was also critical of referee Matthew MacDermid's body language in the lead up to what he believes was a correctly awarded League Cup goal scored by striker Cyriel Dessers against St Johnstone.

Collum highlighted eight controversial incidents in The VAR Review, a new monthly show on the Scottish FA's YouTube channel, concluding that he was "content with the start we've made".

However, he said that Celtic should have been awarded a penalty in their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock, while Dundee United ought to have had a spot-kick for hand ball in their 2-2 draw with Dundee - both on the opening weekend.

Hearts 0-0 Rangers - 3 August

Hearts thought they should have had a penalty when Yan Dhanda's cross struck Connor Barron's elbow at Tynecastle.

Collum says this incident "shows the direction of travel we want to take with handball" since he took charge, highlighting the short distance between the two players and Barron's arm being tight to his body.

"There was a lack of understanding of many hand balls last season," he said. "Probably last season, that would have been awarded.

"But, for us, the key point is that the arm is tucked into the body. The player does not make his body bigger."

Rangers 2-0 St Johnstone - 17 August

Dessers' goal was controversial at the time, with St Johnstone players and manager Craig Levein claiming their defenders had been distracted by referee MacDermid signalling for a free-kick in their favour.

"Here, the referee probably doesn't display good body language," Collum admitted. "His body language when the challenge is made is edging towards a free-kick.

"But he correctly delays the whistle, he correctly communicates so the VAR is aware of what he intends doing if a goal is scored and, when the ball hits the net, he then blows his whistle for what he deems to be a defensive free-kick.

"VAR checks and realises the Rangers player hasn't committed a foul and they therefore recommend an on-field review.

"Apart from the body language, the correct process was followed and ultimately the correct decision was reached."

Collum also pointed out that the audio recording disproved claims that the referee had blown his whistle before the goal was scored.

Rangers 6-0 Ross County - 24 August

Another Dessers goal, with Ross County this time claiming it should have been disallowed because Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence had fouled Connor Randall in the build-up.

"It is a clear foul for me the referee has missed on-field," Collum conceded. "It is a reckless tackle by the Rangers player. But VAR is not there to re-referee the match."

Collum points out that "there are far too many passes" between the foul and the goal, it therefore is not part of the same attacking phase of play and VAR was unable to intervene.

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Philippe Clement has had an opportunity to reset his squad over the international window after that harrowing defeat at Celtic Park and must hope they can come out of the traps hungry and firing when they visit Tannadice on Sunday.

His assertion in a fans' question and answer session that the league title is still achievable is a truism and nothing less than you would expect a Rangers manager to say at this stage of the season.

Now he and his team have to back it up with performances and, more importantly, results.

They already trail Sunday's opponents Dundee United by a point and clearly nothing less than a victory will do as they seek to make inroads into Celtic's early lead, albeit it is difficult to see where the champions are going to drop points at this moment in time.

The beleaguered Rangers support at least have the arrival of Albania international Nedim Bajrami to look forward to with a debut against United a possibility, although he will have had precious little time with his new team-mates having been involved in Nations League games against Ukraine and Georgia.

Nonetheless, Bajrami's signing along with the return to fitness of Nicolas Raskin and Oscar Cortes, who may also be available for the United game, will strengthen the manager's options just as injuries to Rabbi Matondo and Danilo diminished them.

Whichever team Clement picks on Sunday, they are under immense pressure to show they have the credentials and the mettle to rise to the task of challenging Celtic and ensuring the season doesn't peter out almost before it's begun.

It already feels like win or bust for Rangers this weekend.

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Ianis Hagi's hands must be on his head a lot these days.

Scratching his noggin that despite publicly proclaiming his desire to represent Rangers and consistently performing for his country, he's still out in the cold at Ibrox.

The Romania international has racked up 99 appearances for Rangers, but the century seems a lifetime away, as with that comes a reported pay rise the club seem reluctant to dish out.

Not for the first time this summer - and likely not the last - Hagi's future in Glasgow was discussed on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

Michael Grant, The Times' Scottish football correspondent, says that despite Hagi's "profile", he is "not the answer" to Rangers' issues.

"Hagi's had his moments, but he's also had a lot of underwhelming spells," he said.

