Andy Newport takes your calls as Rangers fans are fearful over their huge Champions League tie
11:45, 18 Aug 2025Updated 12:02, 18 Aug 2025
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Russell Martin
Rangers avoided being stung by the Wasps on Saturday.
But the Ibrox faithful aren’t exactly buzzing with anticipation ahead of the Champions League showdown with Club Brugge.
Russell Martin’s team were expected to swarm Alloa in their Premier Sports Cup tie but it was another drab display that left some punters fearing the worst.
Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, said: “As a Rangers fan I'm not sure why Russell Martin said he was pleased with most of the performance against Alloa.
“Without John Souttar in the backline, our central defenders were dire. Kieran Dowell continues to be a waste of space and Joe Rothwell can only pass the ball back and to the side and offers little in terms of creativity.
“However, on a more positive note, young Mikey Moore looks like a real player in the making.”
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Robert Pender added: “I watched Arsenal and Manchester United both play out from the back at Old Trafford on Sunday but the difference from Rangers is that they both sprung quickly into the No10s or over the top at lightning speed. It didn’t take them 10-plus passes only to go back and start again.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, is also concerned - but is hoping for an upturn against the Belgians: “It hasn't been a good start in league but when Rangers play European games at Ibrox, they do raise their game.
“Hopefully we should do it again against Brugge. If they can win by at least two goals, it gives us every chance in Belgium of going through to the Champions League proper.
“That would be a huge financial boost for the club and give our loyal fans something to look forward to. Let’s hope they can do it.”
But across the city, the Celtic faithful aren’t so sure. Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Two weeks ago we were told Rangers were back and going to win the league easily against an average Celtic team.
“Two games later, Russell Martin is useless and this is the worst Rangers team ever.
“Every season is the same script and we can always rely on them to cheer us up on here. As we say, it's the hope that kills them.”
Celtic fan Bud Hay, Dumfries, added: “As I said weeks ago, Martin is yet the latest manager to be flung onto the Ibrox scrap heap.
“I can’t wait until we beat them at Ibrox and Club Brugge punt you down to the Europa League.”
Scott McAdam, Glasgow, emailed in: “That's two weeks in a row that Rangers have needed help with dodgy penalties to get a result.
“Funny, we are not hearing moaning about refs from you-know-who. But once they face Hibs, it will be another trophy that's disappeared. That defence can't keep wains out of a close.”
Glen Mitchell said: “All this bickering between Celtic and Ibrox fans is ridiculous. Just state the facts as there are no clever or cynical answers to those. Trophy count is currently 120 to three, Celtic play in the Champions League and earn coefficient points there.
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“The Ibrox club plays in the Europa League and gets its coefficient points there. Celtic are vastly more financially successful and light years ahead in that respect. Facts count, anything else is just smoke and mirrors.”
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “I saw the cup draw and it's quite amazing the amount of times that Rangers have been handed a home draw down the years. I don't know if it's luck of the draw or merely compulsory that they play at Ibrox.”