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{{short description|Association football club in Glasgow, Scotland}} | |||
{{Football club infobox | | |||
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{{About|the men's football club|the women's team|Rangers W.F.C.}} | ||
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image = | | |||
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fullname = Rangers Football Club | | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}} | |||
nickname = ''The Gers | | |||
{{Infobox football club | |||
founded = ] | | |||
| image = Rangers_FC.svg | |||
ground = ],<br/>], ] | | |||
| image_size = 185px | |||
capacity = 50,500 | | |||
| fullname = Rangers Football Club | |||
chairman = ] | | |||
| nickname = ''The Gers''<br />''The Light Blues''<br />''The Teddy Bears'' | |||
manager = ] | | |||
| clubname = Rangers | |||
league = ] | | |||
| founded = {{start date and age|1872|3|df=yes|p=yes}} | |||
season = 2004-05 | | |||
| owner = ]<ref> Companies House. Retrieved 1 July 2019.</ref> | |||
position = ], 1st | | |||
| chrtitle = Chairman | |||
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| chairman = Fraser Thornton | |||
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| ground = ] | |||
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| capacity = 51,700<ref>{{cite web|url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/39646iezddpk/2M8G2xqxpAyO9VY1Tiwgoa/eda08235c3bc0f6f77c9343c0f61f31b/Rangers_Reports_and_Accounts_2024.pdf|title=Rangers International Football Club PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2024|publisher=Rangers.co.uk|access-date=29 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
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| mgrtitle = Manager | |||
| manager = ] | |||
| league = {{Scottish football updater|Rangers}} | |||
| season = {{Scottish football updater|Rangers2}} | |||
| position = {{Scottish football updater|Rangers3}} | |||
| current = 2024–25 Rangers F.C. season | |||
| website = {{URL|https://www.rangers.co.uk/|rangers.co.uk}} | |||
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}} | }} | ||
If domination of domestic football is to be the principal measure of a club's esteem, then '''Rangers Football Club''' can justifiably claim to be the world's most successful ] club. Formally established in ], from the roots of an existing side formed a year earlier, '''Rangers''', as the club is commonly referred to, play at the 50,411 seat ] in south west ]. Rangers play in royal blue shirts, white shorts and black and red socks. | |||
'''Rangers Football Club''' is a professional ] club in ], Scotland. The team competes in the ], the top division of ]. The club is often referred to as '''Glasgow Rangers''', though this has never been its official name.<ref>, Michael Cox, The Athletic, 16 March 2023.</ref> The fourth-oldest football club in Scotland, Rangers was founded by four teenage boys as they walked through West End Park (now ]), in March 1872, where they discussed the idea of forming a football club, and played its first match against the now-defunct ] at the Fleshers' Haugh area of ] in May of the same year. Rangers' home ground, ], designed by stadium architect ] and opened in 1929, is a ] and the third-largest ]. The club has always played in ] shirts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Rangers/Rangers.htm|title=Rangers – Historical Kits|publisher=Historicalkits.co.uk|access-date=4 July 2019}}</ref> | |||
The club has traditionally been identified with the ] community of Glasgow, and for most of its history it has enjoyed a fierce rivalry with crosstown opponents ], which draws much of its support from Glasgow's ] community. Between them the two clubs dominate Scottish football, and are collectively known as The ]. | |||
Rangers have won the Scottish League title a record 55 times, the ] 34 times, the ] a record 28 times and the domestic ] on seven occasions. Rangers won the ] in ] after being losing finalists twice, in ] (the first British club to reach a ] tournament final) and ]. The club has lost a further two European finals; they reached the ] Final in ] and a fourth runners-up finish in European competition came in the ] Final in ]. By number of trophies won, Rangers are ]. | |||
The club's correct name is simply '''Rangers''', although this is sometimes (incorrectly) expanded to '''Glasgow Rangers''' - often by ] commentators seeking to distinguish between them and other similarly named clubs, particularly ]. The club is nicknamed '''The Gers''' by friend and foe alike, although the fans are known to each other as 'Bluenoses' or 'Bears' (from the rhyming slang for Gers = Teddy Bears). | |||
Rangers has a long-standing rivalry with ], the two Glasgow clubs being collectively known as the ], which is considered one of the world's biggest football derbies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/other_football/15149515.Passion__pride__tradition_and_nastiness__Why_Old_Firm_match_is_greatest_derby_in_the_world/|title=Passion, pride, tradition and nastiness: Why Old Firm match is greatest derby in the world|work=Evening Times|date=11 March 2017|access-date=12 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="FIFA">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326141358/https://www.fifa.com/news/y=2009/m=2/news=old-firm-enduring-appeal-1023776.html|archive-date=26 March 2018|url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/clubs/rivalries/newsid=1023776/index.html |title=Classic Rivalries: Old Firm's enduring appeal |publisher=] |date=16 April 2016|access-date=31 July 2018}}</ref> With more than 600 Rangers supporters' clubs in 35 countries worldwide, Rangers has one of the largest fanbases in world football.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/fans/supporters-clubs/|title=Supporters Clubs|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref> The club holds the record for the largest travelling support in football history, when an estimated 200,000 Rangers fans arrived in the city of Manchester for the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/05/15/150508_rangers_invasion_feature.shtml|title=Rangers invasion: your views|access-date=17 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925071448/http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/05/15/150508_rangers_invasion_feature.shtml|archive-date=25 September 2015|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/175000-strong-rangers-support-the-biggest-in-world-977339|title=175,000-strong Rangers support the biggest in world football|work=Daily Record|date=15 May 2008|first=Keith|last=McLeod|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217180033/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/175000-strong-rangers-support-the-biggest-in-world-977339|archive-date=17 December 2019|access-date=17 December 2019}}</ref> Rangers also took the largest ever travelling support abroad when an estimated 100,000 fans arrived in Seville for the ].<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61471267|title=Rangers in Seville: Police say 100,000 fans expected|work=BBC|date=17 May 2022|access-date=5 July 2022}}</ref> | |||
One of the eleven original members of the ],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gammelsæter|first1=Hallgeir|last2=Senaux|first2=Benoit|title=The Organisation and Governance of Top Football Across Europe|date=2011|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-70533-5|pages=48|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e2usAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA48|access-date=16 November 2015}}</ref> Rangers remained in the top division continuously until ] during the ] saw the club enter ]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17026172|title= Rangers Football Club enters administration| publisher=BBC |date= 12 February 2012 |access-date=28 March 2020}}</ref> and the original company liquidated<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/18/how-the-mighty-glasgow-rangers-have-fallen|title=How the mighty Glasgow Rangers have fallen|work=The Guardian|date=18 January 2015|access-date=16 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18407309|title=Rangers to re-form after creditors' deal is rejected|publisher=BBC|date=12 June 2012|access-date=7 September 2019}}</ref> with the assets moved to a new company structure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC425159|title=The Rangers Football Club Limited|publisher=Companies House|access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref> The club was accepted as an associate member of the Scottish Football League and placed in the fourth tier of the ] in time for the start of the following season. Rangers then won three promotions in four years, returning to the Premiership for the start of the ]; in their climb through the Scottish lower divisions, Rangers became the only club in Scotland to have won every domestic trophy. In ] Rangers won their first Scottish championship in ten years, a then world record fifty-fifth league win which also stopped rivals Celtic's quest to break the domestic record of ten titles in a row. | |||
{{TOC limit|3}} | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
{{Main|History of Rangers F.C.}} | |||
===The Birth and the early days=== | |||
{{see also|List of Rangers F.C. seasons|Rangers F.C. Hall of Fame}} | |||
In 1872, Moses McNeil, Tom Vallance and Peter Campbell saw a group of men playing football on ]'s ''Flesher's Haugh'' and decided to form a team of their own. Three of McNeil's six brothers (Peter, William and Harry) joined him in this new pastime and together they formed the core of the early Rangers sides. The team's first game was in May of 1872 against ] on Flesher's Haugh, which resulted in a 0-0 draw. At first they played under the name Argyle. Moses McNeil suggested the name Rangers after seeing the name in a book about English ]. Rangers only played two matches in their birth year and their second match was a comprehensive 11-0 win over ]. Rangers began to grow into a more formal football club and in ], for the first time, a player was called up to play international football as Moses McNeil made his Scotland debut against ]. In ] the now famous old firm fixture was born as Rangers met Celtic for the first time in a friendly match which Celtic won 5-2. By ] the Scottish league was formed and Rangers enjoyed a victorious first season as they finished joint-top with ] and after a play-off match finished 2-2, the title was shared. Rangers had to wait until ] to taste their first ] success after losing to ] in ] and ] but finally lifted the trophy for the first time after a 3-1 win over Celtic. Rangers even came close to winning the ] in ] when they lost to ] in the semi-final. Rangers ended the nineteenth century with further Scottish cup wins ] and ] and a League championship win in ] during which they won every one of their 18 league matches. Rangers formally became a business company in 1899 and match secretary ] was appointed as the clubs first manager. The club also appointed its first board of directors under the chairmanship of James Henderson. Rangers were well on their way to becoming Scotland's top club. | |||
=== |
===Formation, early years and William Wilton=== | ||
] | |||
Rangers continued their success in the early ] winning the championship seven times between ] and ]. Having lost the title in ] they responded in ] with one of the best seasons in their history as manager William Wilton and his right hand man ] retained the title as they hit 106 goals in 42 league games. However, in May ] the clubs first ever manager William Wilton died in a boating accident and subsequently Bill Struth was appointed manager. Struth would go on to be a legend as he steered Rangers to 18 league championships, 10 Scottish Cups and 2 League Cups in his 34 year tenure as manager. He was also the first Rangers manager to win the domestic treble when it was achieved for the first time in Scottish football history in season ]-]. | |||
Rangers were formed by four founders – brothers ] and ], ] and ] – who met at West End Park (now known as ]) in March 1872. Rangers' first match, in May that year, was a goalless friendly draw with ] on ]. ] was also a founder member.<ref>{{cite book|title=Scotland Who's Who: International Players 1872–2013|author=Paul Smith|publisher=Pitch Publishing|year=2013|page=126}}</ref> In 1873, the club held its first annual meeting and staff were elected.<ref name="Founded 1872">{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/45-000-see-rangers-face-blokes-coming-off-153126585.html|title=45,000 to see Rangers face blokes coming off night shift|work=Eurosport|publisher=Yahoo!|date=17 August 2012|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=Founded: 1872<br />Biggest win: 10–0 v Hibernian 1898<br />Most appearances: John Greig 755 (1960–1978)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818000246/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/45-000-see-rangers-face-blokes-coming-off-153126585.html|archive-date=18 August 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Official meeting 1873">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15307021|title=The on-field history of Rangers Football Club 1873–2012|work=BBC News|date=14 February 2012|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=The club's origins date back to 1872 when Moses McNeil, his brother Peter, Peter Campbell and William McBeath formed their own team in Glasgow.<br/>The name Rangers was adopted from an English rugby club and the first game, against Callander FC, ended 0–0. The club's official beginning came to be recognised as 1873, when the first annual general meeting was held.<br />By the time of the first Scottish Football League season in 1890, Rangers had arrived at their current home of Ibrox, in the south east of Glasgow, via Burnbank and Kinning Park.<br />Rangers finished joint top of the league with Dumbarton, and after a play-off ended 2–2, a decision was taken to share the title.<br />This was the only time the league has ever been shared, and it marked the first senior honour for Rangers.<br />Rangers won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 1894, beating Celtic 3–1<br />Three years later, the club recorded their first ever Scottish Cup win, beating Celtic 3–1 in the 1894 final.<br />Rangers won the trophy again in 1897 and 1898 with victories over Dumbarton and Kilmarnock.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302040857/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15307021|archive-date=2 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1876, Rangers had its first ], with Moses McNeil representing ] in a match against ].<ref name="Rangers first Scottish international player">{{cite web|url=http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/moses_mcneil|title=Co founder of Glasgow Rangers Football Club, Rangers and Scotland Footballer – a true Footballing Pioneer|work=Helensburgh Heroes|publisher=helensburghheroes.com|access-date=23 December 2012|quote=McNeil won two caps for Scotland, the first Ranger to represent his country, the first on 25 March 1876 in a 4–0 win over Wales and the second on 13 March 1880 in a 5–4 win over England, in which he played alongside his brother, Henry. Henry McNeil won a total of 10 caps for his country and scored 5 goals.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125001733/http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/moses_mcneil|archive-date=25 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1877, Rangers reached the Scottish Cup final; after drawing the first game, Rangers refused to turn up for the replay and the cup was awarded to ]. Rangers won the ] the following year against Vale of Leven 2–1, their first major cup.<ref name="Rangers History">{{cite web|url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/rangers/history|title=Rangers History|work=Evening Times|access-date=20 January 2013|quote=Rangers were born in March 1872, after a group of teenage rowing enthusiasts watched a game of football in Glasgow Green. Brothers Peter and Moses McNeil and Peter Campbell and William McBeath got their heads together to give rise to the club, who played just two matches in their first year.<br />It is believed that Moses McNeil suggested the name 'Rangers' after seeing it in a book about English rugby. The club played their first game in May 1872 at Flecher's Haugh in Glasgow Green against Callander, a match that ended in a 0–0 draw.<br /> Rangers was officially founded in 1873 as that was the year they elected office bearers. The club first donned blue shirts in their second game, against Clyde (not the present-day club), and won it 11–0.<br />Five years after their founding, Rangers made it to their first major cup final against Vale of Leven. The game was played at First Hampden Park and finished 1–1, so a replay beckoned. Rangers refused to turn up for the replay and Vale were awarded the cup. The teams met the following year in the Charity Cup. Rangers won 2–1 and the Glasgow Merchants' Charity Cup was the first major trophy to be won by the team.<br />The 1890–91 season saw the inception of the Scottish Football League, and Rangers were one of ten original members. Rangers' first ever league match took place on 16 August 1890 and resulted in a 5–2 victory over Hearts. After finishing equal-top with Dumbarton, a play-off was held at Cathkin Park to decide the champions. The match finished 2–2 and the title was shared for the only time in its history – the first of Rangers' 54 championships.|archive-date=17 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117065523/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/rangers/history|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>, History of the Queen's Park Football Club 1867 – 1917, Richard Robinson (1920), via Electric Scotland</ref> The first-ever match against ] took place in 1888, the year after the East End club's establishment. Rangers lost 5–2 in a friendly to an opposition composed largely of guest players from ].<ref name="First old firm match">{{cite web|url=http://www.football-soccer-camps.com/glasgow-rangers-training.htm|title=Summer Soccer & Football Camps train with the best teams in world football|publisher=football-soccer-camps.com|access-date=20 December 2012|quote=After joining, Rangers finally reached their first final of the Scottish Cup in 1877 but were not victorious.<br /> The eternal rivalry, known as the Old Firm, between the two Glaswegian city teams, Rangers and Celtic has been ongoing since the first Old Firm match in 1888, in which Rangers lost 5–2 in a friendly against the Celtic team which was largely made up of "guest players" from Hibernians.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620144003/http://www.football-soccer-camps.com/glasgow-rangers-training.htm|archive-date=20 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Celtic 5 – 2 Rangers">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0003/|title=The Founding of Celtic Football Club 1888|publisher=BBC Scotland|date=November 2005|access-date=3 January 2013|quote=It would be over six months later before the newly-constituted Celtic club played its first ever match, on 28 May 1888 which resulted in a 5–2 win over Rangers, in what was called a 'friendly match'.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914093144/http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0003/|archive-date=14 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Early years">{{cite web|url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/index.php/club/history/club-history/item/499-founding-fathers|title=The Founding Fathers|publisher=Rangers F.C.|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=All those championships and cups would never have found their way into the Ibrox Trophy Room but for that encounter between Peter McNeil, his brother Moses, Peter Campbell and William McBeath.<br />Their first match was an unlikely affair against Callander FC at Flesher's Haugh on Glasgow Green.<br />...<br />The result was 0–0, but that didn't matter. Rangers had been born.<br />The name Rangers was adopted from an English rugby club. By their second fixture – the only other they played that first year – they had donned the light blue. It must have done the trick – Rangers beat Clyde 11–0.<br />In season 1875–76 they moved to ] and towards the end of that season Rangers had their first international; Moses McNeil, one of the four founders, who made his Scotland debut in a 4–0 victory over Wales.<br />The following year Rangers made the breakthrough reaching their first Scottish Cup Final. It took three matches to find a winner, and sadly it was their opponents Vale of Leven. After two drawn games, 0–0 and 1–1, Rangers finally succumbed 3–2 in the second replay.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522090924/http://www.rangers.co.uk/index.php/club/history/club-history/item/499-founding-fathers|archive-date=22 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
===Under Scott Symon=== | |||
] | |||
After Bill Struth collected two more domestic doubles in 1950 and ] ] was appointed as Rangers third manager in ]. Symon continued Struth's success winning six league championships, five Scottish Cups and four League Cups. He also became the second manager to win the domestic treble in season ]-]. Symon also took Rangers into the ] for the first time in ]-] going out on to French team ]. They did however reach the semi-finals in ] losing eventually to German team ]. By ] Rangers became the first British team to reach a European final when they contested the ] final against ]ns ] only to lose 4-1. Rangers suffered yet more despair in the final of the same competition in losing to ] in ]. | |||
The ] saw the inception of the Scottish Football League, and Rangers, by then playing at the first Ibrox Stadium, were one of ten original members. The club's first-ever league match, on 16 August 1890, resulted in a 5–2 victory over ]. After finishing joint-top with ], a play-off held at ] finished 2–2 and the title was shared for the only time in its history. Rangers' first-ever Scottish Cup win came in 1894 after a 3–1 final victory over rivals Celtic. By the start of the 20th century, Rangers had won two league titles and three Scottish Cups.<ref name="Official meeting 1873" /><ref name="Rangers History" /><ref name="Rangers honours">{{cite web|url=http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/club/rangers/|title=Rangers|publisher=Scottish Football League|date=July 2014|access-date=31 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817225904/http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/club/rangers|archive-date=17 August 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Rangers uefa page">{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=50121/profile/index.html|title=Rangers FC|publisher=UEFA|date=30 December 2010|access-date=19 August 2012|quote=Founded by brothers Moses and Peter McNeil, Peter Campbell and William McBeath, Rangers shared their first championship with Dumbarton FC in 1890/91 then beat Celtic FC 3–1 to win their first Scottish Cup in 1894, clinching their first title outright by winning every game of the 1898/99 campaign.<br />William Struth's 34 years as manager from 1920 onwards ushered in the club's first golden era; Rangers won 18 league championships, ten Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups under Struth, including Scotland's first domestic treble in the 1948/49 season.<br />In 1961, Rangers became the first British club to reach the final of a UEFA competition when they got to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final only to lose 4–1 on aggregate to ACF Fiorentina; they lost 1–0 to FC Bayern München in the final of the same competition six years later before finally lifting the trophy in 1972 when beating FC Dinamo Moskva 3–2 at the Camp Nou.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124095143/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=50121/profile/index.html|archive-date=24 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> During ]'s time as match secretary and then team manager, Rangers won ten league titles. | |||
===Davie White=== | |||
] was installed as Rangers' fourth manager in ]. However, his tenure was a brief one and he was dismissed after little more than two years in charge, winning nothing. | |||
=== |
===Bill Struth and Scot Symon=== | ||
Taking over as manager after William Wilton's death in 1920, ] was Rangers' most successful manager, guiding the club to 14 league titles before the onset of the ]. On 2 January 1939, a British league attendance record was broken as 118,567 fans turned out to watch Rangers beat Celtic in the traditional New Year's Day ] match.<ref name="Record attendance">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2346330/A-lot-of-bottle-in-Old-Firm-duels.html|title=A lot of bottle in Old Firm duels|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=22 September 2006|access-date=24 August 2012|author=Forsyth, Roddy|quote=The record Old Firm gate at a club ground was set on 2 Jan 1939 by a crowd of 118,567 at Ibrox.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208192622/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2346330/A-lot-of-bottle-in-Old-Firm-duels.html|archive-date=8 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Leading the club for 34 years until 1954, Struth won more trophies than any manager in Scottish Football history, amassing 18 league championships, 10 Scottish Cups, two League Cups, seven war-time championships, 19 Glasgow Cups, 17 Glasgow Merchant Charity Cups and other war-time honours.<ref name="Founded 1872" /><ref name="Wilton and struth">{{cite web|url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/index.php/club/history/club-history/item/506-the-dominant-force|publisher=Rangers F.C.|title=The Dominant Force|quote=Sadly, Wilton was not to enjoy this extraordinary success which saw Rangers take the title 15 times in 21 seasons.<br />With the Championship back at Ibrox, Wilton – the club's first manager – died the day after the last game of the season in May 1920, drowning in a boating accident.<br />Struth, who was appointed his successor, lived to become a legend. He managed the club for 34 years, winning a glittering array of trophies – 18 League Championships, 10 Scottish Cups and two League Cups.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522065218/http://www.rangers.co.uk/index.php/club/history/club-history/item/506-the-dominant-force|archive-date=22 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the wartime regional league setup (in which the team won all seven seasons, along with official championships either side of the conflict in 1938–39 and 1946–47), Rangers achieved their highest score against Celtic with an 8–1 win in the ].<ref name="Record old firm result">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/dec/30/joy-of-six-new-year-fixtures|title=The Joy of Six: new year football fixtures|work=The Guardian|date=30 December 2011|access-date=6 January 2013|author=Murray, Scott|quote=The humiliated Rangers boss that day was Scot Symon, so it is with a pleasing symmetry that Symon was a player in the other record victory in an Old Firm match. Because while Celtic's 7–1 win is the biggest win in official competition, Rangers went one better in an unofficial wartime Scottish Southern League ne'erday game between the two rivals in 1943. An Ibrox crowd of just over 30,000 watched a strong Rangers side including Symon, George Young and the legendary winger Willie Waddell rattle up an 8–1 victory.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218223906/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/dec/30/joy-of-six-new-year-fixtures|archive-date=18 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>, The Scotsman, 21 March 2020.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-supporters-campaign-world-war-10952292|title=Rangers supporters campaign for World War Two titles to be recognised by SFA and SPFL|author=Record Sport Online|date=8 August 2017|website=Daily Record|access-date=17 December 2020}}</ref> | |||
] was appointed as Rangers manager in ] and he guided Rangers to their first, and only to date, European triumph when they won the Cup Winners Cup by beating ] 3-2 at the ] in ]. The triumph came just two years after the ] where 66 people died on the east terrace on staircase 13. Within weeks of their European success, Willie Waddell moved to the general manager position and his coach ] was appointed as manager. | |||
] continued Struth's success, winning six league championships, five Scottish Cups and four League Cups, becoming the second manager to win the domestic treble in ], the era of ], one of the club's greatest players.<ref name="Scot symon">{{cite web|url=http://www.in.com/scot-symon/profile-249707.html|title=About Scot Symon|publisher=in.com|access-date=20 December 2012|quote=He returned to Rangers just one year later where he would steer them to six league championships. He also took Rangers into European football for the first time reaching two Cup Winners Cup finals which was a fine achievement by losing in both finals|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101085803/http://www.in.com/scot-symon/profile-249707.html|archive-date=1 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Rangers greats baxter">{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1010809-top-10-rangers-players-of-all-time/page/9|title=Top 10 Glasgow Rangers Players of All Time|work=Bleacher Report|date=5 January 2012|access-date=23 December 2012|author=Stone, Colin|pages=2–11|quote=Regarded as one of Scotland's greatest ever players, Jim Baxter can also be counted amongst the Rangers' greats for his terrific achievements in the '60s.<br />"Slim Jim" joined the club in 1960 for £17,500, a record at the time, and went on to win 10 trophies in the five years he spent in Scotland.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527044149/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1010809-top-10-rangers-players-of-all-time/page/9|archive-date=27 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Rangers also lost by their biggest Old Firm margin of 7–1.<ref name="Record old firm result" /> | |||
===Jock Wallace=== | |||
Wallace's managership of Rangers saw the club restored to the ascendancy enjoyed throughout most of its history. His first season as manager - the club's centenary year - culminated in a 3-2 Scottish Cup win over Celtic. A nine-year period of Celtic dominance in the league from was ended in ]-] as Rangers captured what was to be the last championship of its kind. The new ten team Scottish Premier League saw Rangers crowned inaugural champions, as part of a triumphant domestic treble. After a barren subsequent season, ]-], Wallace presided over the club's fourth domestic treble in ]-]. | |||
Rangers reached the semi-finals of the ] in 1960, losing to German club ] by a record aggregate 12–4 for a Scottish team.<ref name="Record aggregate european lose">{{Cite web|date=2002-05-15|title=Hampden dazzled by white magic|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/may/15/championsleague.sport|access-date=2021-02-10|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> In 1961 Rangers became the first British team to reach a European final when they contested the Cup Winners' Cup final against Italian side ], only to lose 4–1 on aggregate.<ref name="Rangers first british side in european final">{{cite web|url=http://www.culturewars.org.uk/2001-7/hampden.htm|title='And the cry was "No Defenders"' The Museum of Scottish Football at Hampden Park, Glasgow|work=Culture Wars|publisher=Institute of Ideas|access-date=23 August 2012|author=Baird, Stuart|quote=Rangers were the first British team to reach a European final in 1961|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002010054/http://www.culturewars.org.uk/2001-7/hampden.htm|archive-date=2 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Rangers lost again in the final of the same competition in 1967, by a single goal, after extra time, to ].<ref name="Rangers uefa page" /> | |||
This burst of success from the mid-1970s saw Rangers once again established as Scotland's most successful club. Wallace, with the help of the nucleus of Willie Waddell's Cup Winners' Cup winning side, by the late 1970s had constructed a team that seemed set to dominate Scotish football for years to come. With a classic lineup - McCloy or Kennedy; Jardine, Greig, Jackson, Forsyth; McLean, McDonald, Russell, Cooper; Smith and Johnstone - in place, Rangers looked to the 1980s with a justifiable degree of optimism. But all that was shattered as Wallace, suddenly and unexpectedly, announced his resignation in ]. Wallace, the epitomy of the integrity and 'character' he saw as the hallmark of the Rangers tradition, refused to divulge the reason for his departure. Most concluded that a disagreement with the club's board, and with Willie Waddell in particular, over transfer funds for new players, or for Wallace's own salary, provided the explanation for his departure. In his wake, Rangers turned to another of the stalwarts of the great side of the mid-late 1970s, the captain ]. | |||
===Ibrox disaster, European success and Jock Wallace=== | |||
===John Greig=== | |||
] | |||
