Just days after sacking Russell Martin in a whirlwind fallout, Rangers have stunned supporters again by appointing Gary Bernard, a 34-year-old rookie manager with no top-flight experience, as the new manager.
The announcement has triggered widespread outrage across the fanbase, with many branding the move “reckless” and “insulting to the club’s stature.”
In a show defiance from the fans #BernardOut trended on social media within minutes of the announcement.
Fan groups are organizing demonstrations ahead of the next home fixture. But for now lets meet the new manager of Rangers Football Club.
Former U23s coach at Luton Town, known for his analytical approach and emphasis on youth development.
No senior managerial experience, though insiders say he impressed during a surprise interview with both Patrick Stuart and Kevin Thelwell.
With the season opener just two weeks away and no clear tactical identity, Rangers face a storm of uncertainty. Bernard’s first press conference is scheduled for Monday, but insiders say he’s already facing pressure to deliver instant results or risk becoming another short-lived experiment.
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Press Conference
The press room at Ibrox is tense. Outside, hundreds of fans chant and wave banners demanding answers. Inside, rookie manager Gary Bernard, suited, composed, and visibly emotional takes his seat. The club crest looms behind him. He adjusts the mic, nods to the gathered reporters, and begins.
"I know what this club means. I’ve stood in that Copland Road end. I’ve sung the songs. I’ve lived the highs and the heartbreaks. So I get it—I really do. You wanted a proven name. You wanted certainty. Instead, you got me. But I promise you this: I’m not here to survive. I’m here to build something worthy of Rangers Football Club. And I won’t back down."
Question 1 – BBC Sport Scotland
"Gary, you’ve never managed a senior side. What makes you think you’re ready for a club of Rangers’ stature?"
Gary Bernard:
"I’ve coached at every level below this, and I’ve studied the game obsessively. But more than that—I understand Rangers. I understand the pressure, the expectation, the demand for dominance. I might be a rookie on paper, but I’m not naïve. I’ve built teams, led dressing rooms, and I’ve got a plan. I’m ready."
Question 2 – Sky Sports News
"There’s a protest happening outside right now. Fans are furious. Do you feel you’ve already lost the support before kicking a ball?"
Gary Bernard:
"I’d be worried if they weren’t protesting. This club should never settle. I respect their passion—it’s what makes Rangers special. But I ask for time. Let me show you what I’m about. I’m not here to play it safe. I’m here to win."
Question 3 – The Athletic
"Reports suggest you were handpicked by Kevin Thelwell. Is this appointment more about politics than football?"
Gary Bernard:
"I was interviewed. I was challenged. I was grilled. And I earned it. Kevin saw something in me, yes—but so did others. This isn’t about politics. It’s about building a team that plays with intensity, clarity, and pride. I’m not anyone’s puppet."
Question 4 – Rangers Review
"What’s your message to the players who expected a seasoned manager and now have a relative unknown?"
Gary Bernard:
"I’ve already spoken to the squad. I told them: judge me by my standards, not my CV. I’ll demand everything from them—fitness, discipline, bravery. And I’ll give them clarity and belief. If they buy in, we’ll surprise people."
Question 5 – TalkSport
"If results don’t come quickly, are you prepared to walk away for the good of the club?"
Gary Bernard:
"I’m not here to cling on. I’m here to lead. If I ever feel I’m not the right man, I’ll be the first to say it. But right now? I believe in this project. I believe in myself. And I believe Rangers fans will see that soon."
As the press conference ends, Bernard stands, nods to the room, and walks out to the sound of distant chants echoing through the marble corridors of Ibrox. The storm is far from over—but the rookie has made his stand.
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Rangers secured a thrilling 4–2 victory over Norwegian side Brann in the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie, but the win was overshadowed by pre-match fan protests targeting the club’s board.
Rangers started brightly, with Bajrami netting twice in the opening half-hour—first with a composed finish from a Tavernier cutback, then a curling effort from the edge of the box. However, defensive lapses allowed Brann to equalize twice, capitalizing on slack marking and a miscommunication between Souter and Butland.