"I don't think he's the answer to the issues they have, and far more importantly, I don't think Philippe Clement thinks he's the answer to the problems they have.

"I mean, it's just another poorly handled issue by the club, isn't it? He's still around, they haven't been able to move on.

"It ties into this kind of thing that Rangers just don't seem to be able to get value for players they are trying to move on. In fact, they can't move him on at all. So he's going to loiter around the club as we don't expect him to play in the first team again."

Former Ibrox striker Rory Loy added: "The way Rangers have handled so much over the last few years has been shambolic.

"If you look at players at the peak of their potential transfer fees - Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent - these players moved on for nothing. Then you've got Hagi there. There's so much mismanagement of players and business, it's quite incredible.

"It's highlighted even more and it comes into much sharper focus when your closest rivals across the city, Celtic, are so good at it."

You can listen and subscribe to the Scottish Football Podcast here

Captain James Tavernier's form this season is a "worry" and he looks ready to leave Rangers, says former Ibrox striker Rory Loy.

Listen and subscribe to the Scottish Football Podcast on BBC Sounds

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There were mixed fortunes for Rangers' international contingent on Tuesday.

Vaclav Cerny started for Czech Republic in their 3-2 Nations League Group B1 victory against Ukraine.

The winger assisted the opener then was booked and substituted in the second half of a lively match which ended in the Czechs collecting their first win of the campaign.

In the same group, Nedim Bajrami featured for Albania in their 1-0 defeat to Georgia, though Albania remain in second ahead of Czech Republic on goal difference.

Fellow midfielder Mohamed Diomande was a second-half substitute for Ivory Coast in their 2-0 victory against Chad in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. After back-to-back wins, Ivory Coast top Group G.

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St Mirren vice-chairman Jim Gillespie will not be joining Rangers as their new chief executive. (Sun), external

Gillespie has withdrawn from the race to be appointed Rangers chief executive. (Mail), external

Rangers captain James Tavernier remains an option as former Ibrox manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst seeks a new right-back for Besiktas, according to reports in Turkey, although it is also suggested they might have to wait until the January transfer window with the Glasgow club currently unable to find a replacement for the 32-year-old. (Daily Record), external

Rangers will reject any bids for Tavernier this week as they have no opportunity to replace the right-back amid reported interest from Trabzonspor and with the Turkish transfer window open until Friday. (Football Insider), external

Romania midfielder Ianis Hagi says he will return to Rangers from international duty and continue to fight for his place despite the 25-year-old being frozen out the first team since August 2023 and being sent to train with the B side by manager Philippe Clement. (Pro Sport), external

Rangers supporters unveiled a banner criticising the Ibrox board but backing Clement before the manager held a charity question and answer session at the club's Edmiston House. (Herald - subscription), external

Clement told supporters Rangers can still win the Scottish Premiership, despite their five-point deficit to leaders Celtic. (Sun), external

Former Rangers winger Jamie Murphy has claimed his transfer move from Brighton & Hove Albion was nearly scrapped after another Scottish club told the English outfit the Ibrox club could not afford the deal. (Open Goal), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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Since Philippe Clement replaced Michael Beale as Rangers manager, he has stressed the scale of the rebuild needed at Ibrox.

Almost a year on, Rangers still look a long way short of competing for the Premiership title, as evidenced by their 3-0 defeat at Parkhead.

They were swamped by Celtic in the first half, outplayed and outfought by their city rivals, a result and performance that provoked anger from the fans.

Clement pointed to stats after the game to suggest the contest was closer than the scoreline suggested, but only results will appease frustrations.

Rangers signed 11 players over the summer - 12 departed - but they don't look any closer to Celtic as a result, and without Champions League football the financial gap between the clubs will continue to grow.

If Clement is to compete for the title, he needs to maximise the resources at his disposal, and he needs to find a way to beat Celtic when the sides meet again - a feat he is yet to manage in five games.

Read more: What we've learned about each Premiership club so far

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

Things at Rangers are far from rosy. The shambolic performance and result at Parkhead were followed by the moronic abuse of James Tavernier after the match.

The team have looked low on confidence and ability so far this season but the only thing we can do as fans as is get behind them.