Greig's tenure began promisingly. Wallace's treble-winning team of the previous season performed ably in the European Cup, defeating Juventus and PSV Eindhoven (the latter losing a game at home for the first time), before an injury-striken team lost to Cologne in the quarter final. Things began to unravel towards the end of Greig's first domestic season, however, as leadership of the league evaporated. Greig's efforts thereafter to restructure the team inherited from Wallace proved, for the most part, fruitless. The early years of the 1980s were ones of repeated frustration as the club continually failed to mount a challenge not only to Celtic, but to the then resurgent New Firm of Aberdeen and Dundee United. The gloom of under-performance in the league was punctuated only by periodic cup triumphs. The Scottish Cup win of ], in particular, saw a triumphant performance by the enigmatic winger, Davie Cooper. The League Cup proved fertile territory for Rangers throughout the fallow years of the early 1980s, but it was the failure to add to the league triumph of 1978 that saw the growing pressure on Greig culminate in his resignation as manager in ]. | |||
The ] occurred on 2 January 1971 when ] on a stairway exit at the culmination of an Old Firm game claimed 66 lives. An enquiry concluded that the crush was likely to have happened ten minutes after the final whistle and to have been triggered by someone falling on the stairs.<ref name="Ibrox disaster">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1312971/Thousands-pay-tribute-to-victims-of-Ibrox-disaster.html|title=Thousands pay tribute to victims of Ibrox disaster|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=19 June 2001|author=Womersley, Tara|quote=David Murray, the chairman of Rangers, yesterday unveiled a bronze statue of John Greig, the captain who led his team against Celtic on the day of the accident. The statue lists the names of those who died in 1971 and 25 fans killed when wooden terraces collapsed during a match between Scotland and England in 1902. Mr Greig then laid a wreath at the plinth of the statue.<br />...<br />An inquiry, however, later discounted the theory and said that the crush was likely to have happened 10 minutes after the final whistle and to have been triggered by someone falling on the stairs.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212035423/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1312971/Thousands-pay-tribute-to-victims-of-Ibrox-disaster.html|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> A ] to raise funds for the victims' families took place after the disaster, a joint Rangers and Celtic team playing a Scotland XI at Hampden, watched by 81,405 fans.<ref name="Old Firm versus Scotrland XI">{{cite web|url=http://www.celticprogrammesonline.com/PROGRAMME%20COVERS/7071/scotlandXI/scotlandXI7071h.htm|title=Scotland XI vs Rangers/Celtic Select Official Programme of the Match|publisher=celticprogrammesonline.com|date=27 January 1971|access-date=17 August 2012|quote=Attendance: 81,405|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520191621/http://www.celticprogrammesonline.com/PROGRAMME%20COVERS/7071/scotlandXI/scotlandXI7071h.htm|archive-date=20 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In 1972, Rangers emerged from the tragedy of the previous year to finally achieve success on the European stage. A ] goal and a ] double helped secure a 3–2 victory over ] at the Nou Camp, Barcelona, to lift the ]. Captain John Greig received the trophy in a small room within the ] following pitch invasions by Rangers fans reacting to the heavy handed tactics of the Spanish police, the majority of whom had been brought in from outwith Catalonia.<ref name="European cup winners cup win">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/destiny-awaits-ibrox-heroes-1-1433001|title=Destiny awaits Ibrox heroes|work=The Scotsman|date=10 May 2008|access-date=22 March 2009|quote=It is hard to take that after Celtic were able to celebrate as much as they liked in Lisbon, our club and supporters were denied a post-match presentation because the Spanish police completely misunderstood the fans' on-field invasion at the end.<br />I played with a stress fracture in my foot. A guy jumped on it late in the final and I ended up with another fracture on the other side, but the euphoria kept the pain away until I was called down to this little room to receive the trophy.<br />It all passed in a blur, but I hobbled down there in agony with our manager Willie Waddell and a UEFA delegate and, in this cramped corner covered in Barcelona memorabilia, the delegate handed me the trophy and basically said: "Here, take the cup Glasgow Rangers, now go away".<br />When I got back to the dressing room all my team-mates were either in the bath or out of it. I felt sorry they didn't get to parade the trophy – ultimately what we were playing for – and even sorrier for all those people who had a paid a lot of money to travel to the Nou Camp and see that.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521042924/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/destiny-awaits-ibrox-heroes-1-1433001|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Rangers were banned from Europe for two years for the behaviour of their fans, later reduced on appeal to one year.<ref name="Fans riot after win">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0047/|title=Rangers triumph in Europe 1972|publisher=BBC Scotland|date=December 2005|access-date=20 December 2012|quote=Rangers were handed a two-year ban by UEFA for their fans' poor behaviour. Waddell succeeded in getting this reduced to one year, meaning Rangers could not defend their trophy. Waddell argued that the police had over-reacted, that the fans were drunk but not intent on violence, and that recent European finals had witnessed rejoicing Celtic, Bayern Munich and Ajax fans running on to the park and those occasions had been deemed acceptable.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107021304/http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0047/print.shtml|archive-date=7 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Return of the Jock=== | |||
Rangers hoped to rekindle success by bringing Jock Wallace back to the club, following his exile in England with Leicester City. Wallace, though, was not the club's first choice: Jim McLean and Alex Ferguson, the then managers of the New Firm clubs, were said to have rebuffed Rangers' advances. Wallace, however, returned with the aim of restoring the glory years of the treble-winning sides of the late 1970s. His initial impact was positive. The team began to play with a rediscovered, no-nonsense passion that some felt Greig had jettisoned in his largely abortive efforts to make the club more competitive in Europe. Wallace's team won the league cup twice in a row in ] and ], but league form remained frustratingly indifferent. The continuing dominance of Aberdeen, coupled with a Dundee United punching substantially above its weight and a Celtic team that offered periodic challenges to the New Firm ascendancy, put Wallace under increasing pressure. By season ]-] Rangers had slipped to fifth place in the league and, with little evidence of improvement since the Greig era, Wallace was sacked as manager. | |||
The following season saw the club compete in the first ever European Super Cup, although the European ban saw it officially recognised as Rangers centenary anniversary match. The side played the European Cup holders Ajax, who had first proposed the idea, in January 1973. The Dutch side proved too strong and recorded a 6–3 aggregate win, with Rangers losing 1–3 at Ibrox and 3–2 in Amsterdam.<ref name="Hist">{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/supercup/history/index.html |title=UEFA Super Cup – History |publisher=] |access-date=17 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014203034/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/supercup/history/index.html |archive-date=14 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
===The Souness Era=== | |||
] was appointed as Rangers' first player-manager in ]. The club's US-domiciled owner, Lawrence Marlborough, concerned at the lack of progress in the 1980s, began to take a more active interest in Rangers, wresting clear control of the boardroom after years of internecine squabbling. One of his most significant decisions was the appointment of David Holmes as the club's chairman. | |||
Emerging from the shadows of ]'s Celtic side, Rangers regained ascendancy with notable domestic success under the stewardship of manager ]. In his first season in charge – the club's ] – Rangers won the Scottish Cup at ] in front of 122,714 supporters.<ref name="1973 scottish cup final">{{cite web|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football.cfm?page=1990|title=Scottish Cup History And Archives|publisher=Scottish Football Association|access-date=20 December 2012|quote=122,714 supporters packed into Hampden on 5 May 1973 for the Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102121716/http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football.cfm?page=1990|archive-date=2 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1974–75, Wallace led Rangers to their first League championship triumph in 11 years, before winning the treble the following season, repeating the historic feat in 1977–78.<ref name="Jock wallace brings success after knocking rangers out in cup as a player">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-jock-wallace-1330513.html|title=Obituary: Jock Wallace|work=The Independent|date=26 July 1996|access-date=20 December 2012|author=McKinney, David|author-link=David McKinney (journalist)|quote=Jock Wallace was a giant of Scottish football. No other description can do justice to the man who ended Celtic's domination of the game in the 1970s and who, as manager, led Rangers to two domestic trebles within three years, the Glasgow club winning the League title, the League Cup and the Scottish Cup.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105060545/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-jock-wallace-1330513.html|archive-date=5 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
It was this which foreshadowed a dramatic revival in the club's fortunes. Under Holmes's tenure, Rangers began to think big once again, showing an ambition that had been lacking since the Waddell years. Holmes's most significant act was to recruit Souness - one of world football's top players with Liverpool and Sampdoria. Souness, drawing on his preeminent reputation in the English game and backed by Holmes's approval of unprecedented transfer spending, kick-started a period in which the arrival of top players from ] was a regular occurrence. In his first season at the helm, he brought the championship back to Ibrox - the first since 1978. The league cup was also captured with the defeat of Celtic, heralding a period of Old Firm dominance that was to last for the bulk of the next two decades. Rangers were on the brink of returning to greatness. | |||
John Greig served as manager for five years but was unable to achieve the success as a manager that he had as a player. Unable to win the league during his reign, he was replaced by Wallace returning in 1983. Wallace was unable to repeat the success of his first period in charge with a win ratio of less than 50%, and was himself replaced by ] in 1986. | |||
The arrival of businessman ] as self-styled 'custodian' of the club saw Rangers' resurgence continue. Murray's was a vision, if anything, that was even bolder than that of Holmes and Marlborough. Murray had acquired Rangers for a knock-down £6m from the increasingly cash-strapped Lawrence group. From the outset, Murray viewed Rangers as a way of cementing his already high profile in the media and in Scottish business circles. In the first season of the Souness-Murray partnership (]), Rangers won the first of what would eventually become nine championship wins in a row. | |||
===Graeme Souness, Walter Smith and 9-in-a-row=== | |||
The Souness years were marked by both achievment and conflict. Under Souness's stewardship, Ranger's pre-eminence in the Scottish game was restored. At a time in which English clubs were excluded from European competition (following the Heysel stadium disaster of 1985), the club also gained arguably a higher profile in the British game than at any time in its history. This was fuelled by the purchase of a succession of English internationals, including ], ] and Chris Woods. It was also fuelled by the most controversial signing in Scottish football history, as the ] and former Celtic player ] was persuaded to change his mind at the last minute and sign for Rangers rather than their bitter city rivals. Johnston's signing led to outrage among many Rangers fans in Scotland and ] . | |||
Every year from the ] season until the ] season, Rangers won the league title. This nine-in-a-row achievement equalled Celtic's record, set prior to the forming of the ], subsequent to which competing teams met four times a season. The first three of these seasons the club was managed by Graeme Souness; the latter six under the stewardship of ].<ref name="Paying for over spending">{{cite web|url=http://www.thefootypie.com/2012/02/19/rangers-paying-for-overspending-ways/|title=Rangers paying for overspending ways|work=The footy pie|date=February 2012|access-date=31 December 2012|quote=Graham Souness lead the side to their first two championships as player-manager before his assistant, Walter Smith, took the reign, claiming another seven titles to equal a record set by Jock Stein at Celtic in the 1960s and 70s.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520235037/http://www.thefootypie.com/2012/02/19/rangers-paying-for-overspending-ways/|archive-date=20 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Notable seasons included ], which culminated in a last-day finale, Rangers securing a 2–0 victory at Ibrox over Aberdeen, who needed only a draw to secure the championship. Season ] was notable for a ] of trophies, as well an extended run in the inaugural UEFA Champions League, the club at one stage only one goal from securing a place in the final.<ref name="Champions league season 92-93">{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=1992/clubs/club=50121/matches/index.html|title=UEFA Champions League 1992/93: Rangers|publisher=UEFA|date=10 August 2011|access-date=26 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018004704/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=1992/clubs/club=50121/matches/index.html|archive-date=18 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Despite his success, Souness was never part of the Scottish footballing establishment. His managership saw countless run-ins with the footballing authorities, and more than one touchline ban. He left Rangers in ] to join former club ]. Coming before the league campaign reached a dramatic culmination with a last-day victory over Aberdeen at Ibrox, Souness's departure met with mixed reactions amongst Rangers supporters. All were disappointed. Many bemoaned what they saw as his betrayal of the club. All, however, were united in viewing the Souness years as amongst the most dramatic in the club's history. The challenge for his successor - his former assistant ] - was to ensure than Rangers' ninth manager would achieve as much as its eighth. | |||
Rangers' ninth consecutive championship title was secured at ] on 7 May 1997, with a single-goal victory over ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbot.com/scot/results/sdprem97.htm|title=Scottish Premier Division 1996–97|access-date=17 August 2012|work=Soccorbot|publisher=soccerbot.com|date=27 June 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517145101/http://www.soccerbot.com/scot/results/sdprem97.htm|archive-date=17 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Nine in a row=== | |||
Walter Smith went on to clinch the championship in 1991 following Souness's departure after a dramatic last day win over title challengers ]. Smith, with the financial backing of David Murray, continued to attract top players to the club and in season ]-] steered Rangers to one of the best seasons in their history. Not only did they win the domestic treble but they came to within one match of the European Cup final. Rangers saw off English Premier League champions ] in a 'battle of Britain' qualifier. In the group stage, Rangers won two matches and drew four but, despite remaining undefeated, went out to the French team ], subsequently found guilty of bribing opposing players to 'throw' games. Rangers won the double the following season but missed out on a back-to-back domestic treble after losing in the Scottish Cup final to ]. Rangers again won the championship in seasons ]-] and 1995-] with the help of signings such as ] and ]. In season 1996-] Rangers went on to win their ninth championship in a row thereby equalling Celtic's achievement of the late ] and early ]. Season 1997-] proved to be Walter Smith's last season as manager and Rangers were unable to win their tenth league championship in a row. Smith left Rangers and joined English Premiership team ]. Many players also left Rangers including Brian Laudrup, Ally McCoist and captain ]. | |||
===Dick Advocaat, Alex McLeish and Paul Le Guen=== | |||
===The Little General=== | |||
In 1998, Dutchman ] became the club's first foreign manager.<ref name="First foreign manager">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7393259.stm|title=Advocaat's Rangers legacy|work=BBC Sport|date=13 May 2008|author=Campbell, Andy|access-date=6 August 2010|quote=When Dick Advocaat became the Rangers manager in 1998, it was a brave new dawn for the Ibrox club as chairman David Murray attempted to begin a new chapter in the club's history following Walter Smith's departure.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508234855/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7393259.stm|archive-date=8 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Nine-in-a-row era stalwarts having moved on, Advocaat invested heavily in the team with immediate results, leading the club to their sixth domestic treble. The league championship was won with a 3–0 victory at ] on 2 May 1999.<ref name="Champions again">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/scottish_premier/334094.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Rangers make history out of chaos|date=3 May 1999|access-date=20 December 2012|quote=Celtic 0–3 Rangers<br />Rangers created history by winning the title at Celtic Park in a stormy Old Firm game which saw referee Hugh Dallas injured by a missile thrown from the pitch.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114041324/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/scottish_premier/334094.stm|archive-date=14 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A second-consecutive league title was won by a record 21-point margin,<ref name="Rangers can win the league">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/when-rangers-can-win-the-league-1-796986|title=When Rangers can win the league|work=The Scotsman|date=28 March 2010|access-date=6 August 2010|quote=The biggest winning points margin in the history of the SPL was enjoyed by Rangers in 1999/00, when they finished 21 points clear of Celtic.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019010202/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/when-rangers-can-win-the-league-1-796986|archive-date=19 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> the club securing a domestic double with a 4–0 ] final victory over Aberdeen. Rangers' campaign in the ] saw them defeat ] winners ] en route.<ref name="Rangers go out at the group stages">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/champions_league/503436.stm|title=Champions League group tables|work=BBC Sport|date=2 November 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104071831/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/champions_league/503436.stm|archive-date=4 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rangers beat parma">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/417699.stm|title=Rangers put Parma in the shade|work=BBC Sport|date=12 August 1999|access-date=20 December 2012|quote=Rangers 2–0 Parma<br />Rangers secured one of their most impressive European results in years, as Italian giants Parma crashed to defeat in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104071825/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/417699.stm|archive-date=4 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
], nicknamed the little general, succeeded Walter Smith at the start of season ]-]. Advocaat, former manager of ], was Rangers' tenth manager and their first non-Scottish manager. Many players left Rangers after Walter Smith's departure and Advocaat made several signings including ], ] and ]. In total Advocaat spent over £36 million on new players in his debut season. However, he did not disappoint on the pitch as he led Rangers to a domestic treble. The following season Advocaat continued to spend big, bringing the likes of ] and ] to Ibrox. In his second season he led Rangers to the domestic double and led them into the ] for the first time having beaten ] in a qualifier. However, the arrival of ] at rivals Celtic halted Rangers' dominance and, despite again qualifying for the Champions League and making major signings such as ] and ], the club did not win a major competition in the ]-] season. Having made a poor start to season ]-] Advocaat resigned as manager and took up a General Manager position which he would later leave after only 11 months. ] was the surprising appointment as the new Rangers manager in December 2002. During Advocaat's tenure at Ibrox, it had been realised that with the club deep in financial difficulty they would be unable to continue signing top European players and instead focused on producing their own players. As a result, Advocaat spearheaded the building of ] - a £14m training complex. His popularity plummeted however, as his expensive purchases failed to deliver on the pitch. | |||
Advocaat's third season saw Rangers fail to compete domestically against Celtic under new manager ]. Despite investment in the team, including ] for a club-record £12 million,<ref name="Flo signed for 12m">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/2993243/Rangers-12m-Flo-gamble.html|title=Rangers' £12m Flo gamble|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=12 November 2000|author=Forsyth, Roddy|access-date=21 December 2012|quote=DAVID MURRAY, the Rangers chairman, moved dramatically last night to end the crisis at Ibrox by setting a new Scottish transfer record of £12 million for Chelsea's out-of-favour Norwegian international forward, Tore Andre Flo.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212035427/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/2993243/Rangers-12m-Flo-gamble.html|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> European success beyond the ] group stages again proved elusive.<ref name="Rangers out of champion league 00-01">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/uefa_cup/1059684.stm|title=Kaiserslautern 3–0 Rangers|work=BBC Sport|date=7 December 2000|access-date=6 August 2010|quote=Full time: Kaiserslautern 3–0 Rangers<br />92 mins The Fritz Walter Stadium erupts on the referee's final whistle which brings down the curtain on Rangers' European campaign.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104071605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/uefa_cup/1059684.stm|archive-date=4 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> After a slow start to the following season, Advocaat resigned from his post in December 2001 and was replaced by ].<ref name="McLeish appointment">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/1701609.stm|title=Rangers unveil McLeish|date=11 December 2001|access-date=16 October 2007|work=BBC Sport|quote=Alex McLeish has been unveiled as Rangers' 11th manager after a dramatic day at Ibrox.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307020922/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/1701609.stm|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Under Big Eck=== | |||
McLeish's appointment met with a lukewarm reaction amongst many Rangers supporters. Some viewed it as symptomatic of the down-sizing of the club's ambitions after the spendthrift years of Advocaat. Others saw in McLeish a manager whose mixed fortunes at provincial Hibernian and Motherwell left him ill-equipped to cope with the demands of managing a high-profile club like Rangers. A few, remembering McLeish's days as centre-half colossus in Alex Ferguson's great Aberdeen side of the early 1980s, questioned whether someone lacking any obvious 'bluenose' credentials could revitalise a club faced, for the first time in decades, with a concerted challenge from a seemingly rejuvenated Celtic. | |||
In his first full campaign, the ] saw McLeish become the sixth Rangers manager to deliver a domestic treble.<ref name="Seventh treble">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/2946904.stm|title=Rangers complete Treble|work=BBC Sport|date=31 May 2003|access-date=16 October 2007|quote=Rangers capped a fabulous season with a hard-earned Scottish Cup win over Dundee at Hampden Park to seal the seventh domestic Treble in the club's history.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111020952/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/2946904.stm|archive-date=11 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The championship was won on goal difference during a dramatic final day 6–1 triumph over ] at Ibrox,<ref name="Championship won on final day">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2932016.stm|title=Rangers win to clinch title|date=25 May 2003|work=BBC Sport|access-date=9 October 2012|quote=Rangers 6–1 Dunfermline Athletic<br />An injury-time penalty by Mikel Arteta clinched the SPL title for Rangers in an amazing afternoon at Ibrox.<br />Rangers were 5–1 up as the match entered the last few minutes, but with Celtic 4–0 up at Rugby Park and still playing, they knew the championship was not yet theirs.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519000724/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/2932016.stm|archive-date=19 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> securing Rangers' 50th league title, the first club in the world to achieve the feat.<ref name="Record 50th title">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/six-into-one-equals-victory-rangers-secure-a-world-record-50th-championship-as-title-showdown-goes-all-the-way-to-the-wire-1.117675|title=Six into one equals victory Rangers secure a world-record 50th championship as title showdown goes all the way to the wire|work=The Herald|date=26 May 2003|access-date=21 December 2012|author=Grahame, Ewing|quote=Rangers secure a world-record 50th championship|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604221321/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/six-into-one-equals-victory-rangers-secure-a-world-record-50th-championship-as-title-showdown-goes-all-the-way-to-the-wire-1.117675|archive-date=4 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Major expenditure sanctioned by chairman ] had burdened Rangers with considerable ]s in the region of £52m.<ref name="Rangers run up big losses">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/30/newsstory.sport6|title=Rangers stay cool over huge losses|work=The Guardian|date=30 September 2002|quote=Rangers chairman John McClelland has attempted to assure shareholders the club's £52m debt is nothing to be alarmed over.|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804072759/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2002/sep/30/newsstory.sport6|archive-date=4 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The club's worsening financial state saw many of the team's top players leave in the summer of 2003, the ] failing to deliver any trophies, only the second such occasion since ].<ref name="McLeish fails to win a trophy">{{cite web|url=http://footballblog.co.uk/alex-mcleish-career.html|title=Aston Villa's Alex McLeish, a look at his managerial career|work=Football blog|publisher=footballblog.co.uk|date=29 July 2011|author=Salty|access-date=21 December 2012|quote=At this point McLeish was viewed as one of the hottest managers in the game. Success doesn't last forever and Rangers financial state cost McLeish dear in 2003. Many of his prize assets were sold and subsequently Celtic won the league comfortably. Also, Rangers failed to pick up a single trophy that season.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022185253/http://footballblog.co.uk/alex-mcleish-career.html|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Such concerns were quickly allayed, however, as McLeish's Rangers began to display a spiritedness that had been sorely lacking in Advocaat's final seasons. Cup successes in McLeish's first season, ]-], saw a renewed sense of optimism that Rangers could regain the ascendancy claimed fleetingly by Celtic under the managership of Martin O'Neill. A 3-2 defeat of Celtic in the season's climactic Scottish Cup final, orchestrated by Barry Ferguson's sublime midfield promptings, reinforced the view that Rangers could once more gain the pre-eminence enjoyed for almost all of the period since Graeme Souness's appointment as manager in ]. | |||
The ] restored success to Rangers, who were boosted by signings such as ],<ref name="Boumsong leaves rangers">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/4119197.stm|title=Magpies complete Boumsong signing|work=BBC Sport|date=2 January 2005|access-date=21 December 2012|quote=Boumsong joined Rangers from Auxerre on a free transfer last summer and made just 28 appearances for them before moving to England.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314213023/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/4119197.stm|archive-date=14 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> ]<ref name="Rangers sign prso">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/3693503.stm|title=Rangers get Prso|work=BBC Sport|date=9 May 2004|access-date=21 December 2012|quote=Rangers have confirmed the signing of Monaco's Croatian striker Dado Prso.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222232020/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/3693503.stm|archive-date=22 February 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and ],<ref name="Rangers sign novo">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3856045.stm|title=Rangers sign Novo|work=BBC Sport|date=6 July 2004|access-date=21 December 2012|quote=Rangers have completed the signing of Nacho Novo from Dundee but manager Alex McLeish insists his summer spending spree is not yet over.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104071644/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/3856045.stm|archive-date=4 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> along with the return of former ] ] after a spell in England with ].<ref name="Rangers resign ferguson">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/4203441.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |title=Ferguson clinches Rangers return |date=1 February 2005 |access-date=27 July 2011}}</ref> The club's league championship triumph culminated in a dramatic final-day finish. The destination of the ] changed unexpectedly, with Celtic conceding late goals to ] at ] whilst Rangers led against Hibernian, requiring the ] carrying the SPL trophy to change direction and deliver the prize to the ] ground in ].<ref name="Rangers in dramatic title triumph">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/4570627.stm|title=Rangers in dramatic title triumph|date=22 May 2005|access-date=16 October 2007|work=BBC Sport|quote=Rangers pipped rivals Celtic to the Scottish Premier League title after a dramatic final day of the season.<br />The Gers went into the final game two points behind their Glasgow rivals but a sensational late fightback by Motherwell gave them the title.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326191648/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/4570627.stm|archive-date=26 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Helicopter sunday">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-flashback-looking-back-on-rangers-1056885|title=Football flashback: Looking back on Rangers' 'helicopter Sunday' triumph in 2005|work=Daily Record|date=22 April 2010|access-date=21 December 2012|author=Jackson, Keith|quote=NACHO Novo will be remembered forever as the man whose goal made the helicopter change direction.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731183619/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-flashback-looking-back-on-rangers-1056885|archive-date=31 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
McLeish's first full season as manager, ]-] saw the club fulfil this sense of promise. Another victory over Celtic, this time in the League Cup, provided the first leg of the club's latest treble. Rangers' fiftieth championship was secured on a dramatic last day of the league season, with victory over Dunfermline denying Celtic the title on goal difference. Victory over Dundee in the Scottish Cup final saw a triumphant finale to the season. | |||
