Rangers

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Ibrox

Image source, SNS

A fine second-half comeback from two goals down against a sharp-looking Club Brugge side meant Russell Martin's first match in charge of Rangers ended in a draw in front of nearly 30,000 fans at Ibrox.

Second-half substitute Mohamed Diomande's excellent curling effort shortly after the interval revitalised the home side before a tidy finish by fellow midfielder Findlay Curtis with just a couple of minutes to go brought the home supporters to their feet.

It all looked so different when Brugge had a two-goal lead after only 13 minutes of the pre-season friendly in Glasgow.

Norway midfielder Hugo Vetlesen stroked the visitors into the lead after goalkeeper Liam Kelly saved his first effort, before the goal of the game gave Nicky Hayen's visitors some insurance.

Dutch midfielder Ludovit Reis' stunning volley simply flew past Kelly into his top left-hand corner, earning a well-deserved round of applause from the home supporters.

Rangers' starting line-up featured midfielder Connor Barron as captain, while new signing from Bournemouth, Max Aarons, started at right-back.

Brugge could easily have been three goals up inside half an hour against Martin's experimental-looking side, but Greece winger Christos Tzolis watched his effort come back off the base of the post.

The second-half arrivals of James Tavernier, Diomande and Nedim Bajrami improved the home side as they posed far more threat to the Belgians' goal after the break.

Both managers made wholesale changes in the second half as Martin's side pushed for an equaliser that Bajrami eventually laid on a plate for Curtis, the only player from the Rangers starting line-up who lasted the full 90 minutes.

Rangers fans, were you at Ibrox or watching elsewhere? Either way, we want your views on the game. Send us your thoughts.

We asked for your views on the signing of midfielder Thelo Aasgaard after he completed a deal to join Rangers from Luton Town.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Hector: Yet another signing from a team relegated to the lower divisions in England. This is patronising to the Scottish Premiership and the club's fanbase, and is obviously sub-standard for European competition at any level.

Gary: Great bit of business - stood out a mile when I have watched him play. Still young and only going to get better and I think he has a big future in the game.

Bob: Brilliant signing, looking forward to seeing him score lots of goals.

Wes: Super excited about this signing! He is so creative and has goals in his locker also. Scored on his international debut earlier this year for his country, and I can see him being a permanent fixture from now on. Only going to get better and better, mark my words!

David: Very underwhelming signing, much the same feelings as when new manager was unveiled. Please overachieve, we need players who can walk into this team.

Brian: This is another significant signing and the indications are there's more to come. I sense Russell Martin is building a team for an eventful and hopefully successful season - Aasgaard is a real talent and we should be getting excited at seeing how quickly these new players gel to create a winning team. My only concern is the goalkeeper situation - a weak link in all this activity.

Image source, SNS

Billy Dodds is "refreshed and ready to go again if given the opportunity" after exiting Rangers at the end of the season as part of Barry Ferguson's backroom team.

Ferguson had Dodds and Neil McCann as assistants after taking over as interim head coach in February following Philippe Clement's sacked.

The incoming US-based consortium decided to replace Ferguson as head coach with Russell Martin, but Dodds believes they "made a difference" and "the big tanker was slowly turning" despite finishing 17 points behind Celtic.

Asked what it was like to have three former Rangers players with previous experience of managing clubs working together, Dodds told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound: "Barry was the front man, the bigger name.

"He would come in an odd time, but Barry was happy for us to shell out the training and make sure everything is ready.

"I was in there for seven o'clock every morning to make sure everything was spot on.

"I just wanted it to be on the money because I know they are elite players and they want it professional. We were on it from the start and I made sure of that.

"I don't think we could have done any more in those three months, whether it was tactical information to the players, the analysts doing all the set pieces and all the bits of strengths and weaknesses of the other teams."

Dodds believes there was a limit to what they could achieve as some players "lacked the mindset" to play for Rangers.

"Just delighted that we got the opportunity in the first place," he added. "It is a brilliant place to work, facilities to die for, you've got to be happy going to work there and I certainly was for three months.

"When we left, they were thriving and I think genuinely the boys enjoyed it and certainly myself, Barry and Neil enjoyed the experience."