Just minutes after the restart,Gassama pounced on a rebound to restore Rangers’ lead. The momentum continued as James Tavernier, wearing the armband with authority, rifled home a fourth to restore Rangers two goal lead.
Before kickoff, hundreds of supporters gathered outside Ibrox to protest the club’s leadership, still reeling from the chaotic managerial saga that saw Russell Martin sacked and rookie Gary Bernard appointed. Chants of “We deserve better!” echoed through Edmiston Drive, though inside the stadium, the team delivered a performance that momentarily lifted the mood.
Rangers head to Norway with a two-goal cushion, but defensive frailties remain a concern. Bernard’s tactical setup showed promise, especially in attack, but the pressure will only intensify if the second leg doesn’t go to plan.
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First Out The Door
Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo has officially completed a transfer to Dutch side FC Groningen for a reported fee of £700,000, ending a mixed spell at Ibrox.
The 25-year-old, who arrived from Schalke in 2022, showed flashes of pace and promise but struggled to cement a consistent starting role under multiple managers. His departure marks the first senior exit under new boss Gary Bernard, who is said to be reshaping the squad with a focus on tactical clarity and youth integration.
Gary Bernard:
"We thank Rabbi for his contributions and wish him the very best in the Eredivisie."
Groningen, recently promoted back to the top flight, view Matondo as a dynamic addition to their attacking options. Rangers, meanwhile, are expected to reinvest the fee in bolstering midfield depth ahead of the second leg against Brann.
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Rangers survived a rollercoaster night in Norway, losing 4–3 to Brann but progressing 7–6 on aggregate to reach the third qualifying round, where they’ll face French side OGC Nice.
Captain James Tavernier opened the scoring with a trademark strike from the edge of the box in the 17th minute, but Brann responded with two quick goals before the half-hour mark, exploiting Rangers’ defensive frailties. Tavernier struck again just before the break to level the match and restore Rangers’ aggregate lead.
Brann came out firing, scoring twice more to take a 4–2 lead on the night and put Rangers on the brink of extra time. But in the 71st minute, Nico Raskin slipped a clever ball through to Antman, who squared for Mikey Moore to tap home the decisive goal.
Despite the loss, Rangers advance to the next round with a narrow aggregate win. Gary Bernard’s side showed attacking flair but remain vulnerable at the back—a concern as they prepare to face a technically gifted Nice side.
Fan protests continued inside the stadium in the lead-up to the match, with banners demanding board accountability. Bernard’s bold lineup choices and attacking intent may have bought him breathing room—for now.
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Rangers kicked off their Scottish Premiership campaign with a commanding 4–1 away win over Motherwell, easing some pressure on rookie manager Gary Bernard amid ongoing fan unrest.
It took just four minutes for Rangers to open the scoring, as Bajrami latched onto a pinpoint cross from Gassama to slot home. But defensive lapses resurfaced when Motherwell equalized just after the half-hour mark, exposing Rangers’ vulnerability on the counter.
Bernard’s halftime tweaks paid off as Rangers dominated the second period Bojan Miovski fired home from close range after a slick passing move to restore Rangers lead.
With fifteen minutes left Oliver Antman curled in a beauty from the edge of the box to make it 3-1 before Spurs loanee Mickey Moore capped the performance with a poacher’s finish in the 82nd minute.
After the match Gary Bernard spoke to the media.
Gary Bernard:
"I know the fans are hurting. I know they’re skeptical. But I’m not the enemy—I’m a Rangers man through and through. I believe in this squad, and I believe we can build something special. I hope today showed a glimpse of that."
Despite the win, banners and chants before kickoff made clear that many supporters remain unconvinced by the club’s direction. Bernard’s challenge now is consistency—both in results and in reconnecting with a fractured fanbase.