Despite beginning as favourites to retain the championship, Rangers suffered an unprecedented run of poor results between September and November, a club-record run of ten games without a win. Included within this period, a 1–1 draw with ] took Rangers into the last 16 of the Champions League, the first Scottish team to achieve the feat since 1993,<ref name="Rangers through to last 16">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4494912.stm|title=Rangers 1–1 Inter Milan|date=6 December 2005|access-date=16 October 2007|work=BBC Sport|quote=Peter Lovenkrands was the goalscoring hero as Rangers became the first Scottish club to qualify from the group stages of the Champions League.<br />...<br />Criticised by some for his tactics during a run without a win now stretching to 10 games, McLeish got it right on the European stage with the surprise inclusion of Lovenkrands as a lone striker.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104040430/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4494912.stm|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> the club eventually exiting on the ] to ].<ref name="Rangers go out to villarreal">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4778246.stm|title=Villarreal 1–1 Rangers (agg 3–3)|date=7 March 2006|access-date=16 October 2007|work=BBC Sport|quote=Rangers' dream of becoming the first Scottish side in the quarter-finals of the Champions League ended as they lost on the away-goals rule to Villarreal.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104040636/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4778246.stm|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 February 2006, it was announced by David Murray that McLeish would be standing down as manager at the end of that season.<ref name="McLeish to leave rangers in may">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/4697444.stm|title=McLeish to leave Rangers in May|date=9 February 2006|access-date=16 October 2007|work=BBC Sport|quote=Alex McLeish will leave his position as Rangers manager at the end of the season, the club has confirmed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104040026/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/4697444.stm|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The successes of McLeish's initial period as manager proved difficult to sustain. The club's parlous financial position, in the wake of the profligacy of the Advocaat era, meant a period of relative austerity. Wage bills were slashed as the club embarked on an extensive cost-cutting programme in an attempt to stabilise a mushrooming (and unsustainable) debt. Confronted with a squad of well-paid but ageing players largely assembled by Advocaat, McLeish was compelled to re-build without the luxury of the generous transfer kitty enjoyed by his predecessors over the preceding two decades. | |||
] | |||
McLeish was required to rebuild not through the high-profile and often audacious signings of the Souness, Smith and Advocaat years, but via wheeling-and-dealing and the selective use of 'Bosman' free transfers. The results, initially at least, were unpromising. Season ]-] saw McLeish hamstrung by the departures of a series of players on well-paid contracts - and perhaps most significantly by the loss of his captain ] to ]. The quick-fix Bosmans proved inadequate compensation and the season was trophy-less. | |||
Frenchman ] replaced ] as manager after season 2005–06.<ref name="Le guen new manager">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/4791030.stm|title=Rangers name Le Guen as manager|work=BBC Sport|date=11 March 2006|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=Rangers have announced that Paul Le Guen will replace Alex McLeish as manager at the end of the season.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403020540/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/4791030.stm|archive-date=3 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The season started with an early exit from the ]<ref name="Rangers lose to st johnstone">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/6123792.stm|title=Rangers 0–2 St Johnstone|work=BBC Sport|date=8 November 2006|quote=St Johnstone recorded one of their finest results to stun Rangers at Ibrox and reach the CIS Cup semi-finals.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107172623/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/6123792.stm|archive-date=7 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> whilst Celtic built a commanding lead at the top of the table.<ref name="Celtic pile pressure on le guen">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/sep/24/match.celtic?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487|title=Gravesen piles pressure on Le Guen|work=The Observer|date=24 September 2006|author=Glenn, Patrick|quote=Until Gravesen gave the home side the lead there was a wariness about both sides, which betrayed the number of players on each side who were making their first appearance in the conflict. If Celtic were expected to be dominant – with Rangers reliant on the absorption of pressure and the counter-thrust – Gordon Strachan and his players would also be mindful of the four-point advantage they held over their great rivals and the need not to risk having it damaged.|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804055309/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2006/sep/24/match.celtic?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487|archive-date=4 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In the ], Rangers became the first Scottish side to qualify for the last 32 of the competition, since the introduction of the group phase, after finishing their group unbeaten.<ref name="Rangers quailfy from group stages">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/dec/15/match.rangers|title=Hutton sends Rangers clean through to Old Firm match|work=The Guardian|date=15 December 2006|access-date=22 April 2011|author=Murray, Ewan|quote=Paul Le Guen is satisfied his Rangers players will enter Sunday's Old Firm match in as positive a frame of mind as possible after they sealed the top qualifying position from Group A and secured a second consecutive clean sheet.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203154839/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2006/dec/15/match.rangers|archive-date=3 February 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> However, amid claims of disharmony between the manager and captain Barry Ferguson,<ref name="Disharmony">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6233959.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Clash of cultures|date=5 January 2007|author=Austin, Simon|quote=Paul Le Guen's relationship with Barry Ferguson was never likely to be a marriage made in heaven.<br />On one side was an authoritarian French manager used to having the final word and working with clean-living, tee-total players.<br />On the other was a passionate Scottish captain who enjoyed talisman status with the fans and liked to work hard and play hard.<br />There were reported to be differences between the duo soon after Le Guen took over at Ibrox seven months ago. And they came to the surface at a news conference before the last Old Firm derby on 17 December.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010103720/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6233959.stm|archive-date=10 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> it was announced on 4 January 2007 that Le Guen had left Rangers by mutual consent.<ref name="Le guen departures">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6231489.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Le Guen and Rangers part company|date=4 January 2007|quote=Rangers manager Paul Le Guen has left the club by mutual consent.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101011420/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6231489.stm|archive-date=1 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Walter Smith's return and Ally McCoist === | |||
Season ] - ] saw a further turnaround, again in the most dramatic of circumstances. The limited transfer resources at McLeish's disposal were put to much more effective use, as ], ] and ] were amongst the most notable of the recruits to the club. Boumsong, purchased on a 'free', would later leave the club in January 2005 to English Premiership side ] for £8m. That, however, paved the way for more signings including ] and the return of former captain ]. Those signings helped Rangers win the ], with victory over Motherwell. The league, however, appeared to have been lost, as Rangers handed a five-point lead to Celtic, with only four games of the season remaining. Faced with the need to win a final match at Hibernian, and hope that Celtic would fail to win away at Fir Park, Rangers secured a fifty-first championship as Motherwell overcame a 1-0 deficit with two goals in a memorable last ten minutes. | |||
On 10 January 2007, former boss ] resigned from his post as Scotland manager to return to the Ibrox helm, with Ally McCoist as ].<ref name="Smith return">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6233237.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Smith installed as Rangers boss|date=10 January 2007|quote=Walter Smith has quit as Scotland coach to become boss of Rangers for a second time after agreeing a three-year deal.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323053841/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6233237.stm|archive-date=23 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
], which Rangers contested]] | |||
Buoyed by the unexpected last-day triumph, Rangers headed for season ]-] with renewed vigour. But with the club's finances continuing to limit the resources available for player purchases and wages, the challenge of maintaining domestic supremacy, let alone mounting a sustained assault in Europe, remained a daunting one. | |||
The following season Rangers contested the ] after dropping into the competition from the ].<ref name="Rangers lose to lyon">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7134114.stm|title=Rangers 0–3 Lyon|work=BBC Sport|date=12 December 2007|author=Moffat, Colin|quote=Rangers crashed out of the Champions League and into the Uefa Cup with a disappointing home defeat to Lyon.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408184641/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7134114.stm|archive-date=8 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The club reached the final, defeating ], ], ] and Fiorentina along the way.<ref name="Rangers reach uefa cup final">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7398449.stm|title=Rangers & Zenit chase Uefa glory|work=BBC Sport|date=14 May 2008|quote=Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen and Fiorentina have been dispatched, along with Sporting since Rangers qualified via their position in the Champions League group stage.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017002004/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7398449.stm|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The final in ] against ], who were managed by former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat,<ref name="Advocaat says rangers shouldnt change for final">{{Cite web|title=Succescoach Advocaat wordt in Sint-Petersburg nooit vergeten|url=https://nos.nl/l/2236584|access-date=2021-02-10|website=nos.nl|date=15 June 2018 |language=nl}}</ref> ended in a 2–0 defeat.<ref name="Rangers lose uefa cup final">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2300507/Rangers-run-out-of-steam-as-Zenit-lift-Uefa-Cup.html|title=Rangers run out of steam as Zenit lift Uefa Cup|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=15 May 2008|author=Winter, Henry|author-link=Henry Winter|quote=Zenit St Petersburg (0) 2 Rangers (0) 0<br /> It is not only Scottish fuel stations that have been running on empty recently. The warning light began flashing on Rangers' tank midway through the second half last night, their exhausting schedule finally catching up with them, allowing a superior and fresher Zenit side to lift the Uefa Cup.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212035332/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2300507/Rangers-run-out-of-steam-as-Zenit-lift-Uefa-Cup.html|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> An estimated 200,000 supporters travelled to ] for the event,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/battle-of-piccadilly-953792|title=Battle of Piccadilly|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=19 April 2010|work=men|access-date=21 May 2018}}</ref> and the ] occurred. | |||
==Famous Players== | |||
Famous present or former players at Ibrox include: ], ], ],], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
The 2008–09 season saw Rangers recover from an early exit from the ] to ] of ].<ref name="Rangers lose to fc kanuas">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/football/08/05/champions.rangers/index.html|title=Rangers exit Champions League in Lithuania|work=CNN World Sport|publisher=CNN|date=5 August 2008|quote=Scottish giants Rangers slumped to a shock European exit when Linas Pilibaitis gave FBK Kaunas 2–1 an aggregate win in their Champions League second qualifying round tie in Lithuania.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024065004/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/football/08/05/champions.rangers/index.html|archive-date=24 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The club secured its 52nd league championship on the last day of the season with a 3–0 victory at Dundee United.<ref name="Rejuvenated rangers win title">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/5379355/Rejuvenated-Rangers-take-SPL-title-in-style-with-victory-at-Dundee-United.html|title=Rejuvenated Rangers take SPL title in style with victory at Dundee United|date=24 May 2009|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=20 August 2010|author=Forsyth, Roddy|quote=With the boundless relief and joie de vivre of a man who has been reprieved on the steps of the gallows and installed in a palace, Rangers produced a climactic performance to snatch their first championship since 2005 at sun-drenched Tannadice.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212035328/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/5379355/Rejuvenated-Rangers-take-SPL-title-in-style-with-victory-at-Dundee-United.html|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Rangers also successfully defended the Scottish Cup, defeating Falkirk 1–0 in the final.<ref name="Rangers beat falkirk">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/5413108/Rangers-1-Falkirk-0-Scottish-Cup-Final-2009-match-report.html|title=Rangers 1 Falkirk 0: Match report|date=30 May 2009|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=20 August 2010|author=Forsyth, Roddy|quote=Rangers completed the second stage of their Scottish league and cup double in the baking heat of Hampden Park on Saturday thanks to a glorious goal from Nacho Novo, with his first touch of the ball only seconds after arriving as a half-time substitute for Kris Boyd. But the favourites were made to sweat throughout – and not simply because of the sweltering conditions.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212035335/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/5413108/Rangers-1-Falkirk-0-Scottish-Cup-Final-2009-match-report.html|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The ] saw Rangers reach their fifth consecutive domestic final: against ] in the Scottish League Cup, the club overcame a two-men ] from ], a late deciding goal from ] securing the victory.<ref name="Rangers win cup with nine men">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/21/st-mirren-rangers-scottish-cup-final|title=Kenny Miller sees nine-man Rangers through to victory|date=21 March 2010|work=The Guardian|access-date=20 August 2010|last=Murray|first=Ewan|quote=It would, of course, be churlish not to recognise the winning mentality of a team who have lost just a single domestic fixture since Celtic lifted this trophy at their expense a year ago. Yet this win arrived in the most unlikely of circumstances, sealing the League Cup despite being down to nine men.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325102023/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/21/st-mirren-rangers-scottish-cup-final|archive-date=25 March 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> The league championship title was retained, with three matches remaining, at ], defeating Hibernian 1–0 with a ] goal. The ], Smith's final season in charge, saw Rangers retain the League Cup, defeating Celtic at Hampden with a ] goal in extra time.<ref name="Rangers prove doubters wrong">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/9429677.stm|title=Rangers happy to prove doubters wrong after Cup win|work=BBC Sport|date=20 March 2011|quote=Rangers manager Walter Smith described the Co-operative Insurance Cup final win over Celtic as one of his "best ever" victories.<br />Smith, coming to the end of his second spell in charge at Ibrox, clinched a 20th trophy as Rangers boss after the 2–1 extra-time win at Hampden.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010083901/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/9429677.stm|archive-date=10 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> A third consecutive title was won by beating ] 5–1 on the last day of the season, Smith's final match in charge of the club.<ref name="Smith's final match">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/9484609.stm|title=Kilmarnock 1 – 5 Rangers|date=16 May 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=16 May 2011|author=Moffat, Colin|quote=Rangers gave departing manager Walter Smith the perfect send-off as they wrapped up a third-consecutive Scottish Premier League title in style.<br />A blistering opening saw Kyle Lafferty net twice inside seven minutes, either side of a Steven Naismith strike.<br />Early in the second half, Nikica Jelavic smashed in a free kick and Lafferty completed his hat-trick with a composed finish.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713113455/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/9484609.stm|archive-date=13 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Past Managers== | |||
*] 1899 - 1920 | |||
*] 1920 - 1954 | |||
*] 1954 - 1967 | |||
*] 1967 - 1969 | |||
*] 1969 - 1972 | |||
*] (twice) 1972 - 1978 and 1983 - 1986 | |||
*] 1978 - 1983 | |||
*] 1986 - 1991 | |||
*] 1991 - 1998 | |||
*] 1998 - 2002 | |||
*] 2002 - Present | |||
Ally McCoist took over from Walter Smith in June 2011 but ] started with Rangers eliminated from two European competitions before the end of August: losing to Swedish side ] in the ] third round qualifying match,<ref name="Rangers lose to malmo">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/aug/03/malmo-rangers-champions-league-qualifying|title=Rangers crash out of Champions League after seeing red twice at Malmo|work=The Guardian|date=3 August 2011|quote=Rangers' Champions League hopes were shattered as they crashed out of the competition at the hands of Malmo after being reduced to nine men in the qualifier in Sweden. Steven Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra were both shown straight red cards, before Malmo's Ricardinho was also dismissed by the referee Vladislav Bezborodov at the Swedbank stadium|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804214249/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/03/malmo-rangers-champions-league-qualifying|archive-date=4 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> and to Slovenian side ] in a ] qualifying match.<ref name="Rangers lose to maribor">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14569511.stm|title=Rangers 1 – 1 NK Maribor (agg 2 – 3)|work=BBC Sport|date=25 August 2011|author=Campbell, Andy|quote=Rangers exited the Europa League as Maribor claimed an aggregate victory to progress to the group stages.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713115510/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14569511|archive-date=13 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> While good league form saw Rangers in top spot after being unbeaten for the first 15 games, they were knocked out of the ] by ]<ref name="Rangers go out of cup to falkirk">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15016733.stm|title=Ally McCoist fuming as Falkirk kids dump Rangers out of cup|work=BBC Sport|date=22 September 2011|quote=Manager Ally McCoist believes his Rangers players have only themselves to blame for their shock League Cup defeat by a very youthful Falkirk line-up.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614004930/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15016733|archive-date=14 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ] by ] at Ibrox.<ref name="Rangers lose to dundee utd in scottish cup">{{cite news|author=Campbell, Andy|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16778861|title=Rangers 0–2 Dundee Utd|work=BBC Sport|date=5 February 2012|access-date=12 April 2012|quote=Dundee United knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup with a deserved fifth-round victory at Ibrox.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302042219/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16778861|archive-date=2 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Rangers were placed into administration on 14 February 2012 resulting in the club being deducted 10 points as per SPL rules.<ref name="Rangers enter administration">{{cite news|title=Rangers' 10-point deduction confirmed by SPL|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17032099|date=14 February 2012|work=BBC Sport|quote=Rangers have been deducted 10 points after entering administration.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218103449/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17032099|archive-date=18 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Though Rangers avoided having Celtic win the championship at Ibrox on 25 March by winning the game 3–2, Rangers ultimately finished 20 points behind Celtic in second place.<ref name="Rangers deny celtic title win at parkhead">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17419735|work=BBC Sport|date=25 March 2012|title=Rangers 3–2 Celtic|author=Lindsay, Clive|quote=Reigning champions Rangers prevented the Scottish title being won on their own patch despite a dramatic late rally from nine-man runaway leaders Celtic.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115133803/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17419735|archive-date=15 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Insolvency and the lower leagues=== | |||
==Current Squad== | |||
On 1 June 2012, after four months in administration, a failure to reach a ] agreement with ]s led to The Rangers Football Club plc (since renamed <nowiki>RFC 2012</nowiki> plc)<ref name="RFC 2012 PLC">{{cite web|url=http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/SC004276|title=RFC 2012 P.L.C.|work=Companies House|publisher=UK Government|access-date=22 December 2012|quote=IncorporationDate 27/05/1899<br />PreviousNames<br />CONDate 31 July 2012<br />CompanyName THE RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB P.L.C.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101174610/http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/SC004276|archive-date=1 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> entering the process of liquidation.<ref> ''The Daily Telegraph''. Retrieved 26 March 2013.</ref> The administrators completed a sale of the business and assets to ], Sevco Scotland Ltd (which later renamed itself The Rangers Football Club Ltd), though most first-team players refused to transfer across.<ref name="Rangers company enters liquidation">{{cite web|url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/index.php/club/administrators-information/item/download/28_7fc3a3f0da9d1df61b3d05625e9468ef|title=Interim Report to Creditors|work=Duff and Phelps|publisher=Rangers F.C.|format=pdf|date=10 July 2012|quote=The continuation of trading operations enabled the Joint Administrators to put the CVA Proposal to the creditors of the Company and after the CVA Proposal was rejected by creditors, the Joint Administrators were able to secure a going concern sale of the business, history and assets of the Company to Sevco|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827020746/http://www.rangers.co.uk/index.php/club/administrators-information/item/download/28_7fc3a3f0da9d1df61b3d05625e9468ef|archive-date=27 August 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=31 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="Lord Nimmo Smith Commission">{{cite web|url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/commission-decision-2013-02-28/mediaassets/doc/Commission%20Decision%2028%2002%202013.pdf|title=Lord Nimmo Smith Commission|publisher=Scottish Professional Football League|date=28 February 2013|quote=On 14 June 2012 a newly incorporated company, Sevco Scotland Limited, purchased substantially all the business and assets of Oldco, including Rangers FC, by entering into an asset sale and purchase agreement with the joint administrators.|access-date=25 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219023336/http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/commission-decision-2013-02-28/mediaassets/doc/Commission%20Decision%2028%2002%202013.pdf|archive-date=19 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The new company failed to secure the transfer of Rangers' previous place in the Scottish Premier League,<ref name="Newco refused spl admission">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18703183|title=Rangers newco refused SPL entry after chairmen vote|work=BBC Sport|date=4 July 2012|access-date=20 December 2012|quote=BBC Scotland has learned that 10 of the 12 clubs were in opposition, with Kilmarnock abstaining and Rangers voting in favour.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114102205/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18703183|archive-date=14 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> but were later accepted into the ]. Rangers were awarded associate membership and placed in the lowest division, the Third, rather than the First Division as the SPL and SFA had sought.<ref> Daily Record, 13 July 2012.</ref> The transfer of Rangers' SFA membership was agreed by the SFA upon acceptance of a number of conditions, including a one-year transfer ban, in time for the club to begin the ].<ref name="SFA membership transferred">{{cite web|title=Agreement on Transfer of Membership|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=2986&newsID=10252&newsCategoryID=1|date=27 July 2012|publisher=Scottish Football Association|access-date=30 July 2012|quote=We are pleased to confirm that agreement has been reached on all outstanding points relating to the transfer of the Scottish FA membership between Rangers FC (In Administration), and Sevco Scotland Ltd, who will be the new owners of The Rangers Football Club.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802012743/http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=2986&newsID=10252&newsCategoryID=1|archive-date=2 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===]=== | |||
{| | |||
With most key Rangers players having refused to transfer to the new company, a very different Rangers team lined up for the first league match in the ] though it secured a comfortable 5–1 victory over ] in front of a crowd of 49,118, a ] for a football match in a fourth tier league.<ref name="World record fourth tier attendance">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/fourthtier-rangers-shatter-world-record-20120819-24gfv.html|title=Fourth-tier Rangers shatter world record|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=19 August 2012|access-date=19 August 2012|quote=Rangers manager Ally McCoist paid tribute to the troubled club's fans after 49,118 packed into Ibrox to watch Saturday's 5–1 thrashing of East Stirling, a world record attendance for fourth-tier football.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207051918/http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/fourthtier-rangers-shatter-world-record-20120819-24gfv.html|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|However this attendance was unofficially exceeded prior to this match in Brazil. But this attendance was not officially recorded.<ref name="Unofficial record">{{cite web|url=http://www.rsssfbrasil.com/miscellaneous/attbrasd.htm|title=Best attendances of Brazilian Championship of 4th Level|publisher=RSSSF Brasil|access-date=22 August 2012|quote=1 Santa Cruz (PE) 0 × 0 Treze (PB), 59.966, 16/10/2011, Estádio do Arruda|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802222417/http://www.rsssfbrasil.com/miscellaneous/attbrasd.htm|archive-date=2 August 2012|url-status=live|language=pt}}</ref>|group="n"}} Away from home, Rangers started their league campaign with three successive draws before losing 1–0 to ], at the time the bottom club in the country.<ref name="Rangers away form poor in 3rd division">{{cite news|title=Stirling Albion 1–0 Rangers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19857024|date=6 October 2012|work=BBC Sport|quote=Rangers suffered a shock first loss in the Third Division after crashing to defeat against bottom side Stirling Albion.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116003707/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19857024|archive-date=16 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Rangers were defeated in the third round of the ] by ] at Ibrox,<ref name="Rangers beat by queen of south in cup">{{cite news|title=Ramsdens Cup: Rangers 2–2 Queen of the South (3–4 pens)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19629218|author=Lindsay, Clive|work=BBC Sport|date=18 September 2012|access-date=18 September 2012|quote=Rangers made a shock exit in the Ramsdens Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat by Queen of the South at Ibrox.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109014656/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19629218|archive-date=9 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> in the quarter-finals of the ] at home to ]<ref name="Rangers out of cup to inverness caley">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20053656|title=Rangers 0–3 Inverness Caley Thistle|work=BBC Sport|author=Lamont, Alasdair|author-link=Alasdair Lamont|date=31 October 2012|quote=Inverness Caledonian Thistle advanced to the semi-finals of the Scottish Communities League Cup for the first time with an ultimately comfortable defeat of Rangers.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123063304/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20053656|archive-date=23 November 2012|url-status=live|access-date=4 November 2012}}</ref> and in the fifth round of the ] by Dundee United.<ref> BBC, 2 February 2013.</ref> Rangers beat their own new record against ] with an attendance of 49,463<ref name="Rangers beat there own 4th tier world record">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/match/2012/oct/20/rangers-v-queenspark|title=Rangers v Queen's Park Match facts|work=The Guardian|date=20 October 2012|access-date=22 December 2012|quote=Attendance 49,463|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420210303/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/2012/oct/20/rangers-v-queenspark|archive-date=20 April 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and again against Stirling Albion with an attendance of 49,913.<ref name="Rangers beat their record again">{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/272760/form|title=THE IRN-BRU SCOTTISH THIRD DIVISION|publisher=Sky Sports|date=8 December 2012|access-date=22 December 2012|quote=IBROX STADIUM (ATT 49,913)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104172538/http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/272760/form|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
! width="25" align="right" |1. | |||
Rangers clinched the ] title on 30 March after a goalless draw at ]. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
Apart from being defeated 2–1 by ] in the first round of the ] on 3 August, ] got off to an excellent start with Rangers winning maximum league points in their first 15 games in ], before being held to a draw at home by ] on Boxing Day 2013. Rangers secured the ] title and promotion to ] on 12 March 2014 and went on to end the season unbeaten in league football.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413141212/http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/rangers/268342-rangers-clinch-scottish-league-1-title-after-3-0-win-over-airdrieonians/ |date=13 April 2014 }} stv.tv. Retrieved 10 April 2014.</ref> Rangers also reached the final of the ], in which they lost to ]<ref> BBC. Retrieved 10 April 2014.</ref> and the semi-final of the ], in which they lost 3–1 at Ibrox to Dundee United. | |||
Playing in the ] in ] provided Rangers with a more difficult challenge, with the club losing home and away to both Hibernian<ref> BBC, 29 September 2014.</ref><ref> BBC.co.uk 27 December 2014.</ref> and Hearts<ref> BBC, 10 August 2014.</ref><ref> BBC, 22 November 2014.</ref> and also losing away to Queen of the South<ref> BBC, 12 December 2014.</ref> in the first half of the season. Rangers also failed to beat Alloa either home or away in the league before losing 3–2 to Alloa in the semi-final of the ].<ref> BBC 9 December 2014.</ref> Amid mounting criticism,<ref> Skysports, 17 December 2014.</ref> McCoist submitted his resignation intending to honour his 12 months notice period but was placed on ] and replaced by ] on a caretaker basis.<ref> BBC News 21 December 2014.</ref> McDowall remained in charge for just three months before resigning in March 2015. During his time in charge, Rangers won just three matches. Rangers then named former player ] as their third manager of the season for the remaining fixtures.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31839589|title = Rangers: Stuart McCall appointed manager until summer|date = 12 March 2015|access-date = 9 May 2015|work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Under McCall, Rangers finished third in the league and then reached the Premiership play-off final, which they lost 6–1 on aggregate to Motherwell.<ref> – BBC Sport, 31 May 2015.</ref> | |||
===Warburton, Premiership return, Caixinha and Murty=== | |||
