With Celtic struggling somewhat this year, it would have been the perfect opportunity for Rangers to close the gap, especially with new financial backing and stability. However, the only team that has capitalised on the green side of Glasgow’s demise has been Hearts, with Rangers getting off to the worst possible start.
Despite Hearts topping the table and enjoying impressive victories over both halves of the Old Firm, the top UK betting platforms outside Gamstop currently expect Celtic to come out on top. The Nancy Bhoys are priced at 4/9, ahead of Derek McInnes's Hearts at 4/1, while Danny has to Röhl with it with Rangers the 11/2 third favourite.
Röhl’s appointment came after the Rangers board realised their mistake in appointing Russel Marting, who was out of his depth from the start. The board also moved to remove Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart, who not only ruled over the appointment of Martin, but also created a defence of loan signings that look like they are new to the game, and spending between £8 million and £10 million on a forward from Thelwell's former club, Everton, who would look off the pace in a YouTuber charity match.
Youssef Chermiti's stats are pretty poor for a player with a price tag at the top end of Scottish Football's budget, with 1 goal and 1 assist from 17 appearances. His only goal came from a goalkeeping error against Kilmarnock, and the forward's decision to celebrate in front of the home fans with a mock talking hand gesture was bold considering his inability to do his talking on the pitch.
Bojan Miovski appears to be hitting some form in recent games, and players like Antman and Gassama have the potential if Röhl can unlock it. Rangers, who have been the only team to fly the flag for Scotland in Europe in recent years, have had a disappointing run this year, but are unbelievably still in with a chance of domestic triumph despite the sluggish start.
Now, fans are hopeful that the right signings in the January transfer window could see them mount a serious challenge in the second half of the season.
Securing the signature of players who have proven they can handle the physical nature of the Scottish game will be important, and Kilmarnock's David Watson is one player who ticks all the right boxes. The midfielder has also been linked with Lazio and Celtic, and will be available to sign on a free transfer in July, so a deal could be worked out for him to move sooner.
The club's decision to sell both Yilmaz and Jefte left them with no left-back, and the loan signing of 19-year-old Jayden Meghoma has placed unfair pressure on the player. A left-sided full back will be a priority, and Berkay Yilmaz of Freiburg is a player who might make the move to Ibrox.
Any new signings could be dependent on who stays and who leaves in January, with Belgian international Niko Raskin being constantly linked with a move away. Röhl will have a tough job on his hands, but a few key signings could make a massive difference.