When the Rangers underwent a takeover in the summer, with the 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh investing in the club, most of their fans believed that it was the key to them competing with Celtic once again, something that they had failed to do for a long time. But merely months into this new era, one has to wonder if it has already been derailed.
Russell Martin was heavily backed in the summer transfer window. Nobody can question their new ownership's willingness to invest in the squad. But despite the fees spent, the Rangers seem to have taken several steps back instead of moving forward.
The 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge was a blow, but the real failure has come in the Premiership. After five matchdays, the Rangers are without a win. They have lost once and drawn four times.
In the process, Martin has become the first Rangers manager to start without a win in five league games. And it has left Celtic nine points clear of their Glasgow rivals already.
49ers already sent Rangers warning as Celtic extend lead
A report from the Daily Record warned the new Rangers ownership that they are quickly going through their reserves of supporter goodwill. It read:
"It seems hard to believe that in less than four months, the club’s new US-based custodians have managed to turn the fans’ American dream into a Californian calamity.
But that is the growing opinion of a fanbase who have already reached breaking point with the manager.
The fact the former Southampton gaffer is still in employment is something they simply can’t fathom."
Yet, the reports coming out of very reliable outlets in Scotland suggest that Martin retains the backing of the board. And it remains to be seen how long they are willing to continue if results do not improve and Celtic continue to widen the gap.
It is starting to feel that the Rangers might only be pushing the inevitable. That was the case with their previous three managers as well. As for Celtic, this is all good news. They will want Martin to remain in charge at Ibrox for as long as possible because as things stand, it does not feel like a turnaround in form or results is anywhere near the corner.