Rangers seem fragile and having a fanbase who are snarling and ready to go tonto at the first bad pass is not the way to help the team out of this situation. Rather, they are more likely to go into their shell.

Things are tough for the fans just now but all we can do is support the players and hope the manager can get a tune out of them and see where we are when we get to the next international break.

We have to reset and go again. We are five points behind a team that looks like they are going to motor away and be clear by Christmas. We are also behind Aberdeen, who are enjoying this early spell under their new manager.

Dundee United on Sunday will be a tough afternoon; every game feels like that. The season already feels like a complete chore destined to end in failure.

However, we need to see a proper reaction from the players and the manager. It's all up to them, let's see how they respond.

Stand up and be counted or fold under pressure. We're about to find out which players will fit into which category and if the manager will find a style and shape that fits the players he has at his disposal.

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St Johnstone have announced they will cut the away ticket allocations for Celtic and Rangers at McDiarmid Park.

In a letter to fans, new Saints owner and chairman Adam Webb explained the decision and claimed it was part of his "commitment to making McDiarmid Park a true fortress."

"Historically, we have sometimes allocated the East Stand to visiting supporters and moved supporters to the Geoff Brown Stand," Webb wrote. "We have also allotted more seats than necessary in the Geoff Brown Stand to opposing fans.

"Under our new policies, to be announced later this week, opposing fans will be limited to the Ormond and North stands and one section of the Geoff Brown Stand which is legally required to accommodate disabled seating."

American businessman Webb, who took over from long-term owner Geoff Brown in the summer, also asked fans to "turn out in force" if the initiative is to be successful.

Hearts and Hibs, as well as St Mirren, have all taken a similar approach in recent times, with Hibs claiming the move was down to "abhorrent behaviour and chanting."

St Johnstone will host Celtic on Saturday, 28 September in a 17:45 kick-off, while Rangers don't visit Perth until 1 December.

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Although his banishment from the Rangers first-team squad continues, Ianis Hagi has made his mark for Romania in recent days.

The attacking midfielder came off the bench for the final few minutes of the Nations League opener - a 3-0 win at Kosovo - before a key contribution on his 41st cap in the 3-1 home victory over Lithuania.

Hagi, 25, came on in the 70th minute and won a spot-kick three minutes from time that Razvan Marin converted to put Romania 2-1 up.

Alexandru Mitrita made the result safe with an injury-time third as Romania set the pace in Group C2.

Former Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack has received an offer from second-tier Turkish club Erokspor after leaving the Ibrox club at the end of last season. (Scottish Sun), external

Besiktas, who are managed by former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst, could be about to make an offer for James Tavernier. (Scottish Sun via FotoMac), external

Read all of Tuesday's Scottish Gossip

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Ross McCausland featured for Northern Ireland in their 1-0 defeat to Bulgaria on Sunday.

The Rangers winger started on the bench and replaced captain Trai Hume for the last 10 minutes of the match.

The Nations League game was the 21-year-old's third competitive senior appearance for Michael O'Neill's side.

He also managed 16 minutes in their 2-0 win over Luxembourg on Thursday 5 September.

Steven Gerrard shared on Instagram an image of a poster containing lyrics of Rangers chants, captioned "I need this picture", leading fans to believe their former manager could be tempted to return from Al-Ettifaq as pressure continues to grow on current boss Philippe Clement. (Football Insider), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Rangers have identified free agent right-back Cyrus Christie, 31, as a possible replacement should captain James Tavernier, 32, leave Ibrox. (HITC), external

However, Tavernier and his wife have purchased a £1m flat in Glasgow's west end, indicating he may be staying at Rangers for the time being. (Sun), external

Former Rangers chairman Dave King defends Tavernier following recent criticisms. (Record), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

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There is fresh interest in Rangers captain James Tavernier, 32, from six clubs across two countries - Turkey and Qatar, where the transfer window remains open. (Sun), external

Rangers manager Philippe Clement's assistant at Genk and Brugge, Johan van Rumst, says their success in Belgium was all based on hard work" and urges Ibrox supporters "to give him more time". (Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Four games in, five points behind Celtic.

After an opening-day draw with Hearts and an Old Firm defeat before the international break - sandwiched by the failure to reach the Champions League proper - it's been a tough start to the season for Philippe Clement's side.