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Rangers earned a hard-fought 1–1 draw away to French side OGC Nice, setting up a tantalizing second leg at Ibrox with everything still to play for. While the performance lacked fireworks after the break, manager Gary Bernard will be pleased with the resilience shown by his side in a high-pressure European tie.
Rangers struck first in the 12th minute, as Oliver Antman timed his run perfectly to latch onto a clever through ball from Bajrami, slotting past the Nice keeper with composure. But the lead lasted just seven minutes, with Nice equalizing through a slick counterattack that exposed Rangers’ defensive shape.
Both sides tightened up after the break, with few clear chances and a midfield battle dominating proceedings. Bernard’s side showed discipline and structure, absorbing pressure and limiting Nice’s attacking threats.
After the match Gary Bernard once again gave time to the media as he tries to appeal to the fractured fanbase.
Gary Bernard:
"We came here to compete, and we did that. It wasn’t pretty, but it was professional. We’ve got a real chance now at Ibrox—and I hope the fans see that we’re building something."
While traveling supporters were notably calmer, reports suggest a fresh protest is planned ahead of Rangers’ home league opener against Dundee this weekend. The tension between fans and the board continues to simmer, even as Bernard’s side shows signs of promise on the pitch.
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Danilo Headed Home
Rangers have confirmed that Brazilian striker Danilo has departed the club on a season-long loan to Sport Club Corinthians, with the deal including a £2.3 million optional future fee. The move marks another step in manager Gary Bernard’s squad reshaping, as he looks to streamline options and recalibrate the team’s tactical identity.
Corinthians are expected to use Danilo as a rotational forward in their Série A campaign, with the option to make the move permanent next summer.
Speculation is mounting around German left back Noah Katterbach, with reports suggesting Rangers are exploring a deal to bolster their defensive depth. Katterbach, currently at Fc Hamburg , is known for his aggressive pressing and technical distribution, traits that align with Bernard’s evolving system.
With the Champions League second leg against Nice looming and a fan protest planned for the Dundee match, Bernard’s transfer decisions will be under intense scrutiny.
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Rangers delivered a blistering first-half performance to secure a 4–2 win over Dundee, making it two wins from two in the league under rookie manager Gary Bernard. While off-pitch tensions lingered, the on-pitch display offered a glimpse of the attacking identity Bernard is trying to forge.
James Tavernier opened the scoring from a near-impossible angle, squeezing the ball past the keeper to ignite Ibrox though many fans missed it due to a 14-minute protest outside the stadium. Bojan Miovski doubled the lead, finishing a whipped cross from Meghoma with precision and the fans enjoyed that one. Bajrami unleashed a thunderbolt from distance to make it 3–0 just six minutes later and thenTavernier struck again from the penalty spot after Mikey Moore was brought down in the box.
Rangers eased off after the break, allowing Simon Murray to score twice for Dundee and inject brief tension into the tie. But the result was never truly in doubt, with Bernard’s side showing maturity in game management.
Supporters staged a 14-minute walk-in protest, symbolizing the 14-day tenure of Russell Martin, whose abrupt sacking remains a sore point. Chants and banners outside Ibrox called for board accountability, but inside, the mood softened as Rangers dazzled early and held firm late.
Bernard spoke to Rangers TV after the match and here is what he had to say.
Gary Bernard:
"I understand the frustration. I really do. But I hope today showed that I’m not here to damage this club. I’m here to drive it forward. We’re building something, and I need the fans with me."
With the second leg against Nice looming, Bernard’s Rangers are showing signs of cohesion—but the battle for hearts and minds is far from over.
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Welcome to Ibrox - Noah Katterbach
Rangers have completed the signing of German left back Noah Katterbach from Hamburg on a three-year deal worth £1.7 million, marking Gary Bernard’s first signing as manager.
The 23-year-old arrives with a reputation for high work rate, intelligent positioning, and sharp delivery from wide areas. He’ll compete directly with Brentford loanee Meghoma for the starting role on the left flank.
Noah Katterbach:
“When I heard Rangers were interested, it was a no-brainer. They’re a huge club with a huge history.”