Rangers are chasing 22-year-old winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who is back with Crystal Palace after his loan spell with Sheffield United, but the Ibrox club want to either take him on loan or lower the asking fee of £10m. (Scottish Sun On Sunday), external

Rangers have checked details about 21-year-old winger Weslley Patati and are expected to submit an official offer to Maccabi Tel Aviv for the Brazilian in the coming days. (One), external

Besiktas have offered Wolfsburg £6m for Vaclav Cerny after Rangers failed to take up the option of signing the 27-year-old Czech Republic winger permanently after his loan when the German club asked for more than £10m. (Super Haber), external

Jack MacKenzie, the 25-year-old left-back who has joined Plymouth Argyle from Aberdeen this summer, says there was never any prospect of him signing another Scottish club despite reports linking him with Rangers. (Sunday Mail), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Max Aarons says he wants to show Rangers fans "the best version of me" during his loan spell at Ibrox next season.

The 25-year-old full-back has joined from Bournemouth having also had a loan spell at Valencia last season.

Aarons broke into the Norwich City side as a highly-rated youngster, with then manager Daniel Farke once saying he would not sell him "even for £100m".

The England Under-21 international joined Bournemouth in a £7m move in 2023 but found his first-team opportunities limited in recent times.

Aarons admits this latest loan move comes at a crucial time in his career.

"I wasn't getting the games at Bournemouth last season that I was happy with," he said.

"Obviously I went on loan to Valencia and it was a similar situation there. So I think this is one that I'm coming in here off the back of maybe not having played as many games as I wanted to last season.

"I drew a line under that and I'm coming in here and hopefully Rangers fans will definitely see the best version of me."

Aarons says the prospect of working under manager Russell Martin, with whom he played alongside at Norwich, helped sell the idea of moving to Rangers.

"The size of this club - you know about it even despite being English and playing in England most of my career," he said.

"You know about Rangers and you know the size of this football club.

"And then, when that matched up with this manager, who I know very well but I haven't worked under him before, everything I've heard from the way he is and his staff as well, I think it just matches up perfectly.

"I think we can have a real successful season. That's why I came here.

"Obviously I played with the manager here. It crossed over a little bit and then he actually came on loan here as a player.

"That was when I first broke through at Norwich. So we had a really good relationship back then and, especially with Matt Gill, the assistant here. He was my under-18s and under-21s coach.

"I think everything just matched up perfectly and it was something I really wanted to do."

Rangers are close to agreeing a season-long loan deal for 22-year-old Burkina Faso centre-back Nasser Djiga from Wolverhampton Wanderers. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Rangers expect to secure the £3m signing of Thelo Aasgaard from Luton Town on a four-year deal in the next 24 hours after the 23-year-old Norway midfielder completed part of his medical in England on Friday before making his way to Glasgow. (Daily Record), external

Luton Town have given Rangers "encouragement" that they could complete a deal for midfielder Thelo Aasgaard but are expected to hold out for a similar fee to the £3.6m they paid Wigan Athletic for the midfielder in January. (Football Insider), external

Rangers head coach Russell Martin has vowed there will be further arrivals at Ibrox during the transfer window as he teased new signings next week. (The Herald), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Rangers new centre-back signing, Emmanuel Fernandez.

Here's what some of you said:

Jim: He may be shocked, but not as much as most of the fans.

A career in the lower leagues so far, and at 23 now, doesn't bode well. It's the kind of signing we're used to seeing at Dundee and St Mirren - no disrespect intended. The new manager may be feeling the need to stabilise a wobbly ship, but that simply isn't enough for Rangers.

If this is where we're at, I truly fear for another wretched season.

Matt: If we can sign an experienced centre-half to play next to him, we can't rely on John Souttar to stay fit, then this will be good business. Hopefully get a few more in, preferably wide attacking players and a striker. Plenty of reason for optimism.

Matthew: Underwhelmed, but hoping to be proved wrong. With phrases like "I'm used to the manager's style of play from being at Peterborough," it doesn't fill you with confidence.

If the club's aim with Russell Martin in charge is to be of English League One calibre and style of play, then that is not what Rangers fans want to hear. I really hope I'm wrong and that Fernandez is an undiscovered gem, but so far none of the signings seem to be ones to get excited about.

Rab: Squad is building, but we need more, and we need some proven quality. It needs to be soon though, with Champions League qualifiers fast approaching. In 49ers we trust!

Tom: Martin obviously sees a future for Fernandez, but he has not got enough experience to be considered first team material at this stage. One for the future?