It'll be no surprise Rangers are the bridesmaid, not the bride, in most of the early-season stats charts.

From possession (63% average), to touches in the opposition box (129), to shots (58), the attacking intent is there from Rangers, but just not enough to top their rivals.

Having scored eight goals - six of them against Ross County - Rangers are slightly underperforming their xG of 8.66. Indeed, six other clubs have a better chance conversion rate than the Ibrox side's 13.8%.

Cyriel Dessers is joint top in the scoring column with three goals, though, and with an expected goals (xG) of 3.08, he's doing his job.

Arguably the biggest change of all from last season is up the other end.

Jack Butland has had a shaky start, having conceded four goals already, averaging one a game.

The shot-stopper's save percentage is a mediocre 63.64 and Rangers' xG against is 3.77, suggesting the defence isn't giving Butland much protection.

The England international dug Rangers out of many a hole last season, and with an uphill battle already on the cards, eyes will be on him to stand strong again.

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Todd Cantwell says Rangers "felt like a different place" prior to his move to Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day.

Cantwell was signed in January 2023 by manager Philippe Clement's predecessor Michael Beale, who was sacked a few weeks into the 2023-24 season.

In the intervening period, director of football Ross Wilson also left while there have been changes at boardroom level at Ibrox over the past year.

"It felt like a different place," said the midfielder. "I didn't believe it was the right place for me to be and they are personal reasons.

"You don't have to look too far behind tactics and the way a team plays and how you get the best version of yourself. It felt like the right time as a player to move on.

"At 26 if you're not sure what the best changing room for you to be in is then ultimately you'll probably bounce around quite a lot."

Cantwell, who insists he wishes Clement and the players well for the future, picked up a Scottish League Cup winners' medal during his 19 months at Rangers and said: "Walking out at Ibrox is something I'll never forget.

"I loved my time at Rangers, it's a special, special football club. No one can ever take that away from it. Is it demanding? Yes. Is it stressful at times? Yes. I loved having to win every game. The pressure to try and win in every game was enjoyable.

"During my time, we didn't get the best of the others as much as we'd have liked to. Unfortunately that's sometimes the way that things unfold."

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Rangers forward Danilo, 25, has been given permission to travel to the Netherlands for rehabilitation on his latest injury and will be out for at least a month. (Sun), external

Danilo was spotted in a leg brace at Glasgow Airport following a tidy-up operation on his knee. (Herald - subscription), external

Meanwhile, Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo, 23, faces a minimum of three months out with a hamstring injury. (Football Scotland), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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Danilo is a notable omission after Rangers submitted their squad list for the Europa League.

The Brazilian striker, who missed the second half of last season with a knee injury, has reportedly had a second operation., external

Danilo has made two appearances this season, scoring in the 6-0 win over Ross County after coming off the bench.

Manager Philippe Clement dismissed suggestions the 25-year-old was limping in a social media video posted - and later deleted - by Rangers before the Champions League qualifying defeat to Dynamo Kyiv.

Wales winger Rabbi Matondo, who faces a spell on the sidelines after being injured in last weekend's Old Firm defeat, is also not included in the 21-man Europa League squad.

Clubs are permitted to name 25 players in a European squad as long as eight are locally trained. But Rangers only have four - Liam Kelly, Lewis Budinauckas, John Souttar and Connor Barron - who come into that category.

Academy graduates such as Ross McCausland and Leon King do not have to be named in the main squad and will be part of the 'B' list.

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Todd Cantwell says he is "desperate" to clear up claims that he "didn't want to play for Rangers".

The midfielder joined Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day last week after a messy end to his career at Ibrox.

Manager Philippe Clement said in July that the 26-year-old no longer wanted to play for the club and had handed in a second transfer request.

"I've got full respect for the manager and the management but I did 't believe it was the right place for me to be and those are personal reasons," Cantwell told Sky Sports.

"It's a bold decision but let's see how it unfolds.

"It was his decision to tell the press that that was my decision [to leave]. We had spoken internally for a while but ultimately we couldn't find a happy medium for both.

"The one thing I'm desperate to clear up is that I never said I didn't want to play for Rangers, that never came out of my mouth and never would."