Gary Bernard:
“We were looking to strengthen our defence and we believe Noah does just that. He fits the profile of what we want—aggressive, technical, and hungry.”
Due to UEFA registration rules, Katterbach will be ineligible for the second leg against Nice, but he’s expected to make his debut in the League Cup Second Round clash with Raith Rovers.
With Bernard continuing to reshape the squad and speculation swirling around further incomings and outgoings, the transfer window at Ibrox is far from closed.
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Rangers produced a stirring second-half comeback at Ibrox to defeat Nice 3–1 on the night and 4–2 on aggregate, booking their place in the Champions League Play-Off Round where they will face Club Brugge.
Despite a raucous Ibrox crowd, Rangers struggled to impose themselves early. Nice took the lead in the 20th minute through striker Cho, who finished coolly after a slick move down the left. Rangers offered little in response, with Bernard’s side lacking rhythm and penetration.
Whatever Gary Bernard said at halftime worked. Rangers came out with renewed intensity and flipped the tie in a devastating five-minute spell. On the hour mark Gassama headed home a pinpoint cross from Arbnor Bajrami to level the match and the aggregate score. Four minutes later Diomande pounced on a rebound from a Miovski strike to give Rangers the lead. Roles reversed just two minutes after that as Diomande’s shot was parried, and Miovski tapped in to make it 3–1 and send Ibrox into delirium.
Bernard’s switch to a more aggressive 4-2-3-1 after the break paid dividends, with Bajrami and Tavernier pushing higher and Gassama stretching the Nice backline.
Tavernier spoke to TNT Sports after the match.
James Tavernier :
“We showed heart tonight. That second half was all about belief. The manager’s been under pressure, but we’re fighting for him—and for this badge.”
Rangers now prepare for a high-stakes clash with Club Brugge, with a spot in the Champions League group stage on the line. Bernard’s stock is rising—but the pressure won’t ease anytime soon.
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Bowie Adds Fire Power
Rangers have confirmed the signing of Kieron Bowie from Hibernian in a deal worth £2 million, with the young Scottish striker becoming Gary Bernard’s second signing of the summer. The move was made possible after Rangers received £2 million in add-ons from Nathan Paterson’s previous transfer to Everton.
Bowie, 22, impressed during the second half of last season at Hibs, showcasing pace, intelligent movement, and a knack for finding space in the box. Bernard is said to have personally pushed for the deal, viewing Bowie as a long-term attacking asset.
Gary Bernard:
“Kieron’s energy and instinct in the final third really stood out. He’s hungry, and he fits the profile of what we’re building here.”
Bowie won’t feature in tonight’s League Cup Second Round clash against Raith Rovers, but fans are already buzzing about his potential debut in the coming weeks.
With Bernard continuing to reshape the squad and the Brugge tie looming, Rangers’ transfer activity shows no signs of slowing down.
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Rangers advanced to the League Cup Third Round with a 3–1 win over Scottish Championship leaders Raith Rovers, in a match that saw £10 million striker Chermiti finally open his account and Diomande deliver a standout performance.
Rangers took the lead after just seven minutes, with Diomande finishing coolly after a slick move through midfield. But the rest of the half was subdued, with Raith sitting deep and Rangers struggling to break them down further.
New signing Noah Katterbach made his debut after the break and looked lively down the left, offering width and energy. Raith stunned Ibrox in the 54th minute, as Montagu slotted past Jack Butland to level the match.
But Rangers responded instantly when Chermiti finally found the net, calmly finishing from the edge of the box after a clever pass from Diomande. Diomande capped his Man of the Match display with a second goal, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box and burying it to seal the win.
After the match Diomande spoke to Rangers TV
Mohamed Diomande:
“I’m just happy to help the team. We’re building something strong here, and I think the fans are starting to feel it. Chermiti getting his goal was massive—we all believe in him.”
Rangers now await the draw for the League Cup Third Round, while attention shifts to the looming Champions League Play-Off clash with Club Brugge.