Kenny: Personally I think Fernandez is a poor signing. Peterborough in League One, the fans have said nothing good about him and are glad he's away and they made good money from him. This isn't what Rangers need. They need better quality.

Ronnie: The Fernandez signing may be good or bad. Rangers have signed so many players in the past four seasons who, on paper, looked like great signings only for them to be totally hopeless. I'm keeping my powder dry and will give an opinion once I see them playing in a Rangers jersey.

Alex: Sorry but he sounds like a project with "potential". Why is Martin not signing players who are ready to hit the ground running? This signing has said that he has never played at this level before? What is going on, we need established players with plenty of experience, not Martin's old friends.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views after Joe Rothwell signed a three-year deal with Rangers.

Here's what some of you said:

Billy: Rothwell is a very average signing. I hope that he over-achieves, but I remain unconvinced.

Grant: Does Martin know we want to be winning? With this type of business we are going nowhere. Not seeing the £20 million, in this transfer or indeed any other.

Frazer: How does signing a 30-year-old fit with the model of buy and sell? Not good enough for a regular place in either Bournemouth or Leeds but apparently a style man for Rangers. Low expectations and logos may be next season's promise.

Brian: This is a great signing. If this is the calibre of player we are signing then Martin is building a strong squad for the season ahead.

Rothwell is a seasoned pro having proven himself with two Championship winning teams in a very tough league.

He will provide extra steel in the midfield with Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron and hopefully impose themselves on other teams.

His physical presence alone in defence will be a major plus. This is a significant signing and one that fills me with confidence for the season ahead.

Sue: Rothwell has a proven pedigree with Southampton and Leeds in their promotions from the English Championship which is recognised as a very long and tough season.

He will be a great asset to Rangers to give strength in midfield and much needed confidence in the defence.

I look forward to him coming up against Callum McGregor in the Old Firm games and stamping his authority and showing that the balance of power has finally shifted to Rangers. This is a great signing.

Ivie: Rothwell will do the business. I watched quite a lot of Leeds' games and he was the main man of the midfield, he will do well I'm sure.

Rangers had a verbal offer of £1m for Lennon Miller rejected a year ago but have not inquired again since for the 18-year-old Motherwell midfielder recently capped by Scotland. (Daily Record), external

Reports that David Brooks' move to West Bromwich Albion is off has opened the door for a reunion with Rangers head coach Russell Martin, who worked with the 27-year-old Bournemouth winger at Southampton. (Sky Sports), external

Norway midfielder Thelo Aasgaard is set for a medical with Rangers before the 23-year-old's proposed move from Luton Town. (Scottish Sun), external

Rangers will pay Luton Town £5m for Norway midfielder Thelo Aasgaard. (Four Lads Had a Dream podcast), external

Wales midfielder Tom Lawrence is keen on signing for Wrexham after being freed by Rangers. (Daily Mail), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

Listen as Martin Dowden previews the season ahead for Rangers with Joshua Barrie, editor of the Rangers Review, and comedian and fan Rosco McClelland.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has joined Rangers as a first-team coach in Russell Martin's backroom team, alongside goalkeeping coach Salvatore Bibbo.

Following his successful playing career, which also included a stint at Wycombe Wanderers with manager Martin, Williamson was manager at Gateshead, MK Dons and most recently, Carlisle United.

Bibbo, who was also enjoyed a career between the sticks, has coached at Arsenal, Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday.

"I played with Mike at Wycombe Wanderers so we go back a long way, and I know the qualities he can bring to this group," Martin told club media.

"As a player he played at the very top level and is an experienced coach having been a manager himself.

"I am also really happy to bring Sal into the team. He has a lot of experience and a strong track record of developing goalkeepers.

"After speaking to him it was clear that his knowledge and character will be a real asset to the players and the staff, and I am looking forward to working with them both."

Image source, Getty Images

Emmanuel Fernandez admits he was "shocked" to learn of Rangers' interest in him but believes this is "the perfect place to be" after joining from Peterborough.

Fernandez, 23, signed a four-year deal with Russell Martin's side in a move he believes can "kickstart" his career.

The defender was released by League Two Gillingham in 2020 and played non-league football before spending the last four years at Peterborough.

"I heard about [the interest from Rangers] a couple weeks ago and to be honest, I was shocked because I was thinking that's a big club, they play in Europe, they have a great fan base.

"I've watched a lot of games before, I've watched the Old Firm derby as well and it's a place where I really wanted to be."