In June 2015, it was announced that ] had been appointed as manager on a three-year deal.<ref>{{ cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/15/rangers-appoint-mark-warburton-manager | title=Rangers appoint Mark Warburton as manager on three-year contract | location=London| work=The Guardian| date=15 June 2015}}</ref> Rangers went on to win the ] and automatic promotion to the ], ending their four-year stint in the lower divisions. The club also reached the ], beating Old Firm rivals ] in the semi-final at Hampden,<ref>{{cite news|title=Rangers in Scottish Cup Final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36008631 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> before losing to Hibernian in the final.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36292302|title=Scottish Cup final: Rangers 2–3 Hibernian|work=BBC Sport|first=Richard|last=Wilson}}</ref> After a poor first half of the 2016–17 season, ] and ] left Rangers on 10 February 2017, and ] was placed in caretaker control of the Rangers first team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/club-statement-74/ |title=Club Statement |publisher=Rangers F.C. |date=10 February 2017 |access-date=10 February 2017 |archive-date=16 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216223001/https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/club-statement-74/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rangers: Mark Warburton replaced as manager ahead of Scottish Cup tie|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38939432|work=BBC Sport |access-date=11 February 2017|date=10 February 2017}}</ref> ] eventually took over as permanent manager. | |||
Caixinha's first full season started with Rangers suffering one of the worst results in their history. After winning 1–0 at Ibrox, Rangers ] to ] minnows ], resulting in Rangers being knocked out 2–1 on aggregate in the ] of the ]. Progrès had never before won a tie and had only ever scored once before in European competition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40475647 |title=Progres Niederkorn 2–0 Rangers (agg 2–1) |work=BBC Sport |access-date=4 July 2017 |date=4 July 2017}}</ref> After that disappointing start to the season the form did not improve, with notable results including a 2–0 reverse to Celtic at home in the league<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41290216|title=Rangers 0–2 Celtic|work=BBC Sport|date=23 September 2017|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref> and defeat to Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup semi-final by the same scoreline.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41683732|title=Rangers 0–2 Motherwell|work=BBC Sport|date=22 October 2017|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref> On 26 October, a day after a 95th-minute equaliser at Ibrox by last-placed Kilmarnock saw Rangers draw 1–1, Caixinha was sacked and ] took over as caretaker manager again. The Portuguese manager's reign was described as "a desperate mess from start to finish".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41762385|title=Rangers: Pedro Caixinha sacked as manager after board meeting|work=BBC Sport|date=26 October 2017|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref> | |||
In late December, after a search for a more experienced manager proved unsuccessful, including a failed attempt to appoint Aberdeen manager ], Murty (who had won back-to-back games over Aberdeen<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=485845 |title=Rangers back to winning ways with comfortable victory over Aberdeen |website=ESPN|date=29 November 2017 |access-date=22 December 2017 }}</ref><ref name=rehearsal>{{cite news|title=Aberdeen 1 Rangers 2: Derek McInnes remains favourite for Ibrox job despite losing dress rehearsal at Pittodrie|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/12/03/aberdeen-1-rangers-2derek-mcinnes-remains-favourite-ibrox-job/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/12/03/aberdeen-1-rangers-2derek-mcinnes-remains-favourite-ibrox-job/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|last=Forsyth|first=Roddy|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|date=3 December 2017|access-date=22 December 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and also defeated Hibernian away from home<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42244866|title=Hibernian 1–2 Rangers|work=BBC Sport|date=13 December 2017|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref> during his interim spell) was appointed to the role until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42457229|title=Graeme Murty: Rangers appoint interim boss as manager for rest of season|work=BBC Sport|date=22 December 2017|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref> On 1 May 2018, Murty's second spell in charge ended prematurely when he was sacked as manager following a 5–0 defeat to Celtic which resulted in Celtic winning their 7th consecutive league title.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43961178|title=Rangers: Graeme Murty sacked as manager|work=BBC Sport|date=1 May 2018|access-date=4 May 2018}}</ref> Rangers again ended the season in 3rd place, behind Celtic and Aberdeen for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/scotland/premier-league/20172018/2nd-phase/r41507/|title=Scottish Premiership 2nd Phase|work=Soccerway|access-date=15 May 2018}}</ref> | |||
===The Gerrard era=== | |||
On 4 May 2018, former ] and ] captain ] was confirmed as the new manager of Rangers on a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/steven-gerrard-confirmed-as-manager/|title=Steven Gerrard Confirmed As Manager|publisher=Rangers.co.uk|date=4 May 2018|access-date=4 May 2018}}</ref> Gerrard's era started successfully with Rangers remaining unbeaten in their first 12 games, clinching a place in the UEFA Europa League group stage in the process.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45342102|title=FC Ufa 1 : 1 Rangers|publisher=BBC|date=30 August 2018|access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref> However, Rangers were then defeated by Celtic in the first Old Firm match of the season,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45312088|title=Celtic 1 : 0 Rangers|publisher=BBC|date=2 September 2018|access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref> and the following month were eliminated from the League Cup by Aberdeen.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45934006|title=Aberdeen 1: 0 Rangers|publisher=BBC|date=28 October 2018|access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref> On 29 December, Rangers defeated Celtic at Ibrox to inflict ]' first defeat in 13 Old Firm games; Rangers first win over Celtic since a Scottish Cup victory in April 2016 and their first league win over Celtic since March 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46656785|title=Rangers 1-0 Celtic|publisher=BBC|date=29 December 2018|access-date=30 December 2018}}</ref> Aberdeen knocked Rangers out of a cup for the second time in the season after securing a 2–0 victory in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on 12 March 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47450648|title=Rangers 0-2 Aberdeen|publisher=BBC|date=12 March 2019|access-date=12 March 2019}}</ref> | |||
The 2019–20 season began with Rangers again qualifying for the UEFA Europa League group stage before losing 2–0 to Celtic at Ibrox in the first Old Firm match of the season on 1 September. The following day, the club signed ] from Liverpool for £7 million. Rangers reached the final of the League Cup, but despite a dominant performance, were beaten 1–0 by Celtic.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50672183 |title=Rangers 0:1 Celtic |publisher=BBC |date=8 December 2019 |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> On 12 December, Rangers progressed to the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 as group runners-up after a 1–1 draw with ] which secured European football beyond Christmas for the first time since the 2010–11 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50672304 |title=Rangers 1-1 Young Boys |publisher=BBC |date=12 December 2019 |access-date=12 December 2019}}</ref> On 29 December, Rangers beat Celtic 2–1 at Celtic Park, their first win at their arch rival's stadium since October 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50882543 |title=Celtic 1-2 Rangers |publisher=BBC |date=29 December 2019 |access-date=29 December 2019}}</ref> However, a slump in form thereafter, including losing to Hearts in the Scottish Cup and Hamilton in the league within five days, left Rangers 13 points adrift of Celtic a week into March.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51772454 |title=Rangers: Steven Gerrard aims to arrest form slump and quell fans' anger |publisher=BBC |date=7 December 2019 |access-date=7 December 2019}}</ref> However, all professional football in Scotland was suspended later that month due to the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus in Scotland: Which Scottish events have been cancelled due to COVID-19? |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18304715.coronavirus-scotland-scottish-events-cancelled-due-covid-19/ |access-date=16 March 2020 |work=Herald Scotland |date=14 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=McDermott |first=Scott |title=Celtic and Rangers title spat shows SPFL must consider the null and void elephant in the room |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-rangers-title-spat-shows-21852483 |access-date=13 April 2020 |work=Daily Record |date=12 April 2020}}</ref> On 18 May 2020, the SPFL officially ended the season, and Celtic were awarded the league title which was determined by points per game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/ladbrokes-premiership-and-spfl-season-201920-cur |title=Ladbrokes Premiership and SPFL Season 2019/20 curtailed {{!}} SPFL |access-date=2021-02-10|website=spfl.co.uk}}</ref> | |||
On 7 March 2021, Rangers won the league title for the first time in ten years,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/rangers/story/4331641/steven-gerrard-steers-rangers-to-first-scottish-title-in-10-years |title=Steven Gerrard steers Rangers to first Scottish title in 10 years |website=ESPN |date=7 March 2021 }}</ref> going on to end the league campaign undefeated, with a club record 102 points.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://talksport.com/football/881323/rangers-lift-scottish-premiership-title-gerrard-fans-celebrate-ibrox/ |title=INVINCIBLES Rangers finally lift Scottish Premiership title and THOUSANDS of fans celebrate outside Ibrox as Steven Gerrard's side complete unbeaten season |website=talksport.com |date=15 May 2021 }}</ref> | |||
=== Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Europa League Final and Michael Beale return === | |||
Midway through the 2021–22 season, Steven Gerrard left Rangers for ], and was replaced by former Rangers midfielder ] on 11 November 2021. He led Rangers to their first European final in fourteen years, beating ], ], ] and ] on the way to facing ] in the ]. He also took the club to their first ] final in six years, in which they beat ].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rangers beat Hearts in extra time to win Scottish Cup |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61447048 |access-date=2022-05-23}}</ref> | |||
In the 2022–23 season, Rangers qualified for the ] for the first time since the ]. They went on to lose all six group matches against ], ], and ] with only two goals scored and a −20 goal difference overall, setting the worst performance in a Champions League group stage, surpassing ]'s −19 goal difference in the ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Church |first1=Ben |title=Six losses and 22 goals conceded: Glasgow Rangers suffers worst Champions League group stage campaign in tournament history |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/02/football/rangers-champions-league-worst-record-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=3 November 2022 |work=CNN |date=2 November 2022}}</ref> Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked on 21 November 2022, after also falling nine points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Van Bronckhorst sacked as Rangers manager |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63535011 |access-date=2023-10-08}}</ref> Michael Beale, a coach under previous manager Steven Gerrard, succeeded van Bronckhorst on 28 November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rangers Confirm Michael Beale as Manager |url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/Article/rangers-confirm-michael-beale-as-manager/78EvJ6oEQDnXMpW19wJApY |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.rangers.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> After a winning start, Beale had turned around results quickly; however, they lost out in both cup competitions against Celtic and finished the ] seven points behind their rivals. After a summer rebuild, Rangers lost on the opening day of the ] to Kilmarnock; their hopes of qualifying for that seasons Champions League was also crushed after losing to ]. Beale was sacked as manager on 1 October 2023, the defeat to Aberdeen at Ibrox the culmination of a very poor run of results. | |||
==Crest and colours== | |||
===Crest=== | |||
Unusually for a football club, Rangers have two different official ]. Today the original scroll crest appears on the club's strips whereas the ] club crest is used by the media, on club merchandise and on official club documents. Both crests have undergone minor variations since their introduction. It is believed that the scroll crest, representing the letters ''RFC'' overlapping, has been used since the club's formation in 1872, although the oldest remaining piece of memorabilia containing this crest is from the 1881–82 season. The scroll crest was replaced in 1959 with the lion rampant club crest which featured a lion rampant, an old-style football and the club's motto ''Ready'', which was shortened from ''Aye Ready'' (meaning ''Always Ready'' in ]), all surrounded by the team name, ''Rangers Football Club''. The lion rampant club crest was modernised in 1968; the lion rampant, team name, club motto and old style football all remained. It was again updated slightly in the early 1990s and then once more in 2020 to the current version. The modern circular crest is regularly used on club merchandise and by the media; it has never featured prominently on the club strip. In 1968 the scroll crest made a return appearing on the chest of the club shirt for the first time while the modernised club crest was still the club's official logo. The scroll crest first appeared on the teams shorts for the start of the 1978–79 season.<ref name="Rangers Crest Badges">{{cite web|url=http://www.danburymint.co.uk/index.php?act=product&product_id=4250&cat_id=&mediacode=&kiks_code=|title=The Badges of Rangers Football Club|publisher=Danbury Mint|access-date=21 January 2013|quote=The earliest badge featured the celebrated RFC scroll crest believed to have been used since 1872. Then there's the lion rampant and the club motto 'READY', which have appeared on Rangers' badges since 1959. Finally, see the evolution into the current badge, with the famous blue, white and red colours.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731205721/http://www.danburymint.co.uk/index.php?act=product&product_id=4250&cat_id=&mediacode=&kiks_code=|archive-date=31 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rangers Crest History">{{cite web|url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/club/history/crest|title=The Rangers Crest|publisher=Rangers F.C.|access-date=21 January 2013|quote=Although the 'RFC' Scroll Crest was omitted in 1959 it made a welcome return in 1968 when it was placed on the club's home jersey for the very first time. It was later added to the shorts a decade later for the start of the 1978–79 season.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123011856/http://www.rangers.co.uk/club/history/crest|archive-date=23 January 2013}}</ref> | |||
<gallery widths="180" heights="180" class="center"> | |||
File:Rangers FC logo (since 2020).png|alt=The current lion rampant club crest. Never appeared on the shirt|The current lion rampant club crest. Never appeared on the shirt. | |||
</gallery> | |||
The way the scroll crest has appeared on the club shirt has varied slightly through the years. Between 1990 and 1994 'Rangers Football Club' and the 'Ready' motto appeared above and below the Crest respectively. Between 1997 and 1999 the scroll crest featured within a shield. After a successful end to the ], which delivered Rangers a ] and their 50th league title; ] were added to the top of the scroll crest, one for every ten titles won by the club. The team wore a special crest on 8 December 2012 in a home league match against Stirling Albion, to commemorate the 140th anniversary of their formation. '1872–2012' appeared above the scroll crest with the words '140 years' featuring below.<ref name="Rangers Crest Gersnet">{{cite web|url=http://www.therangersarchive.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=261&Itemid=326|title=The Rangers Crest|publisher=Gersnet Online|access-date=21 January 2013|quote=From 1990 to 1994 'Rangers Football Club' and the 'Ready' motto were placed above and below the Crest respectively. In 1997–98 the Crest was placed in a shield but perhaps the most significant change was before the start of the 2003/04 campaign. Having clinched their 50th League Championship, a year in which Rangers secured a domestic Treble, the Club decided to add five stars above the Scoll Crest, one for every ten titles won.}}</ref><ref name="Rangers home historical kits" /> | |||
<gallery widths="180" heights="180" class="center" caption="Kit crest history"> | |||
File:ScrollCrestRangersF.C.svg|alt=Scroll crest, appeared on the chest of the Rangers shirt 1968–present.|<div style="text-align:center;">Scroll crest, appeared on the chest of the Rangers shirt since 1968</div> | |||
File:Rangers FC scroll crest 1990-95.png|<div style="text-align:center;">Scroll crest version with banner and 'Ready' motto, worn on shirts between 1990 and 1995</div> | |||
File:StarScrollCrestRangersFC.svg|alt=Scroll crest with five stars, worn on the Rangers shirt 2003–present.|<div style="text-align:center;">Scroll crest with five stars, worn on the Rangers shirt since 2003</div> | |||
</gallery> | |||
===Colours=== | |||
The club ] of Rangers F.C. are royal blue, white and red. However, for the majority of the first forty-eight years of Rangers existence the club played in a plain lighter blue home shirt. The only deviation from this was a four-season period from 1879 when the side wore the lighter shade of blue and white in a hooped style. Traditionally this is accompanied by white shorts (often with royal blue and/or red trim) and black socks with red turn-downs. Rangers moved from the lighter shade of blue to royal blue in 1921, and have had a royal blue home shirt every year since. Black socks were first included in 1883 for five seasons before disappearing for eight years but became a more permanent fixture from 1896 onwards. When the red turn-downs were added to the socks in 1904, the strip began to look more like the modern day Rangers home kit. Occasionally the home kit will be altered by the shorts and socks, sometimes replacing the black socks with white ones; or replacing the white shorts and black socks combination with royal blue shorts and socks.<ref name="Rangers home historical kits">{{cite web|url=http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Rangers/Rangers.htm|title=Rangers|work=Historical Football Kits|publisher=Dave Moor|access-date=17 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624074927/http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Rangers/Rangers.htm|archive-date=24 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The basic design of Rangers away strips has changed far more than the traditional home strip. Rangers original change strip, used between 1876 and 1879, was all white featuring blue and white hooped socks and a light blue ] on the chest. White and red have been the most common colours for Rangers alternate strips, though dark and light blue have also featured highly. In 1994 Rangers introduced a ]. This is usually worn if both the home and away kits clash with their opponents. The colours used in the third kits have included combinations of white, red, dark and light blue as well as black.<ref name="Rangers away historical kits">{{cite web|url=http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Rangers/Rangers-change-kits.html|title=Rangers Change Kits|work=Historical Football Kits|publisher=Dave Moor|access-date=24 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913081516/http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Rangers/Rangers-change-kits.html|archive-date=13 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Orange and blue change strips, first seen in 1993–94,<ref name="Rangers away historical kits" /> worn once in 2002–03<ref name = "2018–19 kits">{{cite news|title=Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership 2018–2019|url=http://historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/season/2018-2019/premiership.html|access-date=12 July 2018|work=Historical Football Kits|publisher=Dave Moor}}</ref> and reintroduced in 2018–19<ref name="2018–19 kits" /> and 2022–23,<ref name="Rangers 22-23 Third Kit Released">{{cite news|title=Rangers 22-23 Third Kit Released|work=footyheadlines.com|publisher=Footy Headlines|accessdate=19 May 2022|url=https://www.footyheadlines.com/2022/05/rangers-22-23-third-kit-released.html|date=10 May 2022}}</ref> have caused controversy because the colours were seen as referencing the ].<ref name="2018–19 kits" /> | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" | |||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="7"|Selection of Rangers kits through history<ref name="Rangers home historical kits" /> | |||
! width="25" align="right" |22. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_hoops_white|leftarm=0033FF|body=0033FF|rightarm=0033FF|shorts=FFFFFF|socks=0033FF|alt=The blue shirt, white shorts and blue & white hooped socks. Worn 1873–1879.|title=<div style="text-align:center;">The blue shirt, white shorts and blue & white hooped socks. Worn 1873–1879.</div>}} | |||
! width="25" align="right" |23. | |||
|{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_redtop|leftarm=FFFFFF|body=FFFFFF|rightarm=FFFFFF|shorts=000000|socks=000000|alt=A change kit featuring a white top. Worn 1916–1918, 1921–1932 and 1933–1934.|title=<div style="text-align:center;">A change kit featuring a white top. Worn 1916–1918, 1921–1932 and 1933–1934.</div>}} | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=|leftarm=0033FF|body=0033FF|rightarm=0033FF|shorts=FFFFFF|socks=000000|alt=The blue shirt, white shorts and black socks. Worn 1883–1888 and 1896–1904.|title=<div style="text-align:center;">The blue shirt, white shorts and black socks. Worn 1883–1888 and 1896–1904.</div>}} | |||
|] | |||
|{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=_collarwhite|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_redtop|leftarm=0000FF|body=0000FF|rightarm=0000FF|shorts=FFFFFF|socks=000000|alt=The royal blue shirt with white collar and black socks with red tops. Worn 1921–1957.|title=<div style="text-align:center;">The royal blue shirt with white collar and black socks with red tops. Worn 1921–1957.</div>}} | |||
|{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_whitetop|leftarm=0000FF|body=0000FF|rightarm=0000FF|shorts=FFFFFF|socks=FF0000|alt=The royal blue shirt and red socks with white tops. Worn 1968–1973.|title=<div style="text-align:center;">The royal blue shirt and red socks with white tops. Worn 1968–1973 and 2012–2013.</div>}} | |||
|{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_redtop|leftarm=0000FF|body=0000FF|rightarm=0000FF|shorts=FFFFFF|socks=000000|alt=The royal blue shirt and black socks with red tops. Worn 1958–1968 and 1973–1978.|title=<div style="text-align:center;">The royal blue shirt and black socks with red tops. Worn 1958–1968 and 1973–1978.</div>}} | |||
|} | |||
===Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors=== | |||
Since 1978 when Rangers signed a deal with ] they have had a specific kit manufacturer and since 1984 have had a kit sponsor. The following tables detail Rangers' shirt sponsors and kit suppliers by year: | |||
{{clear right}} | |||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width: 25%; text-align: centr; margin-left:1em; float: left" | |||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan=3 | Kit suppliers<ref name="Rangers home historical kits" /> | |||
! width="25" align="right" |44. | |||
|- | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
! scope="col" |Period | |||
|] | |||
! scope="col" |Supplier | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |1978–1990 | |||
| ] | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |1990–1992 | |||
| ] | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |1992–1997 | |||
| ] | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |1997–2002 | |||
| ] | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2002–2005 | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+Diadora+in+Gers+kit+deal.-a083572595| title=Diadora in Gers kit deal| work=The Mirror | first=Kenny |last=Ross| date=8 March 2002}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2005–2013 | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/rangers-secure-new-163-6-5m-kit-deal-1-738260| title=Rangers secure new £6.5m kit deal| work=The Scotsman| date=4 March 2005}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2013–2018 | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite news| url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/3459-rangers-announce-new-kit-deal| title=Rangers Announce New Kit Deal| publisher=Rangers F.C.| date=28 February 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214151755/http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/3459-rangers-announce-new-kit-deal| archive-date=14 February 2015| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-21621106| title=Rangers Football Club sign kit deal with Puma|work=BBC News | date=28 February 2013}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2018–2020 | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite news| url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/rangers-announce-new-kit-deal-with-hummel/| title=Rangers Announce New Kit Deal With Hummel| publisher=Rangers F.C.| date=20 April 2018}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2020–present | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite news| url=https://castore.com/uk/castore-x-rangers-partnership/| title=CASTORE X RANGERS PARTNERSHIP| publisher=Castore| date=15 May 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
|} | |||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width: 25%; text-align: centr; margin-left:1em; float: left" | |||
|- | |||
! colspan=2 | Front of shirt sponsors<ref name="Rangers home historical kits" /> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="col" |Period | |||
! scope="col" |Sponsor | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |1984–1987 | |||
| CR Smith<ref name=share>{{ cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/25/newsstory.sport1| title=Old Firm pair to share sponsor| work=The Guardian| date=25 February 1999|access-date=16 September 2017}}</ref><ref name=double>{{ cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/premiership/magners-shirt-cash-for-celtic-ends-old-firm-double-deals-1-2727282| title=Magners shirt cash for Celtic ends Old Firm double deals| work=The Scotsman| date=9 January 2013|access-date=16 September 2017}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |1987–1999 | |||
| ]<ref name=share/><ref name=double/> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |1999–2003 | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23732888.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329175146/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23732888.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=29 March 2015| title=Old Firm are united in £13m shirt deal| work=The Herald |first=Rob |last=Robertson| date=20 March 1999}}</ref><ref name=share/> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2003–2010 | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/fmcg/carling-to-sponsor-old-firm/82408.article| title=Carling to sponsor Old Firm| publisher=thegrocer.co.uk| date=3 January 2003}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2010–2013 | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8495426.stm| title=Celtic & Rangers sign sponsorship deal with Tennent's| work=BBC Sport| date=3 February 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/celtic/209075-celtic-announce-shirt-sponsorship-deal-with-magners/| title=Celtic and Rangers confirm end of joint sponsorship deals after 14 years| publisher=STV Sport| date=9 January 2013| access-date=14 February 2015| archive-date=4 March 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025516/http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/celtic/209075-celtic-announce-shirt-sponsorship-deal-with-magners/| url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2013–2014 | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite web| url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/3467-blackthorn-deal-announced| title=Blackthorn Deal Announced| publisher=Rangers F.C.| date=1 March 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007175513/http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/3467-blackthorn-deal-announced| archive-date=7 October 2014| df=dmy-all}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2014–2023 | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite web| url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/6754-gers-agree-shirt-deal-with-32red| title=Gers Agree Shirt Deal With 32Red| publisher=Rangers F.C.| date=14 April 2014| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415020359/http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/6754-gers-agree-shirt-deal-with-32red| archive-date=15 April 2014| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/32red-shirt-sponsorship-confirmed/| title=32Red Shirt Sponsorship Confirmed| publisher=Rangers F.C. | date=14 June 2017}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2023–present | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite web| url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/kindred-highlights-its-zero-mission-with-new-rangers-kit-branding/6csTmgbTi6qu0y5qaMnCNq| title=KINDRED HIGHLIGHTS ITS ZERO % MISSION WITH NEW RANGERS KIT BRANDING| publisher=Rangers F.C.| date=9 June 2023 }}</ref><ref>phttps://www.kindredgroup.com/media/press-releases/2017/kindred-group-completes-the-acquisition-of-32red/ In June 2017, 32Red was purchased by ] for £175.6 million, Unibet was already a subsidiary of the Group, having been purchased a year earlier.</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width: 25%; text-align: centr; margin-left:1em; float: left" | |||
===]=== | |||
{| | |||
! width="25" align="right" |2. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan=3 | Back of shirt sponsors<ref name="Rangers home historical kits" /> | |||
! width="25" align="right" |3. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
! |
! scope="col" |Period | ||
! scope="col" |Sponsor | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
! scope="col" |Position | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| scope="row" |2017–2020 | |||
! width="25" align="right" |12. | |||
| ]<ref>{{ cite news | url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/club/utilita-re-energises-rangers/ | title=Utilita Re-Energises Rangers | publisher=Rangers F.C. | date=5 August 2017}}</ref> | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
| Top | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
! width="25" align="right" |15. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] - looks certain to leave for a new club for 2005/06 season | |||
|- | |||
! width="25" align="right" |16. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] - still some debate as to whether the player is returning to Panathanaikos or not | |||
|- | |- | ||
| scope="row" |2020–2021 | |||
! width="25" align="right" |20. | |||
| The Energy Check<ref>{{ cite news | url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/club/rangers-announce-the-energy-check-as-new-official-club-partner | title=Rangers announce The Energy Check as new official club partner | publisher=Rangers F.C. | date=21 June 2020}}</ref> | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
| Bottom | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| scope="row" |2020–present | |||
! width="25" align="right" |21. | |||
| SEKO Logistics<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/Article/seko-logistics-announced-as-official-logistics-partner/ | title=Seko Logistics Announced As Official Logistics Partner | publisher=Rangers F.C. | date=27 July 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
| Top | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| scope="row" |2021–2022 | |||
! width="25" align="right" |35. | |||
| Sportemon Go<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/nft-platform-is-rangers-new-back-of-shirt-sponsor-as-energy-firm-checks-out/|title=NFT platform is Rangers' new back-of-shirt sponsor as energy firm checks out | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|date=21 June 2022|website=Sportbusiness}}</ref> | |||
|] | |||
| Bottom | |||
|- | |- | ||
| scope="row" |2022–2023 | |||
! width="25" align="right" |37. | |||
| Socomec<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-partnership-with-socomec/69jGAfPcxWlVaamsaHn47|title=Rangerz Announce partnership with Socomec|date=21 June 2022|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
| Bottom | |||
|] | |||
|} | |||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width: 25%; text-align: centr; margin-left:1em; float: left" | |||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan=3 | Sleeve sponsors<ref name="Rangers home historical kits" /> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="col" |Period | |||
! scope="col" |Sponsor | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2020–2022 | |||
| Tomket Tires<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/tomket-tires-announced-as-new-sleeve-partner/K4takbE8FZVoOMCJ0mcQH|title=Tomket Tires announced as new sleeve partner|date=28 July 2020|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website|access-date=28 July 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728185943/https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/tomket-tires-announced-as-new-sleeve-partner/K4takbE8FZVoOMCJ0mcQH|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| scope="row" |2022–present | |||
| BOXT<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-confirm-boxt-as-official-sleeve-partner/2F1je7mpLKRZRQPeCdBHpn|title=Rangers Confirm BOXT As Official Sleeve Partner|date=9 May 2022|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
|} | |} | ||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width: 25%; text-align: centr; margin-left:1em; float: left" | |||
===]=== | |||
{| | |||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan=3 | Shorts sponsors<ref name="Rangers home historical kits" /> | |||
! width="25" align="right" |6. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
! |
! scope="col" |Period | ||
! scope="col" |Sponsor | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| scope="row" |2023–present | |||
| AIM Building & Maintenance Services<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-enhanced-partnership-with-aim-building-and-maintenance/4YWsolEWkwVOTG3DXKgssv|title=Rangers announce enhanced partnership with AIM Building and Maintenance|date=2 December 2023|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
|} | |||
{{clear}} | |||
When Rangers played French sides in 1996–97 and 1997–98, they wore the logo of ] instead of ], due to a French ban on ].<ref name="Alternative to alcohol">{{cite web|url=http://www.truecoloursfootballkits.com/articles/an-alternative-to-alcohol|title=An alternative to alcohol|publisher=True Colours|date=3 July 2009|last=Devlin|first=John|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=Rangers have actually sported the Center Parcs logo during the course of two seasons. It was first worn in the 1996–97 Champions League match at Auxerre. In 1997–98 another Center Parcs logo was worn in the UEFA Cup first round first leg game in Strasbourg where again the 'Gers lost 2–1 (also wearing their change blue shorts)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629041811/http://www.truecoloursfootballkits.com/articles/an-alternative-to-alcohol|archive-date=29 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Later matches in France (when the club was sponsored by ]) saw the club play with no shirt sponsor, in 2006<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6161154.stm | title=Auxerre 2–2 Rangers |work=BBC Sport | date=23 November 2006 |first=Clive |last=Lindsay}}</ref> and 2007.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7019587.stm| title=Lyon 0–3 Rangers |work=BBC Sport | date=2 October 2007|first=Colin|last=Moffat}}</ref> | |||
During ]'s sponsorship, Rangers faced ] in 2018–19 wearing unsponsored training gear due to Croatia's ban on gambling advertising.<ref name="2018–19 kits" /> Team Talk, an arm of the ], appeared on the shirts on two occasions in 2021–22: away in ], as Unibet hold no licence for Germany; and in the 2021–22 UEFA Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt, as gambling advertisements are banned in Spain.<ref name = "Team Talk">{{cite news|title=Rangers Forced to Have Different Sponsor in Europa League Final|work=footyheadlines.om|publisher=Footy Headlines|date=18 May 2022|accessdate=19 May 2022|url=https://www.footyheadlines.com/2022/05/rangers-forced-to-have-different-sponsor-in-europa-league-final.html}}</ref> | |||
===Mascot=== | |||
Broxi Bear is the official ] of Rangers. Its name is derived from Rangers' home stadium, Broxi being an anagram of Ibrox. Broxi is a brown ] with blue inner ears and nose, wearing a Rangers strip.<ref name="bear">{{cite web|title=Sports mascots|url=http://www.mibepa.info/bv/bv508.htm|website=Minka's Bear Passion|access-date=13 March 2016}}</ref> He made his first appearance in a 2–2 draw against ] on 13 November 1993.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rangers Facts|url=https://twitter.com/rangersfacts/status/344220670760194049|website=Twitter|access-date=13 March 2016}}</ref> Broxi was later accompanied by his "wife" Roxi and their "son" Boris<ref name="bear" /> although from 2001 Roxi and Boris no longer made any on-field appearances at Ibrox.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McGivern|first1=Mark|title=Broxi's family put on bench|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Broxi's+family+put+on+bench.-a076012887|access-date=13 March 2016|work=Daily Record|date=29 June 2001}}</ref> Roxi and Boris did continue to appear on some club merchandise.<ref name="bear" /> On 9 September 2017, Roxi and Boris were re-introduced before a 4–1 win against ]. | |||
==Stadium and training facility== | |||
{{Main|Ibrox Stadium|Rangers Training Centre}} | |||
The club used a variety of grounds in Glasgow as a venue for home matches in the years between 1872 and 1899. The first was Fleshers' Haugh, situated on ], followed by ] in the ] area of the city, and then ] for ten years from the mid-1870s to the mid-1880s. From February of the 1886–87 season, Cathkin Park was used until the ], in the ] area of south-west Glasgow, was inaugurated for the following season. Ibrox Stadium in its current incarnation was originally designed by the architect ], a Rangers fan who also played a part in the design of, among others, ] in Manchester and ] in London. The stadium was inaugurated on 30 December 1899, and Rangers defeated ] 3–1 in the first match held there.<ref name="Archibald leitch">{{cite web|url=http://www.friendsofscotland.gov.uk/culture/football.html|title=Scottish football|date=June 2006|work=Global Friends of Scotland|publisher=Scottish Government|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=Scotland's contributions to the development of the game were equally impressive in other areas. Glaswegian born architect Archibald Leitch was the pioneering football stadium designer of his day – by the 1920s 16 out of 22 of England's First Division stadiums were Leitch designs. The most famous example of his work still in existence is probably Ibrox. (This would undoubtedly please Leitch, who was a devout Rangers fan.)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061004113451/http://www.friendsofscotland.gov.uk/culture/football.html|archive-date=4 October 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Rangers consider ibrox expansion">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7173756.stm|title=Rangers consider Ibrox expansion|work=BBC Sport|date=6 January 2008|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=The plans, one of three options being considered by the club, could see the stadium in Glasgow completely rebuilt with a new capacity of 70,000. Rangers would retain the Bill Struth main stand, which is designated as a Category B listed building. Ibrox currently holds 51,082 fans, behind Hampden Park and Celtic Park.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127125719/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7173756.stm|archive-date=27 January 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
{{wide image|Glasgow Rangers vs Hearts, Ibrox Stadium, 23 July 2011.jpg|1000px|alt=A panorama of Ibrox Stadium from the Broomloan Road End. This picture was taken the first match of the 2011–12 season, against Heart of Midlothian.|A panorama of Ibrox Stadium from the Broomloan Road End. This picture was taken during the first match of the 2011–12 SPL season, Rangers vs Heart of Midlothian.}} | |||
Rangers' training facility is located in the Auchenhowie area of ], Glasgow; it was initially named Murray Park after former chairman and owner Sir David Murray, but has since been ]. It was proposed by then-manager Dick Advocaat upon his arrival at the club in 1998.<ref name="First foreign manager" /> It was completed in 2001 at a cost of £14 million. The training centre was the first purpose-built facility of its kind in Scotland, and incorporates features including nine football ], a gym, a ] pool, and a video-editing suite. Rangers' youth teams are also accommodated at the centre, with around 140 players between under-10 and under-19 age groups using the facilities. International club teams playing in Scotland, as well as national sides, have previously used the centre for training, and Advocaat's ] used it for training prior to the ].<ref name="Working with kids at murray park">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/working-with-kids-is-its-own-reward-for-the-man-in-charge-at-murray-park.17144559?_=343ae8e26ca054cfcc1f6cbfe5781dddc9059adc|title=Working with kids is its own reward for the man in charge at Murray Park|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|date=26 March 2012|access-date=4 January 2013|author=MacDonald, Hugh|quote=Ally McCoist, the manager, normally leaves Sinclair and his staff to choose the youngsters but sometimes will stipulate who he and the first-team staff want. "That daily exposure is priceless," says Sinclair. "The boys become comfortable with the staff and first-team players. If they were round there once every six months, it would be a trial but it is a regular process. Wilson, Fleck and Little were all steeped in that."|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604221715/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/working-with-kids-is-its-own-reward-for-the-man-in-charge-at-murray-park.17144559?_=343ae8e26ca054cfcc1f6cbfe5781dddc9059adc|archive-date=4 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Murray Park">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kH8jMcBSqUIC&q=rangers+player+graduated+from+murray+park&pg=PT84|title=For Richer, for Poorer: The Murray Years|publisher=Random House|author=Smith, Paul|year=2012|isbn=9781780572826|quote=add quote}}</ref> | |||
==Supporters and rivalries== | |||
{{main|Rangers F.C. supporters}} | |||
{{see also|Club 1872|Rangers Fans Fighting Fund|2008 UEFA Cup final riots}} | |||
Rangers are one of the best supported clubs in Europe, the figure for the ] being in the 20 largest home league attendances in Europe.<ref name="Average home attendance">{{cite web|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/rangers/club_records_league_attendance.php|title=Average Home League Game Attendances|publisher=fitbastats|author1=Bobby Sinnet|author2=Thomas Jamieson|access-date=14 July 2014|quote=2013/2014 42,938|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911123438/http://www.fitbastats.com/rangers/club_records_league_attendance.php|archive-date=11 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A study of stadium attendance figures from 2013 to 2018 by the '']'' ranked Rangers at 18th in the world during that period, with Rangers' accounting for 27.4% of total Scottish attendance, placing them 8th overall for national attendance share.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47929074|title=Celtic & Rangers among top 20 most watched clubs|work=BBC Sport|date=16 April 2019|access-date=17 April 2019}}</ref> | |||
The Rangers Worldwide Alliance is a network of supporters clubs that was set up for the benefit of the club and the fans. There are more than 600 registered supporters clubs with over 30,000 registered members and these continue to grow, in keeping with the vision the club initially had. There are also many unregistered supporters clubs currently active. The official club website lists over 100 supporters' clubs in Great Britain and Northern Ireland,<ref name="UK supporters clubs">{{cite web|url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/fans/uk-supporters-clubs|title=UK Supporters Clubs|publisher=Rangers F.C.|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=There are more than 600 registered supporters clubs with over 30,000 registered members and these continue to grow, in keeping with the vision the club initially had.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006051133/http://www.rangers.co.uk/fans/uk-supporters-clubs|archive-date=6 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> with over 100 further clubs spread across over 35 countries around the world.<ref name="World support clubs">{{cite web|url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/fans/global-supporters-clubs|title=Global Supporters Clubs|publisher=Rangers F.C.|access-date=24 August 2012|archive-date=17 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117010901/http://www.rangers.co.uk/fans/global-supporters-clubs|url-status=dead}}</ref> It includes representatives from all over the globe – including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Australia – as well as closer to home in the United Kingdom. Beyond Europe, there are supporters clubs registered in far-flung locations such as Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, China, India, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, United States of America, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica. One of Hong Kong's most popular football clubs ] was set up by an expatriate fan. | |||
Rangers fans have contributed to several records for high attendances,<ref name="End to end stuff">{{cite book|title=End to End Stuff|publisher=Random House|author=Scott, Les|year=2008|page=17|isbn=9780593060681|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cqhm26eVPYMC&q=end+to+end+stuff|quote=The Record attendance for a friendly match in the United Kingdom is 104,493, who saw Rangers lose 3–2 to Eintracht Frankfurt at Hampden Park on 17 October 1961.|access-date=24 August 2012}}</ref> including the highest home attendance for a league fixture, 118,567 on 2 January 1939.<ref name="Record attendance"/> Rangers record highest attendance was against ] on 27 March 1948 in the ] semi-final at ]. Rangers beat ] 1–0 in front of a packed 143,570 crowd. | |||
In 2008, up to 200,000 Rangers supporters, many without match tickets, travelled to Manchester for the ].<ref name="Rangers invasion: your views">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/05/15/150508_rangers_invasion_feature.shtml|title=Rangers invasion: your views | |||
|date=15 May 2008|access-date=15 May 2008|quote=It was always going to put a massive strain on the city. An invasion of up to 200,000 Rangers supporters for the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester swamped the city's pubs and bars and the dedicated fan zones.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925071448/http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/05/15/150508_rangers_invasion_feature.shtml|archive-date=25 September 2015|url-status=live|publisher=BBC Manchester}}</ref><ref name="Fans pile into manchester">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/police-to-boost-security-for-rangers-manchester-visit-2063388.html|title=150,000 Rangers fans descended on the city for the Uefa Cup final in 2008|work=The Independent|date=27 August 2010|author=Nisbet, John|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=But the chief executive at Rangers, Martin Bain, insists there will be no repeat of the scenes of crowd misbehaviour which marred the club's last visit to Manchester. Some 200,000 Rangers fans descended on the city for the Uefa Cup final in 2008 and trouble started when a giant screen failed to work.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111225325/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/police-to-boost-security-for-rangers-manchester-visit-2063388.html|archive-date=11 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite most supporters behaving "impeccably",<ref name="Fans riot in manchester">{{cite news|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/147730-rangers-fans-clash-with-riot-police-after-uefa-cup-final-defeat|title=Rangers fans clash with riot police after Uefa Cup final defeat|work=Metro|date=14 May 2008|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=GMP would like to stress that the vast majority of supporters have behaved impeccably and came to Manchester clearly intent on enjoying the carnival atmosphere.|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114031330/http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/147730-rangers-fans-clash-with-riot-police-after-uefa-cup-final-defeat|archive-date=14 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rangers fans were involved in ]. A minority of fans rioted in the city centre, clashing ] with police and damaging property, resulting in 42 being arrested for a variety of offences.<ref name="Majority fans well behaved">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/may/15/ukcrime1|title=Rangers fans clashed with riot police|date=15 May 2008|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=A full inquiry was under way today after Rangers fans clashed with riot police in Manchester last night after their team's defeat by Zenit St Petersburg in the Uefa Cup final.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727045212/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/may/15/ukcrime1|archive-date=27 July 2012|url-status=live|work=The Guardian|author1=Carter, Helen|author2=Orr, James}}</ref><ref name="Minority of supporter riot">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7400641.stm|title=Rangers fans take long road home|date=15 May 2008|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=A number of supporters clashed with riot police after a big screen in Manchester broke down. Officers later confirmed 42 people had been arrested.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104072130/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7400641.stm|archive-date=4 November 2013|url-status=live|work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="Fans chase police">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7402858.stm|title=CCTV shows fans chasing police|work=BBC News|date=15 May 2008|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=Police in Manchester have released CCTV images showing up to 200 football fans chasing officers and attacking one of them after the Uefa Cup final.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320134311/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7402858.stm|archive-date=20 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In 2022, Rangers also took the largest ever travelling support abroad when an estimated 100,000 fans arrived in Seville for the ].<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/> No arrests were made in Seville as Rangers supporters impressed the Spanish police with their good behaviour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers-in-seville-no-arrests-as-gers-fans-impress-spanish-police-with-their-good-behaviour-3701690|title=Rangers in Seville: No arrests as Gers fans impress Spanish police with their good behaviour|work=The Scotsman|author=Wilkie, Stephen|date=19 May 2022|access-date=5 July 2022}}</ref> | |||
Supporters group ] are the ninth-largest shareholder of the club. | |||
{{wide image|2008_UEFA_Cup_Final_-_Piccadilly_Gardens_-_Rangers.jpg|1000px|alt=A panorama of Rangers supporters at the 2008 UEFA Cup final, in the Piccadilly Gardens fan zone. This picture was taken during the day before the match against Zenit Saint Petersburg on 14 May 2008.|A panorama of Rangers supporters at the 2008 UEFA Cup final, in the Piccadilly Gardens fan zone. This picture was taken during the day, before the match against Zenit Saint Petersburg on 14 May 2008.}} | |||
===Rivalries=== | |||
] | |||
The club's most distinct rivalry is with Glasgow neighbours ]; the two clubs are collectively known as the ]. Rangers' traditional support is largely drawn from the ] ] community, whilst Celtic's traditional support is largely drawn from the ] community. The first Old Firm match was won by Celtic and there have been over four hundred matches played to date. The Old Firm rivalry has fuelled many assaults, sometimes leading to deaths, on Old Firm derby days; an activist group that monitors ] activity in Glasgow has reported that on Old Firm weekends, admissions to hospital emergency rooms have increased over normal levels and journalist ] noted that in the period from 1996 to 2003, eight deaths in Glasgow were directly linked to Old Firm matches, as well as hundreds of assaults.<ref name="101 places not to see before you die">{{cite book|title=101 Places Not to See Before You Die|publisher=Harper Collins|author=Price, Catherine|year=2010|isbn=9780061787768|url=https://archive.org/details/101placesnottose00cath|url-access=registration|quote=On Old Firm weekends, admission rates for local hospitals increase ninefold, and the cumulative total for arrests at Old Firm games is the highest in the world.|access-date=24 August 2012|pages=, 175}}</ref><ref name="old firm dnt need big stars">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/old-firm-dont-need-a-messi-1089843|title=Old Firm don't need a Messi or Ronaldo to be biggest derby in world, says Ali Russell|work=Daily Record|date=18 December 2011|access-date=24 August 2012|author=Haggerty, Anthony|quote=RANGERS operations chief Ali Russell insists the Old Firm rivalry is the biggest in the world – because a billion fans tune in to watch two teams devoid of world stars.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731184909/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/old-firm-dont-need-a-messi-1089843|archive-date=31 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The ] with ] developed following an incident in the 1979 League Cup final when Rangers' ] provoked the fury of the Dons support with what they believed was a blatant dive but which resulted in the dismissal of Aberdeen's ] and a Rangers victory.<ref name="When two tribes go to war"> ''The Herald'' (Glasgow). Retrieved 30 November 2013.</ref> Then, the following season, Aberdeen's ] had to be given the ] at Ibrox after a stamp on his throat by ].<ref name="When two tribes go to war"/> Relations between fans were further soured during a league match on 8 October 1988, when Aberdeen player ]'s tackle on Rangers' Ian Durrant resulted in Durrant being injured for two years.<ref name="Rangers aberdeen rivalry">{{Cite web|date=2019-02-06|title=Aberdeen v Rangers: a rivalry inflamed by a terrible tackle|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2019/feb/06/aberdeen-rangers-horrific-tackle-changed-rivalry-durrant-souness|access-date=2021-02-10|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Resentment continued and in 1998 an article in a Rangers match programme branded Aberdeen fans "scum", although Rangers later issued a "full and unreserved apology" to Aberdeen and their supporters, which was accepted by Aberdeen.<ref name="Rangers issue apology to Aberdeen">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-rangers-apologise-to-aberdeen-1185731.html|title=Rangers apologise to Aberdeen|access-date=28 January 2010|work=The Independent|date=18 November 1998|quote=RANGERS ISSUED a full public apology to Aberdeen last night for labelling a section of the Pittodrie club's support "scum" in last Saturday's Ibrox matchday programme. Stewart Milne, the Aberdeen chairman, protested to Bob Brannan, the Rangers chief executive, yesterday about the anonymous article which also branded the Dons' team as "under-achievers and money-grabbers"|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108223605/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-rangers-apologise-to-aberdeen-1185731.html|archive-date=8 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="History of bad blood">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/1770821.stm|title=A history of bad blood|date=19 January 2002|access-date=28 January 2010|work=BBC Sport|quote=The catalyst for the recent venom between the two sets of supporters was the 1988 incident involving Neil Simpson and Ian Durrant.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709164336/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/1770821.stm|archive-date=9 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Rangers' relaunch in the Third Division in the 2012–13 season led to the club's original rivalry with ] being renewed for the first time since 1958 in the league. Rangers and Queen's Park first played each other in March 1879, some nine years before the start of the Old Firm rivalry.<ref name="Old rivalry 1">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/sfl-division-three/rangers-v-queen-s-park-renewing-an-age-old-rivalry-1-2575574|title=Rangers v Queen's Park: Renewing an age-old rivalry|work=The Scotsman|author=Smith, Andrew|date=14 October 2012|access-date=14 October 2012|quote=IT HAS been billed by the Ibrox club as the "original Glasgow derby". It might equally be argued that their hosting of Queen's Park in the Third Division on Saturday is the newest Glasgow derby.<br />...<br />Although the teams last met in a League Cup tie 21 years ago and regularly jousted in the Glasgow Cup in the two decades before that, there has not been a league meeting since 1958, the year Queen's Park last played top-flight football. The fact the confrontation has returned to the calendar in a wholly different form was best encapsulated by Rangers ambassador Sandy Jardine.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118161221/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/sfl-division-three/rangers-v-queen-s-park-renewing-an-age-old-rivalry-1-2575574|archive-date=18 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Old rivalry 2">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/old-rivalry-renewed.19134396?|title=Old rivalry renewed|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|date=14 October 2012|access-date=14 October 2012|author=Fisher, Stewart|quote=Queen's Park and Rangers, two teams that first met competitively in a Scottish Cup tie in March 1879, some nine years before Celtic were formed, meet in an Irn-Bru Third division encounter at Ibrox.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016233432/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/old-rivalry-renewed.19134396|archive-date=16 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Matches with Queen's Park were advertised as the "]" by Rangers and the Scottish media; and as the "Oldest Derby in the World" by Queen's Park.<ref name="Oldist derby in the world">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/9621143/Rangers-and-Queens-Park-ready-to-resurrect-worlds-oldest-derby.html|title=Rangers and Queen's Park ready to resurrect world's oldest derby|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=19 October 2012|access-date=16 January 2013|author=Forsyth, Roddy|quote=The Old Firm collision it most certainly is not – to the relief of Glasgow's constabulary and A&E departments – but Saturday afternoon's visit of Queen's Park to Ibrox will draw the UK's second biggest crowd and resurrect a fixture that first appeared in the records in 1875 when the pair played a charity match in aid of fire victims.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112104214/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/9621143/Rangers-and-Queens-Park-ready-to-resurrect-worlds-oldest-derby.html|archive-date=12 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Sectarianism=== | |||
{{main|Sectarianism in Glasgow}} | |||
], chairman of Rangers from 1912 to 1923, has been described as sharpening Rangers' Protestant Unionist identity and anti-Catholic identity, contributing to the absence of openly Catholic players from the team.<ref name="Protestant">{{cite book|title=Fear and loathing in world football|publisher=Berg Publishers|author1=Armstrong, Gary|author2=Giulianotti, Richard|year=2001|pages=25, 26|isbn=1-85973-463-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJxIbXQfE1IC|access-date=15 August 2012|quote=Primrose was associated with the most virulent anti-Catholic and anti-Irish sentiment, and was openly allied with the orange order.}}</ref> From the early 20th century onwards, ], or employing Catholics in other prominent roles.<ref name="Non catholic signing policy">{{cite book|title=The Old Firm: Sectarianism, Sport and Society in Scotland|publisher=John Donald Publishers|author=Murray, William J.|year=2000|pages=60,64,65,189|isbn=9780859765428}}</ref><ref name="Non catholic signing policy 2">{{cite book|title=Football: A Sociology of the Global Game|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|author=Giulianotti, Richard|year=1999|page=18|isbn=9780745617695|quote=Historically Rangers have maintained a staunch Protestant and anti-Catholic tradition which includes a ban on signing Catholic players.}}</ref><ref name="Non catholic signing policy 3">{{cite book|title=Glasgow, the Uneasy Peace: Religious Tension in Modern Scotland, 1819–1914|publisher=Manchester University Press ND|author=Gallagher, Tom|year=1987|page=|isbn=9780719023965|url=https://archive.org/details/glasgowuneasypea00gall|url-access=registration|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=The conflict in Ireland failed to be the catalyst which swept the religious cobwebs from the Ibrox-based club's terraces and boardroom. One of its managers even had no qualms in the 1970s about urging his players to roar out the loyalist battle-cry 'No Surrender' as they ran up the tunnel at Ibrox.}}</ref><ref name="Non catholic signing policy 4">{{cite book|title=Graeme Souness: A Manager's Diary|publisher=Mainstream Publishing|author1=Souness, Graeme|author2=Gallacher, Ken|author-link1=Graeme Souness|year=1989|page=17|isbn=9781851582242|quote=For years Rangers have been pilloried for what the majority of people saw as discrimination against one section of the population. Now we have shown that this unwritten policy at Ibrox is over. It's finished. Done with.}}</ref> | |||
In 1989, Rangers signed ], "their first major Roman Catholic signing".<ref name="First roman catholic">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19890711&id=Qw01AAAAIBAJ&pg=5286,2680408|title=Ibrox lands double coup with Johnston|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|date=11 July 1989|access-date=18 August 2012|author=Laing, Allan|page=1|quote=Rangers yesterday paraded their latest, and most controversial signing, Maurice Johnston, in the process demolishing any remaining they were sectarian, and upstaging their arch-rivals Celtic.}}</ref> Johnston was the first high-profile Catholic to sign for the club since the ] era, though other Catholics had signed for Rangers before.<ref name="Non catholic signing policy" /><ref name="Other catholics had signed before">{{cite book|title=Football Against the Enemy|publisher=Orion|author=Kuper, Simon|author-link=Simon Kuper|year=2006|isbn=0-7528-4877-1}}</ref> Since Johnston's signing, an influx of overseas footballers has contributed to Catholic players becoming commonplace at Rangers.<ref name="Influx of foreign unwritten rule abolished">{{cite web|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/books/2012/03/celtic-firm-rangers-football|title=Decline and fall of the Old Firm|work=New Statesman|date=18 March 2012|access-date=18 August 2012|author=Kuper, Simon|quote=In the past 15 years, both clubs have tried to stamp out bigotry, largely for pragmatic reasons. The IRA guff puts off sponsors and when the market in foreign footballers opened up in the 1990s, the old prohibition on signing Catholics became irksome for Rangers. Many of the foreign players who have since come to Glasgow must have struggled to remember whether they were playing for the Protestant team or the Catholic one.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111063511/http://www.newstatesman.com/books/2012/03/celtic-firm-rangers-football|archive-date=11 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1999, ] became the first Catholic captain of the club.<ref name="First catholic captain">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/former-old-firm-italians-give-1038540|title=Former Old Firm Italians give their take on derby clash|date=7 October 2009|access-date=18 August 2012|work=Daily Record|quote=I've been Rangers' first Catholic captain|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731181321/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/former-old-firm-italians-give-1038540|archive-date=31 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Rangers partnered with Celtic to form the Old Firm Alliance, an initiative aimed at educating children from across Glasgow about issues like healthy eating and fitness, as well as awareness of anti-social behaviour, sectarianism and racism. The club's Follow With Pride campaign was launched in 2007 to improve the club's image and build on previous anti-sectarian and anti-racist campaigns.<ref name="Rangers and celtic team together to tackle sectarianism">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/spl-remains-tight-lipped-over-report-on-parkhead-chanting-1-830134|title=SPL Remains tight-lipped over report on Parkhead chanting|work=The Scotsman|author=Rumsby, Ben|date=18 February 2009|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=THE Scottish Premier League has confirmed it has received the match delegate's report from the Old Firm derby but refused to divulge if alleged sectarian chanting from Rangers fans was mentioned within it.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021134034/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/spl-remains-tight-lipped-over-report-on-parkhead-chanting-1-830134|archive-date=21 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Racism has been directed at players on the pitch at Rangers games, including at former Celtic player Bobo Balde.<ref name="Root out racism">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/10/newsstory.sport6|title=Rangers to root out racists|work=The Guardian|date=10 March 2003|access-date=19 August 2012|quote=Rangers chairman John McClelland has vowed to root out the racist fans who booed whenever Celtic's Bobo Balde and Momo Sylla had possession during his club's Old Firm derby defeat on Saturday.|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114025212/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2003/mar/10/newsstory.sport6|archive-date=14 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>|group="n"}} ], UEFA's Director of Communications, commended the SFA and Scottish clubs, including Rangers, for their actions in fighting discrimination.<ref name="UEFA applaud rangers for fighting sectarianism">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/top-football-stories/sfa-praised-for-stance-on-bigotry-1-725107|title=SFA praised for stance on bigotry|work=The Scotsman|access-date=24 August 2012|date=13 November 2006|author=Wright, Angus|quote="Education and prevention is what we are really looking at and Scotland is a great example of somewhere where that has done a tremendous amount in practically eradicating the worst features of discrimination."|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019032211/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/top-football-stories/sfa-praised-for-stance-on-bigotry-1-725107|archive-date=19 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2007, UEFA praised Rangers for the measures the club has taken against sectarianism.<ref name="UEFA praise rangers for there work">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article2501036.ece|title=Uefa praises Rangers for action on bigotry|work=The Times|date= 21 September 2007|access-date=22 March 2009|author=Spiers, Graham|author-link=Graham Spiers}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref name="Uefa praise rangers work 2">{{cite web|url=http://empower-sport.com/focus/scottish-premier-league/43-no-surrender-to-bigotry-.html|title=No Surrender to Bigotry|work=Empower-Sport British Supplement|publisher=Empower-Sport|date=20 February 2009|access-date=18 August 2012|author=Sekar, Satish|author-link=Satish Sekar|quote=Both UEFA and FIFA hold Rangers up as a positive example of a club determined to tackle the problem that threatens its future. And the SFA joins in that praise. "On the sectarianism front Rangers have tried to develop a policy across the Protestant/Catholic divide," says Mr Mitchell. "They have imposed a large number of life bans on supporters who have been identified and found guilty of sectarian behaviour." And Rangers is not alone in taking such action. "Generally speaking it is by the clubs," he says. "If there is a criminal prosecution that has an effect as well, but the clubs themselves have taken that action off their own back, because they have the right to decide who can come into the stadium or not."|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815161655/http://empower-sport.com/focus/scottish-premier-league/43-no-surrender-to-bigotry-.html|archive-date=15 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