Fernandez also believes the timing of his move is "100% right" after becoming Rangers' fourth summer signing.

"It feels like the team's building,"he added. "The team's going to grow with a new manager.

"Also, I've seen his style of play and it's a style of play that I'm used to coming from Peterborough, so it's something I definitely can't wait to get started on and it's something I really want to do."

Late last night, Rangers signed "really promising defender" Emmanuel Fernandez from Peterborough.

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell added the 23-year-old has shown impressive "dedication, work rate and ambition".

Now you've had the morning to scour social media for show reels, we want to know what you make of his signing.

Give us your thoughts here.

Image source, BBC Sport

Rangers are in talks to sign Norway midfielder Thelo Aasgaard following Luton Town's relegation to League One, but the English club will be wanting a decent profit on the £3m they paid to Wigan Athletic for the 23-year-old in January. (Daily Mail), external

Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-half Nasser Djiga is in talks to join Rangers on a season-long loan. (Express And Star), external

Jamie Vardy has reportedly told suitors he wants to be a regular starter for his next club with Rangers "keen" on a deal (Daily Record), external.

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Emmanuel Fernandez admits he "was shocked" that a club as "huge" as Rangers were interested in his services before signing a four-year contract and exiting Peterborough United.

The 23-year-old centre-half was in a side that finished 18th in League One last season but now has the prospect of playing in the Champions League.

"I am honoured," he told Rangers' website. "It is a huge club with a great fanbase and I think I can kickstart my career and have a good journey here.

"I was shocked when I heard about Rangers, because it is such a big club, but it was the place I wanted to be.

"I haven't played at this level, there will be a lot of life changes for me, but it is something I want to be part of and I can't wait to get started."

Starting as a youth with Brentford, Fernandez signed senior terms with Gillingham but was released after loan spells with Sheppey United and Margate.

He then spent a year with Ramsgate before joining Peterborough in 2021, but it was not until after further loans to Spalding United and Barnet that he became a first-team regular, making 42 appearances last season.

Rangers head coach Russell Martin believes Fernandez has "a huge amount of potential".

He said: "He has a strong physical presence, is a commanding defender and I believe, in this environment, we can help him develop and provide him with the opportunities to take his game to the next level."

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell added that Rangers "have been impressed with his development and journey from non-league football to League One".

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Rothwell says the size of Rangers, coupled with reuniting with his former manager Russell Martin, made the decision to choose Ibrox as his next destination an "immediate yes".

The 30-year-old midfielder spent the second half of the 2023-24 season on loan at Southampton, where he helped Martin gain promotion to the Premier League.

Rothwell then spent last term on loan at Leeds United, where he also achieved promotion to England's top tier.

He has signed for Rangers from Bournemouth on a three-year contract.

"The size of the club speaks for itself," Rothwell said. "As soon as the interest was there it was an immediate yes from me.

"With Russell coming in too, it made that decision a little bit easier because of working with him in the past and I know what type of guy he is and how he wants to do things.

"That was an even bigger pull for me, but the club speaks for itself."

Rangers fans, what do you make of the signing of Rothwell? Send us your thoughts.

Image source, SNS

We asked for your views on how Rangers should address Hamza Igamane's future.

The Moroccan striker continues to be linked with a potential big-money move away from Ibrox.

Here's what some of you said:

Josh: If Rangers want to survive financially they need to not be afraid to sell players when they are offered sizeable fees for them. It can be done as Celtic are able to sell players for record highs in Scottish football and win leagues. Rangers need long-term financial stability and this only comes with selling players strategically. Rangers need to invest in their youth academy, as if done well then potential profits far exceed the extra funding needed.

Brian: Would not be overly disappointed to see Igamane leave providing the club get a sizeable fee for him. He displayed flashes of a great talent but didn't do it often enough throughout the season and seemed to switch off and not put in the hard graft when the team needed him.

Sean: There's talk of £15m. Absolutely sell him for that kind of money. That's crazy money for our back-up striker.

Billy: Hamza has been a great find. Truth is he's a rough diamond and one I would like to see develop at Rangers. Brutal fact is we are now a selling club, but he shouldn't go for less than £20 million.

Sally: Igamane is young with so much potential. If Rangers retain Cyriel Dessers he will need competition. Igamane's value will increase with age. If Rangers cannot attract new, talented players, retain what we have.