However, sectarian chanting by supporters has continued to incur criticism and sanctions upon the club as well as convictions against individuals identified.<ref> ''The Herald'' (Glasgow), 29 December 2015.</ref><ref> ''Daily Record'' (Scotland), 26 October 2012.</ref> In 1999, the vice-chairman of The Rangers Football Club Ltd, ], resigned after being filmed singing sectarian songs during a supporters club event.<ref name="Findley songs inquiry">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/scottish_premier/357392.stm|title=Findlay songs inquiry launched|date=9 June 1999|work=BBC News|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=The Faculty of Advocates is to investigate complaints against the leading Scottish lawyer Donald Findlay QC after he was captured on camera singing sectarian songs.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124044538/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/scottish_premier/357392.stm|archive-date=24 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Findley caught singing songs">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/im-catholic-in-a-football-sense-1097932.html|title=I'm Catholic in a football sense|work=The Independent|date=4 June 1999|access-date=18 August 2012|author=O'Sullivan, Jack|quote=Findlay, Scotland's leading criminal lawyer, is a Protestant and proud of it. But he was embarrassed to be caught on video singing sectarian songs. They included "The Billy Boys", a verse of which goes: "We're up to our knees in Fenian blood, Surrender or you die, We are the Billy Boys."|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216081910/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/im-catholic-in-a-football-sense-1097932.html|archive-date=16 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Findley interview">{{cite press release|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/07_july/01/donald_findlay.shtml|title=On the Ropes – Donald Findlay QC|publisher=BBC Press Office|author=Humphrys, John|author-link=John Humphrys|date=2 July 2002|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=Donald Findlay QC tells John Humphrys about the effect singing sectarian, anti-Catholic songs at a party for Glasgow Rangers had on his life, and how he, at one stage, even contemplated suicide.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104062632/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/07_july/01/donald_findlay.shtml|archive-date=4 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body has punished Rangers for incidents during European ties, most notably ] in 2006,<ref name="Fans singing 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefa/footballfirst/matchorganisation/disciplinary/news/newsid=424237.html|title=Rangers appeal upheld|publisher=UEFA|date=25 May 2006|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=UEFA appealed against the decision on 12 April by the Control and Disciplinary Body to find Rangers not guilty of alleged discriminatory chants by the club's supporters at both legs of the tie, on 22 February at Ibrox and 7 March at El Madrigal. Rangers have been fined €19,500 and severely warned about their responsibility for any future misconduct by their fans in relation to sectarian and discriminatory behaviour.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604131843/http://www.uefa.com/uefa/footballfirst/matchorganisation/disciplinary/news/newsid=424237.html|archive-date=4 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> ] in 2007,<ref name="Uefa fine rangers and osasuna">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6564745.stm|title=Uefa fine for Rangers and Osasuna|work=BBC Sport|date=3 May 2007|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=Rangers have been fined £8,280 by Uefa for the behaviour of their fans during their match against Osasuna – but the Spanish club must pay £31,000.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114143525/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6564745.stm|archive-date=14 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> ] in 2011,<ref name="Fans singing 2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/12996888.stm|title=Rangers to contest Uefa sectarian singing charge|work=BBC Sport|date=7 April 2011|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=Rangers are to face a Uefa disciplinary hearing over allegations of sectarian singing during last month's Europa League match away to PSV Eindhoven. The club's chief executive Martin Bain says they are "utterly dismayed" by the decision and that they will defend the club's position "vigorously".|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314141118/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/12996888|archive-date=14 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Fans singing 3">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13218273.stm|title=Uefa fines Rangers and bans fans for one away game|work=BBC Sport|date=28 April 2011|access-date=28 April 2011|quote=Uefa has fined Rangers 40,000 euros (£35,652) and banned its fans from the next away European game for sectarian singing in a match at PSV Eindhoven.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507084751/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13218273|archive-date=7 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> and at Ibrox in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49449628|title=Rangers: Uefa orders Ibrox section to close after 'sectarian singing'|publisher=BBC|date=23 August 2019|access-date=23 August 2019}}</ref> In February 2015, following sectarian singing from Rangers fans at a match at Raith Rovers, the ] came in for criticism for their failure or inability to deal with the issue.<ref> BBC, 28 February 2015.</ref> However, there have been cases of the police and courts taking action, with Rangers fans having been charged, convicted and jailed for sectarian behaviour.<ref> ''The Scotsman'', 22 April 2015.</ref> | |||
Rangers' use of orange and blue change strips, first worn in 1993–94,<ref name="Rangers away historical kits" /> once in 2002–03<ref name = "2018–19 kits"/> and reintroduced in 2018–19<ref name="2018–19 kits" /> and 2022–23,<ref name="Rangers 22-23 Third Kit Released"/> has caused controversy because the colours are seen as referencing the ].<ref name="2018–19 kits" /> | |||
===Friendships=== | |||
Supporters of Rangers have a fan friendship with the Northern Irish club ], dating back to 1920. Two of the founders of the club Moses and Peter McNeil have a Northern Irish connection through the County Down birth of their mother Jean Bain, who after moving to Scotland for work in the mid-19th century married a Scotsman, John McNeil. From Rangers formation to the present day, the club have had 32 players who were born in either Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and previously Ireland (from 1882 to 1950). A number were former Linfield players, and they have contributed much to the success of Rangers Football Club. Three former Northern Irish players have captained Rangers – Bert Manderson, John McClelland and Steven Davis; six from a Northern Irish connection have been elevated to the Rangers 'Hall of Fame' and one – Jimmy Nicholl – was the club's assistant manager in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Little |first1=Ivan |title=Ulster's strong influence in the formation and history of Rangers FC is brought to book |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/ulsters-strong-influence-in-the-formation-and-history-of-rangers-fc-is-brought-to-book-38010580.html |access-date=13 April 2019 |publisher=Belfast Telegraph |date=10 November 2019}}</ref> | |||
The fans of Rangers also have a fan-friendship with the German club ], dating from the 1970s when Scots moved to the German port in search of work and reinforced by their shared affection for the midfielder ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Magee |first1=Will |title=Old Firm, New Bonds: The Politics Tying Big European Clubs to Celtic and Rangers |url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/ywnm8j/old-firm-new-bonds-the-politics-tying-big-european-clubs-to-celtic-and-rangers |access-date=12 June 2018 |publisher=Vice News |date=30 November 2017}}</ref> | |||
This link was formalised in February 2021 with the formation of an official club partnership between the two sides.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-and-hsv-enter-club-partnership/68dtIhjgBv7ljtzkffl5qD | |||
|title=Rangers and HSV enter club partnership |publisher=Rangers FC |date=10 February 2021 |access-date=10 February 2021}}</ref> Conversely, Celtic fans have a long-standing friendship with Hamburger SV's ]s, ]. The friendship exists due to both the Rangers-HSV affinity and the shared left-wing politics of Celtic and St. Pauli fans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/967760/the-enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend|title=The enemy of the enemy is my friend |last=Hesse |first=Uli |date=11 October 2011 |website=ESPN FC |access-date=19 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=McDougall |first=William |year=2013 |title=Kicking from the Left: The Friendship of Celtic and FC St. Pauli supporters |journal=Soccer and Society | volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=230–245 |doi= 10.1080/14660970.2013.776470|s2cid=144966781 | issn = 1466-0970}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Magee |first1=Will |title=Old Firm, New Bonds: The Politics Tying Big European Clubs to Celtic and Rangers |url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/ywnm8j/old-firm-new-bonds-the-politics-tying-big-european-clubs-to-celtic-and-rangers |access-date=12 June 2018 |publisher=Vice News |date=30 November 2017}}</ref> | |||
==Ownership and finances== | |||
{{main|Ownership of Rangers F.C.|Administration and liquidation of the Rangers Football Club plc}} | |||
===From incorporation to liquidation=== | |||
On 27 May 1899, Rangers Football Club ], forming The Rangers Football Club Ltd.<ref name="RFC 2012 PLC" /> No single shareholding exceeded 50% until 1985 when the Lawrence Group increased its shareholding in Rangers to a 52% majority, following a deal with then club vice-chairman Jack Gillespie. In November 1988, head of the Lawrence Group Lawrence Marlborough sold out to ] for £6 million. In 2000, ] decided to list the company on the ] (making it a public limited company), with the name of the company being changed to The Rangers Football Club plc.<ref name="Rangers float on the stock market">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/mar/31/newsstory.sport6|title=Rangers to float as it chases global glory|work=The Guardian|date=31 March 2000|access-date=23 August 2012|author=Teather, David|quote=Rangers football club, on track for its 49th Scottish premier league title, announced plans yesterday to float the business on the stock market and disclosed that talks are under way with a number of potential media investors.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910005050/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2000/mar/31/newsstory.sport6|archive-date=10 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On 6 May 2011, ] bought David Murray's shares for £1.<ref name="Craig whyte buys rangers for £1">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13292829.stm|title=Craig Whyte completes takeover of Rangers for £1|work=BBC Sport|date=6 May 2011|author1=Currie, David|author2=Lamont, Alasdair|author3=McLaughlin, Chris|author-link1=David Currie (broadcaster)|author-link2=Alisdair Lamont|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=Craig Whyte has completed his takeover of Rangers for £1 but amid continuing concerns by board members about his ability to invest sufficient funds.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713113540/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13292829|archive-date=13 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 February 2012, Whyte filed legal papers at the ] giving notice of his intention to appoint administrators.<ref name="Rangers go into administration">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17015966|title=Rangers FC signals intent to go into administration|work=BBC News|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=Rangers Football Club has confirmed it has filed legal papers at the Court of Session to appoint administrators.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427081038/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17015966|archive-date=27 April 2012|url-status=live|date=13 February 2012}}</ref> The next day, The Rangers Football Club plc – which was subsequently renamed <nowiki>RFC 2012</nowiki> plc – entered administration over non-payment of £9 million in ] and ] taxes to ].<ref name="BBC news administration">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17026172|title=Rangers Football Club enters administration|date=14 February 2012|work=BBC News|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=HMRC lodged its petition over alleged non-payment of about £9m in PAYE and VAT following Craig Whyte's takeover.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114180024/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17026172|archive-date=14 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Record rangers in adminstration">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2012/02/14/rangers-in-crisis-administration-was-sparked-by-9m-unpaid-vat-and-paye-bill-taxman-reveals-86908-23748868/|title=Rangers in crisis: Administration was sparked by £9million bill for unpaid VAT and PAYE|date=14 February 2012|work=Daily Record|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=RANGERS went into administration today – as it was revealed they had failed to pay £9million in VAT and PAYE from the current financial year.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818224407/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/rangers-in-crisis-administration-was-sparked-by-9million-1116762|archive-date=18 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In April the administrators estimated that the club's total debts could top £134m which was largely dependent on the outcome of a ] concerning a disputed tax bill in relation to an Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT") scheme employed by the club since 2001.<ref name="Debts could top 134m">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17628749|title=Rangers' estimated debts could top £134m|date=5 April 2012|work=BBC News|access-date=13 September 2012|quote=Rangers' administrators estimate that the club's total debts could top £134m.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408075827/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17628749|archive-date=8 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> However, on 20 November 2012, the Tribunal ruled in favour of Rangers. Had that decision been upheld the tax bill could have been significantly reduced from an estimated £74m to under £2m.<ref name="Rangers Win 'Big Tax Case'">{{cite news|title=Rangers win 'Big Tax Case' appeal over use of Employee Benefit Trusts|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/9691141/Rangers-win-Big-Tax-Case-appeal-over-use-of-Employee-Benefit-Trusts.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|author=Grahams, Ewing|date=21 November 2012|access-date=20 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201070920/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/9691141/Rangers-win-Big-Tax-Case-appeal-over-use-of-Employee-Benefit-Trusts.html|archive-date=1 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EBT Decision">{{cite web|title=ANONYMISED FORM OF THE DECISION|url=http://www.financeandtaxtribunals.gov.uk/judgmentfiles/j6851/TC02372.pdf|work=Finance and Tax Tribunals|publisher=UK Government|access-date=27 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124143158/http://www.financeandtaxtribunals.gov.uk/judgmentfiles/j6851/TC02372.pdf|archive-date=24 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> An ] upheld the decision in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pkfcooperparry.com/news/tax/rangers-case-%E2%80%93-upper-tribunal-decision |title=The Rangers Case – Upper Tribunal Decision |publisher=pkfcooperparry.com |first=Philip |last=Rogers |access-date=10 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116050027/http://www.pkfcooperparry.com/news/tax/rangers-case-%E2%80%93-upper-tribunal-decision |archive-date=16 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> HMRC then appealed to the ], which ruled in November 2015 that Rangers should have paid tax and national insurance on the EBT payments.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34720850 |title=HMRC wins Rangers tax case appeal |work=BBC News |date=4 November 2015 |access-date=10 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
On 25 June 2012, the ] asked ] to investigate the purchase of Rangers and the club's subsequent financial management during Whyte's tenure.<ref name="Police probe whyte">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18582965|title=Rangers in crisis: Police asked to probe Craig Whyte takeover|work=BBC News|date=25 June 2012|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=A criminal investigation is to be launched into Craig Whyte's takeover of Rangers Football Club in May last year.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722231507/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18582965|archive-date=22 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] agreed a deal with the administrators of The Rangers Football Club plc to purchase the company for £8.5 million if a proposed ] was agreed or to purchase its business and assets for a £5.5million if the proposed CVA were to be rejected. On 14 June 2012, the formal rejection of the proposed CVA<ref name="CVA rejected">{{cite news|title=Rangers liquidation now inevitable after CVA bid rejected by HMRC|url=http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/105837-rangers-liquidation-now-inevitable-after-cva-bid-rejected-by-hmrc/|access-date=22 December 2012|work=STV Glasgow|publisher=STV|date=12 June 2012|author=Farrell, Mike|quote=Mr Green has previously stated that should the CVA fail his offer goes into an "automatic mode" to carry out a 'newco' switch at the Ibrox club, where all assets are sold to a new business entity for £5.5m and Rangers FC Plc, incorporated in 1899, is liquidated.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617112145/http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/105837-rangers-liquidation-now-inevitable-after-cva-bid-rejected-by-hmrc/|archive-date=17 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> meant that the company would enter the ] process.<ref name="Murray makes criminal complaint">{{cite news|url=http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/202988-rangers-tax-case-leaks-sir-david-murray-makes-criminal-complaint/|title=Rangers tax case leaks: Sir David Murray makes 'criminal complaint'|work=STV Glasgow|publisher=STV|date=27 November 2012|access-date=22 December 2012|quote=In June administrators Duff and Phelps confirmed it had failed to secure a route out of the insolvency event and the club's assets were sold to a newco owned by a Charles Green-led consortium in a £5.5m deal. The oldco, now {{#tag:nowiki|RFC 2012}} Plc, formerly The Rangers Football Club Plc, has been placed into liquidation.|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6D6foWaI0?url=http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/202988-rangers-tax-case-leaks-sir-david-murray-makes-criminal-complaint/|archive-date=22 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Old company in liquidation">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/20830558|title=Rangers chief Charles Green criticises Tannadice ticket plan|work=BBC Sport|date=23 December 2012|access-date=23 December 2012|quote=And Green, who bought Rangers' assets after the company that formerly ran the club could not be saved from liquidation, believes the decision to sell tickets directly to visiting fans could spark trouble at the match.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223213827/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/20830558|archive-date=23 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SPL EBT Investigation comittee">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21242267|title=SPL independent commission into Rangers player payments begins |date=29 January 2013|access-date=29 January 2013|author=McLaughlin, Chris|work=BBC Sport|quote=The three-man commission will decide if the company that formerly ran Rangers broke Scottish Premier League rules.<br />...<br />The commission will study the financial arrangements made by the Employee Benefit Trust scheme run by former Rangers owner Sir David Murray's company, Murray International Holdings.<br />...<br />The probe was launched before the company that ran Rangers – The Rangers Football Club Plc – was consigned to liquidation.<br />The consortium now running the club, led by chief executive Charles Green, has refused to recognise or co-operate with the investigation.}}</ref> The ] firm ] was appointed to investigate the years of financial mismanagement at the club.<ref name="BDO appointed to find out why plc failed">{{cite news|title=Rangers in Crisis|url=http://news.stv.tv/scotland/105870-rangers-crisis-hmrc-look-to-investigate-those-responsible-for-meltdown/|access-date=24 August 2012|work=STV News|publisher=STV|date=12 June 2012|author=Farrell, Mike|quote=The Ibrox club confirmed its planned company voluntary arrangement (CVA) escape from administration would now fail as the tax authorities revealed they felt it was in the "public interest" to liquidate Rangers FC plc, incorporated in 1899.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002104449/http://news.stv.tv/scotland/105870-rangers-crisis-hmrc-look-to-investigate-those-responsible-for-meltdown/|archive-date=2 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Rangers plc liquidation">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spl/rangers-liquidated-as-cva-formally-rejected-1-2353211|work=The Scotsman|title=Rangers liquidated as CVA formally rejected|date=14 June 2012|access-date=30 July 2012|quote=GLASGOW RANGERS were today forced into liquidation after major creditor Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) formally rejected an offer of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) from the club's administrators.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727043212/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/sfl-division-three/rangers-liquidated-as-cva-formally-rejected-1-2353211|archive-date=27 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Current corporate identity=== | |||
On 14 June 2012, hours after the CVA's rejection, Sevco Scotland Ltd, a new company formed by Charles Green's consortium for this eventuality,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/sevco-statement/|title=Sevco Statement|publisher=rangers.co.uk|date=27 June 2012|access-date=18 December 2018}}</ref> completed the purchase of the business and assets of The Rangers Football Club Plc<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/little-black-and-white-as-green-faces-closer-scrutiny.20769831 | title=Little black and white as Green faces closer scrutiny | work=The Herald | date=16 April 2013 | access-date=17 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotprem.com/content/mediaassets/doc/Commission%20Decision%2028%2002%202013.pdf | title=Commission Decision | publisher=Scottish Premier League | access-date=17 April 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319044800/http://www.scotprem.com/content/mediaassets/doc/Commission%20Decision%2028%2002%202013.pdf | archive-date=19 March 2013 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> and then, on 18 June 2012, formally applied to acquire the SPL share of The Rangers Football Club plc. On 4 July, SPL clubs voted by 10–1 to reject the application with ] abstaining and the old Rangers company voting in favour.<ref name="Newco refused spl admission" /> Thereafter, an application to the Scottish Football League was successful with Rangers securing associate membership on 13 July 2012 at an SFL meeting by a vote of 29–1. The SFL member clubs voted that Rangers should enter the fourth tier of Scottish Football, ] for the 2012–13 season, rather than the ].<ref name="Reformed and relaunched">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19225698|title=Rangers: Newcastle's Mike Ashley ready to buy Ibrox share|work=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2012|access-date=24 August 2012|quote=Businessman Charles Green led a consortium to buy Rangers' assets for £5.5m and reformed the club as a new company. But the 'newco' did not get the required votes for re-admittance to the SPL and instead, Rangers were relaunched in Division Three, drawing 2–2 with Peterhead in their opening game.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811140921/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19225698|archive-date=11 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Division one plan">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18656012|title=Raith & Clyde criticise Rangers newco Division One plan|work=BBC Sport|date=30 June 2012|access-date=30 July 2012|quote=Raith Rovers and Clyde insist plans to place the Rangers newco in Scottish Division One should not be forced upon Scottish Football League clubs.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828135513/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18656012|archive-date=28 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
An application was made for a transfer of ] membership on 29 June 2012, with the new company applying for the transfer of the membership of The Rangers Football Club plc.<ref name="Scottish FA issues Rangers update">{{cite web|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=1961&newsCategoryID=3&newsID=10204|title=Scottish FA issues Rangers update|publisher=Scottish Football Association |date=17 July 2012|access-date=28 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="Rangers sfa membership bid">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18641075|title=Charles Green gives SFA details for membership bid|work=BBC Sport|date=13 July 2012|access-date=20 December 2012|quote="We have received an information pack from Sevco Scotland relevant to their membership application," said the SFA.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902030335/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18641075|archive-date=2 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Agreement was reached on the transfer with the new company accepting a number of conditions relating to the old company.<ref name="SFA membership transferred"/> | |||
At the end of 2012, Rangers International Football Club plc became the holding company for the group, having acquired The Rangers Football Club Ltd on the basis of a one for one share exchange.<ref> londonstockexchange.com. Retrieved 27 January 2013.</ref> In 2013, after its first 13 months, the company reported operating losses of £14.4m.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/01/rangers-announce-loss-annual-accounts |title=Rangers announce £14.4m operating loss in annual accounts |work=The Guardian |date=1 October 2018 |access-date=21 December 2018}}</ref> Thereafter it continued to post annual operating losses, variously £9.8m in 2014 and £9.9m in 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://media.rangers.co.uk/uploads/2015/11/Rangers-Reports-and-Accounts-2015.pdf|title=Annual Report 2015|publisher=rangers.co.uk|access-date=21 December 2018}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> £2.5m in 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://media.rangers.co.uk/uploads/2016/10/Rangers-Reports-and-Accounts-2017.pdf|title=Annual Report 2016|publisher=rangers.co.uk|access-date=21 December 2018}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> £6.3m in 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://media.rangers.co.uk/uploads/2017/11/Rangers-Reports-and-Accounts-2017.pdf|title=Annual Report 2017|publisher=rangers.co.uk|access-date=21 December 2018}}</ref> and £13.2m in 2018,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://media.rangers.co.uk/uploads/2018/10/RIFC-30th-June-2018_09_FINAL.pdf|title=Annual Report 2018|publisher=rangers.co.uk|access-date=21 December 2018}}</ref> until returning to profit in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11788/12742440/rangers-reveal-record-turnover-of-86-8m-and-operating-profit-of-5-9m|title=Rangers reveal record turnover of 86.8m and operating profit of 5.9m|publisher=skysports.com|access-date=9 November 2022}}</ref> | |||
===Major shareholders=== | |||
! width="25" align="right" |8. | |||
{{updated|July 2024}}<ref name="Shareholders">{{cite news | url=https://rangers.co.uk/club/investor-centre/share-information/ | title=SHARE INFORMATION | publisher=Rangers Football Club | work=Rangers.co.uk | access-date=29 September 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924201307/https://rangers.co.uk/club/investor-centre/share-information/ | archive-date=24 September 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
! Stakeholder | |||
! width="25" align="right" |11. | |||
! No of Ordinary Shares held | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
! % of issued share capital | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|]<ref>t/a New Oasis Asset Limited</ref> || 63,172,893 || 14.12% | |||
! width="25" align="right" |14. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
! width="25" align="right" |17. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
! width="25" align="right" |20. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] || 52,550,000 || 11.74% | |||
! width="25" align="right" |24. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|George Alexander Taylor || 44,074,998 || 9.85% | |||
! width="25" align="right" |31. | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Stuart Gibson || 44,000,000 || 9.84% | |||
! width="25" align="right" |36. | |||
|- | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|Borita Investments Limited || 27,611,955 || 6.17% | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
|] || 24,647,059 || 5.51% | |||
|- | |||
|Perron Investments LLC || 24,250,000 || 5.42% | |||
|- | |||
|George Letham || 22,274,516 || 4.98% | |||
|- | |||
|] Shares ] || 22,202,838 || 4.96% | |||
|- | |||
|Tifosy Investment Nominees Limited || 17,610,000 || 3.94% | |||
|} | |} | ||
==Social responsibility== | |||
===]=== | |||
{| | |||
===Support for charities=== | |||
{{Main|Rangers Charity Foundation}} | |||
The Rangers Charity Foundation was created in 2002 and participates in a wide range of ], regularly involving Rangers staff and star players. The foundation also has partnerships with ], The Prostate Cancer Charity and ], and is responsible for over £2.3 million in donations. As well as ], the Rangers Charity Foundation regularly bring ], ] and disadvantaged children to attend matches and tours at Ibrox, with the chance to meet the players.<ref name="Rangers charity foundation">{{cite web|url=http://www.rangerscharity.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=43|title=Introducing The Foundation|publisher=Rangerscharity.org.uk|access-date=25 August 2012|quote=Being a champion of charitable giving is our goal, and since our creation in 2002 we have donated over £1 million in cash awards and over £1,550,000 of in-kind support to hundreds of groups and individuals, making a combined total of over £2,500,000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116232818/http://www.rangerscharity.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=43|archive-date=16 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rangers charity foundation to be investigated">{{cite news|url=http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/299946-inquiry-into-rangers-charity-over-match-against-ac-milan/|title=Inquiry into Rangers charity match against AC Milan|work=STV Glasgow|publisher=STV|date=6 March 2012|access-date=22 December 2012|author=Farrell, Mike|quote=The charity, which has donated more than £2.3m to various causes since it was set up in 2002, has reduced the amount it will take from the game to 10%, meaning the majority of the money raised will go to the club, which is currently in administration.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513132400/http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/299946-inquiry-into-rangers-charity-over-match-against-ac-milan/|archive-date=13 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Through its support of the Rangers Charity Foundation, the club has helped a number of charities with support and financial donations. In 2008, the club became the first Scottish side to be selected as a partner club of ].<ref name="UNICEF">{{ cite news | url=http://www.unicef.org.uk/UNICEFs-Work/Our-supporters/Organisations/Corporate-partners/Rangers/ | title=RANGERS | publisher=UNICEF | access-date=18 September 2012 }}</ref> The club's Charity Foundation has backed initiatives in Togo and India<ref name="UNICEF"/> as well as funding one million vaccinations for a children's vaccination programme.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://rangers.co.uk/news/club/foundation-funds-1m-vaccines-unicef/ | title=Foundation Funds 1m Vaccines For Unicef| date=13 May 2016 | publisher=Rangers F.C.}}</ref> The club has been a firm supporter of ], a charity which provides long-term medical care for veterans of the ], and in 2012, donated £25,000 to fund projects within their care homes.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://rangers.co.uk/news/club/25k-donation-to-erskine/ | title=£25k Donation To Erskine | date=18 September 2012 | publisher=Rangers Charity Foundation }}</ref> In January 2015, Rangers hosted a charity match for the benefit of former player ] who had been diagnosed with ]; this raised £320,000 for him and ].<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/320k-raised-from-ricksen-match/ | title=320k Raised From Ricksen Match| date=27 March 2015 |publisher=Rangers F.C.}}</ref> | |||
===Work in the community=== | |||
Alongside its work with numerous charities, the club and its Charity Foundation operate various initiatives within the community including courses to help Armed Forces veterans overcome addictions,<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://rangers.co.uk/news/club/glasgow-veterans-united/ | title=Glasgow Veterans United |publisher=Rangers F.C. | date=8 June 2016 }}</ref> to raise awareness of social issues and help unemployed people back into work. In October 2015, the club launched its ''Ready2Succeed'' programme which was a ten-week course designed to develop participants confidence and employability skills by engaging with football and fitness.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.thescottishfootballpartnership.com/sfp-community-initiative-rangers-f-c-launch-new-employability-project-ready2succeed/ | title=Rangers F.C. launch new employability project 'Ready2Succeed' | work=Scottish Football Partnership | publisher=Thescottishfootballpartnership.com| date=21 October 2015 }}</ref> Rangers first-team players also visit the ] in Glasgow every year during the festive period where they hand out presents to the children and donate money to the hospital activity fund.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14145377.Rangers_stars_spread_festive_cheer_to_sick_kids/ | title=Rangers stars spread festive cheer to sick kids | author=Watson, Linzi | newspaper=The Herald | date=15 December 2015}}</ref> | |||
==Popular culture== | |||
In 2002, former Rangers striker Ally McCoist starred in ]'s film '']'' as Jackie McQuillan where he would play against Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final for "Kilnockie F.C.", a fictional side. | |||
In 2003, a Scottish television documentary series filmed by ], '']'', followed aspiring young footballers at Rangers as they tried to forge a career in football.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://sport.scotsman.com/rangersfc/Rangers-homegrown-hopefuls-make-for.2474119.jp | title=Rangers' homegrown hopefuls make for engaging talent show | location=Edinburgh|work=The Scotsman|publisher=Johnston Press | date=29 October 2003}}</ref> The series was originally broadcast in the winter of 2003 with a follow-up episode in 2011.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13030260.Heavenly_beginnings_show_how_Rangers_starlets_have_fallen_from_grace/ | title=Heavenly beginnings show how Rangers starlets have fallen from grace| location=Edinburgh|work=The Scotsman|publisher=Johnston Press | date=19 May 2011}}</ref> | |||
In 2008, celebrity chef and former Rangers youth player ] returned to the club to teach them how to cook in Series 4, Episode 12 of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/gordon-ramsays-f-word/on-demand/44977-012|title=Gordon Ramsay's F Word – On Demand – All 4|website=www.channel4.com}}</ref> | |||
Owing to the notoriety of the "Rangers Inter City Firm", a ] associated with the club, Rangers have also featured in television documentaries and books about football hooliganism, including Series 1, Episode 5 of '']'' presented by English actor ] on ] in 2006, during which he visits his first Old Firm match and meets football casuals from Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibernian, Dundee United and Dundee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/kicking-off-934116|title=Kicking off|work=Daily Record|date=6 May 2006|access-date=21 April 2018}}</ref> | |||
The club featured on BBC Scotland comedy '']'' in 1979 in a scene where Manager (]) and Chief Scout (]) unknowingly sign a young Catholic footballer (]) but then try to void his contract to avoid publicly breaking the club's ] after finding out.<ref name = "scotch n wry">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/nations/scotland/scpiwk51.pdf |title=This Week's Highlights. Scotland: BBC weeks 51 and 52 |publisher=BBC |date=2010-12-31 |access-date=2016-08-10}}</ref><ref>, Glasgow Live, 6 April 2018.</ref> | |||
Rangers have appeared in theatre a number of times in shows such as ''Follow Follow: The Rangers Story'' at the ] in 1994 starring Scottish actors ], ], ], ], ] and ]; ''Singin' I'm No A Billy He's A Tim'' at the Pavilion Theatre in 2009;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2009/jun/09/im-no-a-billy-hes-review|title=Singin' I'm No a Billy He's a Tim|work=The Guardian|date=9 June 2009|access-date=21 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/features/performing-arts/singin%E2%80%99-i%E2%80%99m-no-billy-he%E2%80%99s-tim|title=Singin' I'm No a Billy, He's a Tim|publisher=]|date=16 September 2009|access-date=21 April 2018|archive-date=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421163354/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/features/performing-arts/singin%E2%80%99-i%E2%80%99m-no-billy-he%E2%80%99s-tim|url-status=dead}}</ref> '']'' at the ] in 2011; and, more recently, ''Billy and Tim and the Wee Glesga Ghost'' in 2015, and ''Rally Roon the Rangers'' in 2019 and 2022, both at the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/17792697.pavilion-s-rally-roon-rangers-opens-spectacular-start/|title=The Pavilion's Rally Roon the Rangers opens with a spectacular start |work=Evening Times|date=24 July 2019}}</ref> | |||
]'s ] "]", also known as "Down in the Valley with My Saviour I Would Go" or "I Will Follow Jesus", has been adopted as the anthem of Rangers in their club song "]". The club has also played the ] song "]" when the teams exit the tunnel before kick off.<ref name="thebest">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/04/21/rangers-fans-launch-bid-to-get-tina-turner-hit-simply-the-best-to-no-1-as-team-close-in-on-spl-title-86908-22201242/ |title=Rangers fans launch bid to get Tina Turner hit Simply The Best to No.1 |newspaper=The Daily Record |date=21 April 2010 |access-date=21 April 2018}}</ref> | |||
In October 2023, ] girl group ] went viral when during a concert in Dallas, Texas, US, they wore cropped 1996–97 season Rangers shirts instead of uniforms from the local ] team, the ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cox |first1=Auryn |title=STAYC - K-pop group in Rangers top 'mix-up' at Texas gig |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-67204915 |website=BBC Scotland |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=16 January 2024 |date=24 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Ally |last1=McCoist |author-link1=Ally McCoist |first2=Alan |last2=Brazil |author-link2=Alan Brazil |first3=Phil |last3=Spencer |title=McCoist in stitches at K-Pop band's Rangers wardrobe malfunction: 'They wore it better' |url=https://talksport.com/football/1615626/ally-mccoist-rangers-k-pop-stayc-wardrobe-malfunction/ |publisher=] |access-date=16 January 2024 |language=en-gb |date=25 October 2023}}</ref> A club spokesman said that the moment had "triggered nostalgia for the Light Blues". When the group traveled to the UK the following month for the Korea On Stage show at Wembley, the club welcomed them to Ibrox Stadium and their adjoining event facility, Edmiston House.<ref>{{cite AV media |author1=Rangers Football Club |author2=STAYC |author-link2=STAYC |title=K-Pop Group STAYC Visit Ibrox And Edmiston House |type=Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfqBSlUmFdo |publisher=Rangers Football Club |access-date=16 January 2024 |date=8 November 2023 |language=en |via=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |format=Short video |author=STAYC |author-link=STAYC|title=Rangers FC Broxy Bear 와 함께한 #TeddyBear_Challenge |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yEaU_kCJFeU |publisher=High Up Entertainment |access-date=16 January 2024 |date=6 November 2023 |location=Ibrox Stadium |language=en |via=]}} Also shared by the group on Instagram and TikTok.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=K-Pop group STAYC tell Ibrox crowds 'we love Rangers' after top 'mix-up' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-67340158 |work=BBC Scotland |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=16 January 2024 |date=6 November 2023}}</ref> | |||
==Records== | |||
{{Main|List of Rangers F.C. records and statistics}} | |||
===Club=== | |||
{{div col}} | |||
;Highest attendance | |||
:143,570 vs ], 27 March 1948<ref name="Rangers the complete record">{{cite book|title=Rangers: The Complete Record|publisher=Breedon Books|last1=Ferrier|first1=Bob|last2=McElroy|first2=Robert|year=2005|isbn=1-85983-481-7}}</ref><ref name="Glasgow rangers player by player 1990">{{cite book|title=Glasgow Rangers: Player by Player|publisher=The Crowood Press|last1=Ferrier|first1=Bob|last2=McElroy|first2=Robert|year=1990|isbn=1-85223-404-0}}</ref><ref name="Glasgow rangers player by player 1998">{{cite book|title=Glasgow Rangers: Player by Player|publisher=The Crowood Press|last1=Ferrier|first1=Bob|last2=McElroy|first2=Robert|year=1998|isbn=0-600-59495-5}}</ref> | |||
;UK record home ] | |||
:118,567 vs ], 2 January 1939<ref name="Founded 1872" /><ref name="Record attendance" /><ref name="records">{{cite book|title=The Encyclopedia of Scottish Football|last1=Potter|first1=David|last2=Jones|first2=Phil|author-link1=David W. Potter|year=2011|publisher=Pitch Publishing|isbn=978-1908051103|pages=95–103, 294}}</ref><ref name="records 2">{{cite book|title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2011–12|last1=Rollin|first1=Glenda|last2=Rollin|first2=Jack|publisher=Headline|isbn=978-0755362325|pages=758–759|date=4 August 2011}}</ref> | |||
;Highest European attendance | |||
:100,000 vs ], 16 September 1987<ref name="Glasgow rangers player by player 1990"/> | |||
;World record fourth-tier attendance | |||
:50,048 vs ], 4 May 2013<ref name="World record fourth tier attendance" /><ref name="Rangers beat there own 4th tier world record" /><ref name="Rangers beat their record again" /> | |||
;Unbeaten league seasons | |||
:] (Rangers won all of their 18 league matches)<ref name="Record 100% league win">{{cite book|title=Great Sporting Rivals |publisher=ReadHowYouWant.com|last=Romanos |first=Joseph|year=2010|page=139|isbn=9781458779663|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KHf9vFXIOLEC&q=rangers+football+club+records&pg=PA139|access-date=25 December 2012}}</ref> and ]<ref name="independent.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/rangers-aberdeen-result-unbeaten-season-b1848080.html|title=Rangers beat Aberdeen to seal unbeaten league season before lifting Scottish Premiership trophy|website=The Independent|date=15 May 2021}}</ref> | |||
;Highest scoring match | |||
:14–2 vs Whitehill, 29 September 1883<ref name="fitbastats.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/rangers/club_records_overall.php|title=Rangers Club Records|website=Fitba Stats}}</ref> | |||
:14–2 vs Blairgowrie, 20 January 1934<ref name="records" /><ref name="records 2" /><ref name="fitbastats.com"/> | |||
;Record league victory | |||
:10–0 vs ], 24 December 1898<ref name="Founded 1872" /><ref name="Rangers the complete record" /><ref name="fitbastats.com"/> | |||
{{div col end}} | |||
===Player=== | |||
{{div col}} | |||
; Record appearances | |||
:], 940 appearances, 1925–1947<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/dougie-gray/|title=Dougie Gray |website=Rangers Football Club Official Website|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224132051/https://rangers.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/dougie-gray/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
; Most league appearances | |||
:], 513 appearances, 1917–1934<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/sandy-archibald/|title=Sandy Archibald |website=Rangers Football Club Official Website}}</ref> | |||
; Record goalscorer | |||
:], 381 goals, 1929–1946<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12425007.Football_mourns_the_loss_of_Rangers_legend_Jimmy_Smith/|title=Football mourns the loss of Rangers legend Jimmy Smith|website=The Herald|date=6 December 2003 }}</ref> | |||
; Most league goals | |||
:], 300 goals, 1929–1946<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/jimmy-smith/|title=Jimmy Smith |website=Rangers Football Club Official Website}}</ref> | |||
; Most Scotland caps whilst playing at Rangers | |||
:], 61 caps, 1983–1998<ref name="rangers.co.uk">{{cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/ally-mccoist/|title=Ally McCoist |website=Rangers Football Club Official Website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scotland_fixture_archive.cfm?page=2886|title=Scottish Football Association|publisher=Scottish Football Association|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227150934/http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scotland_fixture_archive.cfm?page=2886|archive-date=27 February 2017}}</ref>{{failed verification|reason=Archived copy does not contain the information necessary to verify|date=May 2024}} | |||
{{div col end}} | |||
==Players== | |||
===First-team squad=== | |||
{{updated|30 August 2024|<ref name="first team squad">{{cite web|url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/team/mens-team/1zagW2Yj9Dys5huB1Uq6DF|title=First Team Squad|website=Rangers F.C. |access-date=27 January 2022}}</ref>}} | |||
<!--Since SPFL rules permit squad numbers for Premiership and Championship teams, when adding players first order them by position, going from GK, DF, MF, FW then order by second name--> | |||
{{Fs start}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=1|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=]|other=]|}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=2|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=]|other=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=3|nat=TUR|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=4|nat=NED|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=5|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=7|nat=COL|pos=FW|name=]|other=on loan from ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=8|nat=SCO|pos=MF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=9|nat=NGA|pos=FW|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=10|nat=CIV|pos=MF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=11|nat=WAL|pos=FW|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=14|nat=ALB|pos=MF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=17|nat=WAL|pos=FW|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=18|nat=CZE|pos=FW|name=]|other=on loan from ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=19|nat=FRA|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=20|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=21|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs mid}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=22|nat=BRA|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=24|nat=NED|pos=DF|name=]|other=on loan from ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=27|nat=NGA|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=29|nat=MAR|pos=FW|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=30|nat=ROU|pos=MF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=31|nat=SCO|pos=GK|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=38|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=43|nat=BEL|pos=MF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=44|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=45|nat=NIR|pos=FW|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=47|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=48|nat=SCO|pos=MF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=49|nat=SCO|pos=MF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=50|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=51|nat=SCO|pos=MF|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=99|nat=BRA|pos=FW|name=]}} | |||
{{Fs end}} | |||
===On loan=== | |||
{{Fs start}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=15|nat=ECU|pos=MF|name=]|other=on loan at ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=26|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=]|other=on loan at ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=32|nat=SCO|pos=GK|name=]|other=on loan at ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=46|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=]|other=on loan at ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=56|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=Connor Allan|other=on loan at ]}} | |||
{{Fs mid}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=57|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=Greig Allen|other=on loan at ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=69|nat=SCO|pos=GK|name=Jacob Pazikas|other=on loan at ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=|nat=SCO|pos=GK|name=Jay Hogarth|other=on loan at ]}} | |||
{{Fs player|no=|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=]|other=on loan at ]}} | |||
{{Fs end}} | |||
===Academy squads=== | |||
''For more details on the academy squads, see ].'' | |||
===Retired and reserved numbers=== | |||
{{main|List_of_retired_numbers_in_association_football#Special_cases|l1=Retired numbers in football}} | |||
*Number '''12''' is reserved for the ] (often referred to as ])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/gers-dedicate-no-12-jersey-to-fans/ |title=Gers Dedicate No 12 Jersey To Fans |publisher=Rangers F.C. |access-date=30 January 2016 |date=3 May 2012 |archive-date=5 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205052145/http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/gers-dedicate-no-12-jersey-to-fans/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
==Staff== | |||
===Board of directors=== | |||
Rangers F.C. is owned and operated by The Rangers Football Club Limited ("TRFCL"), which, in turn, is a subsidiary of the holding company Rangers International Football Club Plc ("RIFC"). The latter company, RIFC, also owns other corporations related to Rangers including Rangers Retail Ltd, Rangers Media Ltd and Garrion Security Services Ltd who are responsible for providing match day security at ]. | |||
;Rangers International Football Club Plc | |||
''As of 16 December 2024''<ref name="Rangers PLC Board">{{cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/club/investor-centre/board/board-of-directors/|title=RIFC Board of Directors|website=Rangers F.C.|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=12 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412065346/https://rangers.co.uk/club/investor-centre/board/board-of-directors/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |- | ||
! Position | |||
! width="25" align="right" |4. | |||
! Name | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Chairman | |||
! width="25" align="right" |9. | |||
|Fraser Thornton | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Non-executive director | |||
! width="25" align="right" |10. | |||
|John Halsted | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Non-executive director | |||
! width="25" align="right" |19. | |||
|] | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Non-executive director | |||
! width="25" align="right" |26. | |||
|Graeme Park | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Non-executive director | |||
! width="25" align="right" |38. | |||
|George Taylor | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Non-executive director | |||
! width="25" align="right" |39. | |||
|Julian Wolhardt | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|} | |||
|] | |||
;Corporate staff | |||
''As of 20 December 2024'' | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |- | ||
! Position | |||
! width="25" align="right" |42. | |||
! Name | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Chief executive officer | |||
! width="25" align="right" |45. | |||
|Patrick Stewart | |||
! width="200" align="left" |] | |||
|] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Technical director | |||
|Nils Koppen | |||
|- | |||
|Interm chief commercial officer | |||
|Sean Jefferson | |||
|- | |||
|Chief financial officer | |||
|James Taylor | |||
|- | |||
|Company secretary and legal director | |||
|Graham Horsman | |||
|} | |} | ||
== |
===First-team staff=== | ||
''As of 16 December 2024''<ref name="Rangers backroom staff">{{cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/teams/staff/|title=Staff|website=Rangers F.C.|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630182531/https://rangers.co.uk/teams/staff/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |||
! Position | |||
! Name | |||
|- | |||
|Manager | |||
|{{flagicon|BEL}} ] | |||
|- | |||
|Assistant managers | |||
|{{flagicon|BEL}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|NED}} ] | |||
|- | |||
|First team coaches | |||
|{{flagicon|SCO}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|SCO}} ] | |||
|- | |||
|Goalkeeping coach | |||
|{{flagicon|SCO}} ] | |||
|- | |||
|Head of first team operations | |||
|Hannah MacLean | |||
|- | |||
|Head of scouting operations | |||
|Fraser Murray | |||
|- | |||
|Lead UK scout | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
|Lead Scotland scout | |||
|Ian Murdoch | |||
|- | |||
|Lead international scout | |||
|Anthony Galinski | |||
|- | |||
|Lead technical scout | |||
|James Morgan-Snowley | |||
|- | |||
|Head of performance | |||
|Thomas Taylor | |||
|- | |||
|Head of nutrition and performance coach | |||
|Craig Flannigan | |||
|- | |||
|Physical performance and reconditioning coach | |||
|Mitchel White | |||
|- | |||
|Physical performance coach | |||
|Calum MacMaster | |||
|- | |||
|Head of rehabilitation | |||
|Russell Parker | |||
|- | |||
|Head of performance physiotherapy | |||
|Kevin Bain | |||
|- | |||
|Head of physiotherapy | |||
|Jonathon Skinner | |||
|- | |||
|Director of medical and performance | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
|Masseurs | |||
|David Lavery<br/>] | |||
|- | |||
|Head of analysis | |||
|Graeme Stevenson | |||
|- | |||
|Performance analysts | |||
|Adam Berry<br/>Euan Fotheringham | |||
|- | |||
|Kit operations manager | |||
|Luke Murphy | |||
|- | |||
|Kit logistics coordinator | |||
|] | |||
|} | |||
==Managers== | |||
'''Record home attendance''': | |||
{{For|a list of team managers|List of Rangers F.C. managers}} | |||
118,567 .v. Celtic, January, 1939 | |||
Eighteen men (including two repeat appointments) have been manager of Rangers during the club's history.<ref name="Smith return" /><ref name="McCoist in Smith out">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/9404913.stm|title=McCoist confirmed as Smith's successor|work=BBC Sport|date=22 February 2011|access-date=18 August 2012|quote=Rangers have confirmed for the first time that Ally McCoist will take over as manager when Walter Smith steps down at the end of the season.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713113527/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/9404913.stm|archive-date=13 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Durrant takes charge">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6231965.stm|title=Rangers reel as Le Guen departs|work=BBC Sport|date=4 January 2007|access-date=18 August 2012|author1=Taylor, Julian|quote=The club's reserve-team coach, Ian Durrant, will take charge of training on Friday ahead of the club's next match, a Tennent's Scottish Cup tie, against Dunfermline Athletic on Sunday.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428174258/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6231965.stm|archive-date=28 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, ten men have taken charge of the side on a caretaker basis, while five served as secretaries choosing the team, prior to the appointment of the club's first full-time manager, ], in 1899. | |||
'''Record victory''': | |||
13-0 .v. Possilpark, Scottish Cup, October, 1877 | |||
The longest-serving manager was ], who served for 34 years and 26 days. Rangers have had four foreign managers during their history: Dick Advocaat,<ref name="First foreign manager" /><ref name="McLeish appointment" /> Paul Le Guen, Pedro Caixinha and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Graeme Souness is the only ] during Rangers' history.<ref name="Paying for over spending" /> There have been two repeat appointments: ] and ]. | |||
'''Record league victory''': | |||
10-0 .v. Hibernian, December, 1898 | |||
The most successful manager, in terms of the number of trophies won, is Bill Struth, with eighteen League titles, ten Scottish Cups and two League Cups. Rangers' other manager with notable success was William Waddell, who won the European Cup Winners' Cup. | |||
'''Record defeat''': | |||
2-10 .v. Airdrieonians, 1886 | |||
{| | |||
'''Record league defeat''': | |||
|- valign="top" | |||
0-6 Dumbarton, May, 1892 | |||
| | |||
{| class="wikitable alternance" | |||
|+Rangers F.C. managers<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Managers|url=https://rangers.co.uk/club/history/former-managers/|publisher=Rangers F.C.|access-date=17 April 2017|archive-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924201246/https://rangers.co.uk/club/history/former-managers/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!|Name | |||
!|Period | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1899–1920 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1920–1954 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1954–1967 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1967–1969 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1969–1972 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1972–1978 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1978–1983 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} Jock Wallace || 1983–1986 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1986–1991 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1991–1998 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Netherlands}} ] || 1998–2001 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 2001–2006 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|France}} ] || 2006–2007 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} Walter Smith || 2007–2011 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 2011–2014 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|England}} ] || 2015–2017 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Portugal}} ] || 2017 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|England}} ] || 2018–2021 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Netherlands}} ] || 2021–2022 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|England}} ] || 2022–2023 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Belgium}} ] || 2023– | |||
|} | |||
|} | |||
==Honours== | |||
'''Record appearances''': | |||
{{see also|Rangers F.C. Under-20s and Academy#Honours|label 1=Reserves and Academy honours|List of Rangers F.C. records and statistics#Honours|label 2=Rangers F.C. honours in full}} | |||
John Greig, 755, 1960-1978 | |||
{{Updated|17 December 2023}}<ref name="Rangers honours" /> | |||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center;" | |||
'''Record league appearances''': | |||
!style="width: 10%;"|Type | |||
Sandy Archibald, 513, 1917-1934 | |||
!style="width: 10%;"|Competition | |||
!style="width: 5%;"|Titles | |||
!style="width: 30%;"|Seasons | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="7" |'''Domestic''' | |||
! scope=col| ] | |||
|style="background-color:gold"|'''55''' | |||
| | |||
],{{#tag:ref|Shared with Dumbarton F.C. after both clubs ended the season on 29 points. A play-off game at Cathkin Park on 21 May 1891 finished 2–2, so the clubs were declared joint champions.<ref name="Rangers honours" />|group="n"}} ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]<ref name="Rangers honours" /><ref name="records" /><ref name="records 2" /> | |||
|- | |||
! scope=col| ] | |||
|'''1''' | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
! scope=col| ] | |||
|'''1''' | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
! scope=col| ] | |||
|'''1''' | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
! scope=col| ] | |||
|'''34''' | |||
| | |||
], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]<ref name="Rangers honours" /><ref name="records" /><ref name="records 2" /> | |||
|- | |||
! scope=col |] | |||
|style="background-color:gold"|'''28''' | |||
| | |||
], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]<ref name="Rangers honours" /><ref name="records" /><ref name="records 2" /> | |||
|- | |||
! scope=col| ] | |||
|'''1''' | |||
|] | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="1" |'''Continental''' | |||
! scope=col|] | |||
|'''1''' | |||
|] | |||
|} | |||
* {{legend|gold|record}} | |||
* {{smallsup|s}} shared record | |||
===Other honours=== | |||
'''Record Scottish Cup appearances''': | |||
{{Main|Rangers F.C. in European football}} | |||
Alec Smith, 74 | |||
* ''']''': | |||
** ''Runners-up (2):'' ], ] | |||
* ''']''': | |||
** ''Runners-up (2):'' ], ] | |||
* ''']''': | |||
** ''Runners-up (1):'' ] | |||
===Doubles and trebles=== | |||
'''Record league cup appearances''': | |||
*League Title, Scottish Cup, League Cup: '''7''' | |||
John Greig, 121 | |||
:: ], 1963–64, ], ], ], ], ] | |||
*League Title and Scottish Cup: '''11''' | |||
:: 1927–28, 1929–30, 1933–34, 1934–35, ], ], 1962–63, ], ], ], ] | |||
*League Title and League Cup: '''10''' | |||
:: 1946–47, 1960–61, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] | |||
*Scottish Cup and League Cup: '''4''' | |||
:: 1961–62, ], ], ] | |||
===Notable statistics=== | |||
'''Record European appearances''': | |||
Rangers became the first British side to reach a UEFA-sanctioned European final in 1961.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/club/history/club-history/item/328-a-classic-team |title=A Classic Team |access-date=13 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313212955/http://www.rangers.co.uk/club/history/club-history/item/328-a-classic-team |archive-date=13 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
John Greig, 64 | |||
==UEFA club coefficient rankings== | |||
'''Record goalscorer''': | |||
{{updated|16 March 2024}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/uefarankings/club/ |title=UEFA Club Co-efficient Rankings |publisher=UEFA |access-date=10 July 2017}}</ref> | |||
Ally McCoist, 355 goals, 1983-1998 | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | |||
|- | |||
! Ranking !! Club !! Country !! {{nowrap|2023/24}} Points !! Total Points !! National Association Points | |||
|- | |||
|22 | |||
|] | |||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} | |||
|21.000 | |||
|71.000 | |||
|20.635 | |||
|- | |||
|23 | |||
|] | |||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} | |||
|18.000 | |||
|68.000 | |||
|20.635 | |||
|- | |||
|24 | |||
|] | |||
|{{flagicon|NED}} | |||
|5.000 | |||
|67.000 | |||
|12.260 | |||
|- | |||
|'''25''' | |||
|'''Rangers''' | |||
|{{flagicon|SCO}} | |||
|14.000 | |||
|63.000 | |||
|7.210 | |||
|- | |||
|26 | |||
|] | |||
|{{flagicon|UKR}} | |||
|10.000 | |||
|63.000 | |||
|5.600 | |||
|- | |||
|27 | |||
|] | |||
|{{flagicon|GER}} | |||
|7.000 | |||
|60.000 | |||
|16.724 | |||
|- | |||
|28 | |||
|] | |||
|{{flagicon|ITA}} | |||
|16.000 | |||
|59.000 | |||
|17.399 | |||
|- | |||
|} | |||
==Notable former players== | |||
'''Most goals in one season''': | |||
{{Main|List of Rangers F.C. players}} | |||
Sam English, 44 goals, 1931/1932 | |||
{{see also|List of Rangers F.C. international footballers|Rangers F.C. Hall of Fame}} | |||
===Club captains=== | |||
'''Most league goals''': | |||
For further information, see ]. | |||
Ally McCoist, 54 goals | |||
{| | |||
'''Most Scottish Cup goals''': | |||
|- valign="top" | |||
Jimmy Fleming, 44 goals | |||
| | |||
{| class="wikitable alternance" | |||
|+Rangers F.C. captains | |||
|- | |||
!|Name | |||
!|Period | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1876–1882 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1882–1894 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1894–1898 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1898–1906 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1906–1916 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1916–1926 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Ireland|1783}} ] || 1926–1927 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1927–1930 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1930–1938 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1938–1940 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1940–1957 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1953–1957 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1957–1960 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1960–1962 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1962–1965 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1965–1978 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1978–1983 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} ] || 1983–1984 | |||
|} | |||
| | |||
{| class="wikitable alternance" | |||
|+ <ref>]</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!|Name | |||
!|Period | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1984–1986 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|England}} ] || 1986–1990 | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="2"|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 1990–1997 | |||
|- | |||
|1997–1998 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Denmark}} ] || 1997 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Italy}} ] || 1998–2000 | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="3"|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 2000–2003 | |||
|- | |||
|2005–2007 | |||
|- | |||
|2007–2009 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Australia}} ] || 2003–2004 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Germany}} ] || 2004–2005 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 2007 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 2009–2012 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} ] || 2012 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|USA}} ] || 2012 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 2012–2015 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|Scotland}} ] || 2015–2018 | |||
|- | |||
|{{flagicon|England}} ] || 2018– | |||
|} | |||
|} | |||
{{football squad on pitch|align=right|font-size=95% | |||
'''Most League Cup goals''': | |||
| GK = ] | |||
Ally McCoist, 54 goals | |||
| RB = ] | |||
| RCB = ] | |||
| LCB = ] | |||
| LB = ] | |||
| RM = ] | |||
| RCM = ] | |||
| LCM = ] | |||
| LM = ] | |||
| RCF = ] | |||
| LCF = ] | |||
| caption = The "Greatest Ever" Rangers 11 chosen by fans in 1999. The manager chosen was ].{{#tag:ref|Choices were limited to post World War II era players only.|group="n"}}<ref>{{cite web | title = Rangers Greatest 11 | access-date = 20 January 2013 | year = 2011 | publisher = The official Rangers FC Website | url = http://www.rangerspics.com/rangers_greatest_11_pin_badge_framed_set/print/5372821.html | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130101144206/http://www.rangerspics.com/rangers_greatest_11_pin_badge_framed_set/print/5372821.html | archive-date = 1 January 2013 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>}} | |||
===Greatest-ever team=== | |||
'''Most European goals''': | |||
The following team was voted the greatest ever Rangers team by supporters in 1999. When the vote was launched it was feared that younger voters would ignore the great service of many of the pre-war stars (notably the most successful captain and most successful manager the club has ever had, ] and ] respectively). When the ballot was launched ] stated it would be limited to post Second World War players because "few can recall players of these earlier eras":<ref name="Greig"> The Free Library, 1999</ref> | |||
Ally McCoist, 21 goals | |||
* {{Flagicon|Scotland}} ] | |||
* {{Flagicon|Scotland}} ] | |||
* {{Flagicon|Scotland}} ] | |||
* {{Flagicon|England}} ] | |||
* {{Flagicon|Scotland}} ] – voted Rangers' greatest-ever player | |||
* {{Flagicon|Denmark}} ] – voted Rangers' greatest-ever foreign player | |||
* {{Flagicon|England}} ] | |||
* {{Flagicon|Scotland}} ] – voted Rangers' third greatest-ever player | |||
* {{Flagicon|Scotland}} ] | |||
* {{Flagicon|Scotland}} ] – voted Rangers' second greatest-ever player | |||
* {{Flagicon|England}} ] | |||
===Scottish Football Hall of Fame=== | |||
'''Most capped player''': | |||
As of 1 June 2020, 33 players and managers to have been involved with Rangers in their careers have entered the ]:<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101063107/http://www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-introduction.html |date=1 November 2013 }} Scottish Football Museum</ref> | |||
Terry Butcher, 77 caps for England | |||
{{Div col|colwidth=13em}} | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2004 Inaugural Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2004 Inaugural Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2004 Inaugural Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2004 Inaugural Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2004 Inaugural Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2005 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2005 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2005 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2005 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2006 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|DEN}} ] – 2006 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2006 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2006 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2006 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2007 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2007 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2007 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2008 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2008 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2009 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2009 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2010 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2011 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|ENG}} ] – 2011 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2012 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2013 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2014 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2015 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2016 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2018 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2018 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2019 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2019 Inductee | |||
{{Div col end}} | |||
===Scottish FA International Roll of Honour=== | |||
'''Highest transfer fee received''': | |||
The ] recognises players who have gained 50 or more international caps for Scotland. As of 1 July 2021, the 10 inductees to have won caps while playing for Rangers are:<ref name=SFARoll>{{cite web|url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scotland/roll-of-honour/mens-roll-of-honour/|publisher=Scottish Football Association|access-date=20 January 2013|title=International Roll of Honour}}</ref> | |||
Giovanni Van Bronkhorst, £8.5m, Arsenal, 2001 | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2006 Inductee, 69 Caps | |||
'''Highest transfer fee paid''': | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2010 Inductee, 69 Caps | |||
Tore André Flo, £12.5m, Chelsea, 2000 | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2003 Inductee, 67 Caps | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 1990 Inductee, 61 Caps | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 1996 Inductee, 61 Caps | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 1956 Inductee, 54 Caps | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 1985 Inductee, 54 Caps | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2001 Inductee, 51 Caps | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2019 Inductee, 51 Caps | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2016 Inductee, 50 Caps | |||
===Scottish Sports Hall of Fame=== | |||
==Greatest Team== | |||
Three Rangers players have been selected in the ], they are:<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524105030/http://www.sshf.co.uk/inductees |date=24 May 2013 }} Scottish Sports</ref> | |||
The following team was voted as the greatest ever Rangers team at an awards ceremony in 1999. Thousands of Rangers fans voted. | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2002 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2002 Inductee | |||
* {{flagicon|SCO}} ] – 2007 Inductee | |||
===Greatest-ever Ranger=== | |||
*] (Goalkeeper) | |||
] was voted the greatest ever Rangers player in 1999.<ref name="Greig"/> | |||
*] (Defender) | |||
He was announced as Honorary Life President in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/9324-greig-named-honorary-president |title=Greig Named Honorary President |website=Rangers F.C. |date=23 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526215457/http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/9324-greig-named-honorary-president |archive-date=26 May 2015}}</ref> | |||
*] (Defender) | |||
*] (Defender) | |||
*] (Defender) | |||
*] (Midfielder) | |||
*] (Midfielder) | |||
*] (Midfielder) | |||
*] (Midfielder) | |||
*] (striker) | |||
*] (striker) | |||
==Sponsors== | |||
As of 22 November 2024, Rangers are sponsored by:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/commercial/partnerships/|title=Our Partners|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
== |
===Official partners=== | ||
* Official Kit Manufacturer, Retail, Merchandise and Licensing Partner – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/rangers-announce-historic-new-partnership-with-castore/|title=Rangers Announce Historic New Partnership With Castore|date=17 May 2020|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=24 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524234528/https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/rangers-announce-historic-new-partnership-with-castore/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Rangers have the all-time worldwide lead for domestic league championships, racking up their 51st title in 2005. They also share the all-time worldwide lead for ] with ] club ], with 17 as of 2004-05 and hold the record for ], with 7 so far. | |||
* Principal Club Sponsor – ]<ref name="Kindred">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/kindred-highlights-its-zero-mission-with-new-rangers-kit-branding/6csTmgbTi6qu0y5qaMnCNq|title=Kindred Highlights It's Zero Mission With New Rangers Kit Branding|date=9 June 2023|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Shirt Sponsor – ]<ref name="Kindred"/> | |||
* Official Presenting Partner – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-parks-motor-group-presenting-partnership/4DYOJbSX0yqf1PVIhdLSm6|title=Rangers Announce Park's Motor Group Presenting Partnership|date=27 January 2023|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Upper Back of Shirt Sponsor and Logistics Partner – Seko Logistics<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/seko-logistics-announced-as-official-logistics-partner/6Uz9avpDjAIrJPQTQmf6LB|title=Seko Logistics announced as official logistics partner|date=27 July 2020|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Lower Back of Shirt Sponsor and Official Ibrox Stadium Payment Processing Partner – Guavapay<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-guavapay-as-new-back-of-shirt-partner/6VwCMknpMg1KV0MxXvCHxT|title=Rangers Announce Guavapay As New Back Of Shirt Partner|date=22 November 2024|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Sleeve Partner – BOXT<ref name="ReferenceB"/> | |||
* Official Shorts Sponsor – AIM Building & Maintenance Services<ref name="ReferenceC"/> | |||
* Official Training Kit Partner – ]<ref name="Kindred"/> | |||
* Official Women's Principal Partner and Official Women's Front Of Shirt Partner – Sportsbreaks.com<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-expanded-partnership-with-destination-sport-group/5r9iuoFmJc3SHRKQ9S2h3o/|title=Rangers Announce Expanded Partnership With Destination Sport Group|date=6 July 2023|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Women's Sleeve Partner – ] | |||
* Official Academy Partner – Carrick Packaging<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/academy-news/carrick-packaging-to-sponsor-academy-squads/|title=Carrick Packaging To Sponsor Academy Squads|date=15 July 2019|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official B Team Front of Shirt Training Wear Partner and Building and Maintenance Partner – AIM Building & Maintenance Services | |||
* Official Academy Front of Shirt Training Wear Partner and Air Conditioning Partner – CSD Air Conditioning<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-new-associate-partnership-with-csd-air-conditioning-ltd/6bP5XGvBynYUnTDYiy6Ucp|title=Rangers Announce New Associate Partnership With CSD Air Conditioning LTD|date=15 July 2022|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Destination Partner – Experience ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-partnership-with-experience-kissimmee/4xKMcFPZZQr7xJoTybXcnT|title=Rangers Announce Partnership With Experience Kissimmee|date=4 August 2023|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Lager Partner – ] | |||
* Official Breakfast Cereals Partner – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-partnership-with-kelloggs/6v5J7RpM74FJCjULPS6Rm5|title=Rangers Announce Partnership With Kellogg's|date=29 January 2024|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Video Gaming Partner – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-multi-year-partnership-with-ea-sports/4SxTb4WGGCUIc1AJ1P6KDv|title=Rangers Announce Multi-Year Partnership With EA Sports|date=23 August 2022|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Digital Auction Supplier – MatchWornShirt<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-partnership-with-matchwornshirt/3mmIYzuxriwCfnKIpXnY4d|title=Rangers Announce Partnership With MatchWornShirt|date=5 August 2022|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official FX Transfer Partner – Ebury<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-partnership-with-ebury/5d40HCSuHO7VkYrgmxTolw|title=Rangers Announce Partnership With Ebury|date=18 January 2024|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
===Associate partners=== | |||
Rangers won their 100th major trophy in ], the first club in the world to reach that milestone. | |||
* Official Snacking Partner – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-football-club-announce-new-cadbury-partnership/5KmSdU0vhEhbLu93oDhZKx|title=Rangers Football Club Announce New Cadbury Partnership|date=2 November 2020|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Scotch Whisky Partner – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-partner-with-douglas-laing/1thXdrMMXhKeCARMmGXJ7E|title=Rangers Partner With Douglas Laing|date=9 November 2021|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Restaurant Partner – Black Rooster<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-partnership-with-black-rooster/3MeDg9lBZR8WHS7FLSDIHm|title=Rangers Announce Partnership With Black Rooster|date=27 August 2021|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Engineering Partner – Forrest Precision Engineering<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-new-associate-partnership-with-forrest-precision/20EFsNI8Rf1fBKwvNCj7jk|title=Rangers Announce New Associate Partnership With Forrest Precision Engineering|date=27 July 2021|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Cyber Security Partner – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-partner-with-nordvpn/41tatnC4AHyi7Hj1jgHhqW|title=Rangers Partner With NordVPN|date=12 February 2021|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Electrical and Security Partner – JC Electrical & Security Solutions | |||
* Official Gas Mains and Suppliers Replacement Specialist Partner – Pipeline Energy Solutions | |||
* Official Ground Engineering Partner – Northern Piling | |||
===Official suppliers=== | |||
* '''European Cup Winners''' 1972 ''(1)'' | |||
* Official Business Travel Supplier – Destination Sport Travel | |||
* '''Scottish League Champions''' 1891, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005 ''(51)'' | |||
* Official Match Breaks Supplier – Sportsbreaks.com | |||
* '''Scottish Cup Winners''' 1894, 1897, 1898, 1903, 1928, 1930, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 ''(31)'' | |||
* Official Title Sponsorship Partner - ] | |||
* '''Scottish League Cup Winners''' 1946, 1948, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005 ''(24)'' | |||
* Official Television Supplier – ] | |||
* ''']''' 1979 | |||
* Official Food and Beverage Partner – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announces-elior-as-food-and-beverage-partner/2IBChMH7IC9QAQFU16yMbv|title=Rangers Announces Elior As Food And Beverage Partner|date=2 September 2024|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* ] 1984, 1989 | |||
* Official Soft Drink Supplier – ] | |||
* Official Hydration Partner – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/lucozade-sport-teams-up-with-Rangers-to-become-clubs-official-hydration/1fkCHJ4ITqNGOXNKH3z7C7|title=Lucozade Sport Teams Up With Rangers To Become Club's Official Hydration Partner|date=11 December 2020|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website|access-date=11 December 2020|archive-date=11 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211151117/https://www.rangers.co.uk/Article/lucozade-sport-teams-up-with-rangers-to-become-clubs-official-hydration/1fkCHJ4ITqNGOXNKH3z7C7|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
* Official Personal Care Supplier – ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/club/rangers-partner-with-molton-brown/|title=Rangers Partner With Molton Brown|date=16 January 2020|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Rangers Legends Events Supplier – 5 Stars<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-appoint-5-stars-limited-as-rangers-legends-events-supplier/6S5Rd3b5yjvhNCd6U1bqgJ|title=Rangers Appoint 5 Stars Limited As Rangers Legends Events Supplier|date=25 September 2020|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Sports Nutrition Partner – Applied Nutrition<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-announce-applied-nutrition-as-official-associate-partner/20hMAKBFg07GQvYqZW6mE2|title=Rangers Announce Applied Nutrition As Official Associate Partner|date=19 August 2021|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
* Official Events Partner – ] | |||
* Official Clothing Partner – Suited & Booted | |||
===Club & Federation partners=== | |||
* Official Club Partners – ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/rangers-partner-with-all-india-football-federation/6mretBwPC3p9X7LqKrMX2Q|title=Rangers Partner With All India Football Federation|date=1 June 2022|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rangers.co.uk/Article/rangers-and-hsv-enter-club-partnership/68dtIhjgBv7ljtzkffl5qD|title=Rangers and HSV Enter Club Partnership|date=10 February 2021|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/rangers-partner-with-bengaluru-fc/|title=Rangers Partner With Bengaluru FC|date=27 September 2019|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/rangers-orange-county-sc-announcement/|title=Rangers & Orange County SC Announcement|date=23 December 2019|website=Rangers Football Club, Official Website}}</ref> | |||
A full list of Rangers commercial partners and sponsors can be found on the official club website and in the Rangers matchday programme, available at every home game. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*] | |||
*] - Other articles on Rangers F.C. | |||
*] - Footballers who have played for Rangers F.C. | |||
==Notes== | |||
*] | |||
{{reflist|group=n}} | |||
*Rangers F.C. by season: {{RFCbyseason}} | |||
==References== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
== |
==Further reading== | ||
{{Refbegin}} | |||
* | |||
*{{cite book|title=Fear and loathing in world football|publisher=Berg Publishers|author1=Armstrong, Gary|author2=Giulianotti, Richard|year=2001|isbn=1-85973-463-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJxIbXQfE1IC|access-date=15 August 2012}} | |||
* | |||
*{{cite book|title=News of the World Football Annual 2006/2007|publisher=HarperCollins UK|author=Barnes, Stuart|year=2010|isbn=9780007234233|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6E3PDBauGkEC&q=rangers+win+scottish+cup+in+1975&pg=PA404|access-date=20 December 2012}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=Glasgow Rangers: Player by Player|publisher=Crowood Press|author1=Ferrier, Bob|author2=McElroy, Robert|year=1990|isbn=1-85223-404-0}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=Glasgow Rangers: Player by Player|publisher=Crowood Press|author1=Ferrier, Bob|author2=McElroy, Robert|year=1998|isbn=0-600-59495-5}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=Rangers: The Complete Record|publisher=Breedon Books|author1=Ferrier, Bob|author2=McElroy, Robert|year=2005|isbn=1-85983-481-7}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=Glasgow, the Uneasy Peace: Religious Tension in Modern Scotland, 1819–1914|publisher=Manchester University Press ND|author=Gallagher, Tom|year=1987|isbn=9780719023965|url=https://archive.org/details/glasgowuneasypea00gall|url-access=registration|access-date=18 August 2012}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=Football: A Sociology of the Global Game|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|author=Giulianotti, Richard|year=1999|isbn=9780745617695}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=Football Against the Enemy|publisher=Orion|author=Kuper, Simon|year=1994|isbn=0-7528-4877-1}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=The Old Firm: Sectarianism, Sport and Society in Scotland|publisher=John Donald Publishers|author=Murray, William J.|year=2000|isbn=9780859765428}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=The Encyclopedia of Scottish Football|author1=Potter, David|author2=Jones, Phil|year=2011|publisher=Pitch Publishing|isbn=978-1908051103}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2011–12|author1=Rollin, Glenda|author2=Rollin, Jack|publisher=Headline|isbn=978-0755362325|date=4 August 2011}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=Great Sporting Rivals (Large Print 16pt)|publisher=ReadHowYouWant.com|author=Romanos, Joseph|year=2010|isbn=9781458779663|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KHf9vFXIOLEC&q=rangers+football+club+records&pg=PA139|access-date=25 December 2012}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=End to End Stuff|publisher=Random House|author=Scott, Les|year=2008|isbn=9780593060681|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cqhm26eVPYMC&q=end+to+end+stuff|access-date=24 August 2012}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=For Richer, for Poorer: The Murray Years|publisher=Random House|author=Smith, Paul|year=2012|isbn=9781780572826|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kH8jMcBSqUIC&q=rangers+player+graduated+from+murray+park&pg=PT84|access-date=4 January 2013}} | |||
*{{cite book|title=Graeme Souness: A Manager's Diary|publisher=Mainstream Publishing|author1=Souness, Graeme|author2=Gallacher, Ken|year=1989|isbn=9781851582242}} | |||
{{Refend}} | |||
==External links== | |||
{{Scottish_Premier_League}} | |||
{{commons category|Rangers F.C.}} | |||
{{toomanylinks|date=June 2024}} | |||
] | |||
*{{Official website}} | |||
] | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* at FIFA | |||
* at UEFA | |||
* | |||
{{BBC football info|rangers}} | |||
* at ''Fitbastats.com'' | |||
{{Rangers F.C.|state=expanded}} | |||
{{Rangers F.C. seasons}} | |||
{{Rangers F.C. matches}} | |||
] | |||
{{Scottish Professional Football League}} | |||
] | |||
{{Scottish Premier League}} | |||
] | |||
{{Scottish Football League}} | |||
{{Original Scottish Football League clubs}} | |||
{{ECA}} | |||
{{UEFA Cup Winners' Cup winners}} | |||
{{Glasgow}} | |||
{{Football in Glasgow}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | |||
] | |||
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Latest revision as of 18:06, 23 December 2024
Association football club in Glasgow, Scotland This article is about the men's football club. For the women's team, see Rangers W.F.C.Football club
Full name | Rangers Football Club | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Nickname(s) | The Gers The Light Blues The Teddy Bears | |||
Founded | March 1872 (152 years ago) (1872-03) | |||
Ground | Ibrox Stadium | |||
Capacity | 51,700 | |||
Owner | The Rangers Football Club Ltd | |||
Chairman | Fraser Thornton | |||
Manager | Philippe Clement | |||
League | Scottish Premiership | |||
2023–24 | Scottish Premiership, 2nd of 12 | |||
Website | rangers.co.uk | |||
| ||||
Current season |
Rangers Football Club is a professional football club in Glasgow, Scotland. The team competes in the Scottish Premiership, the top division of Scottish football. The club is often referred to as Glasgow Rangers, though this has never been its official name. The fourth-oldest football club in Scotland, Rangers was founded by four teenage boys as they walked through West End Park (now Kelvingrove Park), in March 1872, where they discussed the idea of forming a football club, and played its first match against the now-defunct Callander at the Fleshers' Haugh area of Glasgow Green in May of the same year. Rangers' home ground, Ibrox Stadium, designed by stadium architect Archibald Leitch and opened in 1929, is a Category B listed building and the third-largest football stadium in Scotland. The club has always played in royal blue shirts.
Rangers have won the Scottish League title a record 55 times, the Scottish Cup 34 times, the Scottish League Cup a record 28 times and the domestic treble on seven occasions. Rangers won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1972 after being losing finalists twice, in 1961 (the first British club to reach a UEFA tournament final) and 1967. The club has lost a further two European finals; they reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2008 and a fourth runners-up finish in European competition came in the UEFA Europa League Final in 2022. By number of trophies won, Rangers are one of the most successful clubs in the world.
Rangers has a long-standing rivalry with Celtic, the two Glasgow clubs being collectively known as the Old Firm, which is considered one of the world's biggest football derbies. With more than 600 Rangers supporters' clubs in 35 countries worldwide, Rangers has one of the largest fanbases in world football. The club holds the record for the largest travelling support in football history, when an estimated 200,000 Rangers fans arrived in the city of Manchester for the 2008 UEFA Cup final. Rangers also took the largest ever travelling support abroad when an estimated 100,000 fans arrived in Seville for the 2022 UEFA Europa League final.
One of the eleven original members of the Scottish Football League, Rangers remained in the top division continuously until a financial crisis during the 2011–12 season saw the club enter administration and the original company liquidated with the assets moved to a new company structure. The club was accepted as an associate member of the Scottish Football League and placed in the fourth tier of the Scottish football league system in time for the start of the following season. Rangers then won three promotions in four years, returning to the Premiership for the start of the 2016–17 season; in their climb through the Scottish lower divisions, Rangers became the only club in Scotland to have won every domestic trophy. In 2020–21 Rangers won their first Scottish championship in ten years, a then world record fifty-fifth league win which also stopped rivals Celtic's quest to break the domestic record of ten titles in a row.
History
Main article: History of Rangers F.C. See also: List of Rangers F.C. seasons and Rangers F.C. Hall of FameFormation, early years and William Wilton
Rangers were formed by four founders – brothers Moses McNeil and Peter McNeil, Peter Campbell and William McBeath – who met at West End Park (now known as Kelvingrove Park) in March 1872. Rangers' first match, in May that year, was a goalless friendly draw with Callander on Glasgow Green. David Hill was also a founder member. In 1873, the club held its first annual meeting and staff were elected. By 1876, Rangers had its first international player, with Moses McNeil representing Scotland in a match against Wales. In 1877, Rangers reached the Scottish Cup final; after drawing the first game, Rangers refused to turn up for the replay and the cup was awarded to Vale of Leven. Rangers won the Glasgow Merchants Charity Cup the following year against Vale of Leven 2–1, their first major cup. The first-ever match against Celtic took place in 1888, the year after the East End club's establishment. Rangers lost 5–2 in a friendly to an opposition composed largely of guest players from Hibernian.
The 1890–91 season saw the inception of the Scottish Football League, and Rangers, by then playing at the first Ibrox Stadium, were one of ten original members. The club's first-ever league match, on 16 August 1890, resulted in a 5–2 victory over Heart of Midlothian. After finishing joint-top with Dumbarton, a play-off held at Cathkin Park finished 2–2 and the title was shared for the only time in its history. Rangers' first-ever Scottish Cup win came in 1894 after a 3–1 final victory over rivals Celtic. By the start of the 20th century, Rangers had won two league titles and three Scottish Cups. During William Wilton's time as match secretary and then team manager, Rangers won ten league titles.
Bill Struth and Scot Symon
Taking over as manager after William Wilton's death in 1920, Bill Struth was Rangers' most successful manager, guiding the club to 14 league titles before the onset of the Second World War. On 2 January 1939, a British league attendance record was broken as 118,567 fans turned out to watch Rangers beat Celtic in the traditional New Year's Day Old Firm match. Leading the club for 34 years until 1954, Struth won more trophies than any manager in Scottish Football history, amassing 18 league championships, 10 Scottish Cups, two League Cups, seven war-time championships, 19 Glasgow Cups, 17 Glasgow Merchant Charity Cups and other war-time honours. During the wartime regional league setup (in which the team won all seven seasons, along with official championships either side of the conflict in 1938–39 and 1946–47), Rangers achieved their highest score against Celtic with an 8–1 win in the Southern Football League.
Scot Symon continued Struth's success, winning six league championships, five Scottish Cups and four League Cups, becoming the second manager to win the domestic treble in 1963–64 season, the era of 'Slim' Jim Baxter, one of the club's greatest players. Rangers also lost by their biggest Old Firm margin of 7–1.
Rangers reached the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1960, losing to German club Eintracht Frankfurt by a record aggregate 12–4 for a Scottish team. In 1961 Rangers became the first British team to reach a European final when they contested the Cup Winners' Cup final against Italian side Fiorentina, only to lose 4–1 on aggregate. Rangers lost again in the final of the same competition in 1967, by a single goal, after extra time, to Bayern Munich.
Ibrox disaster, European success and Jock Wallace
The Ibrox disaster occurred on 2 January 1971 when large-scale crushing on a stairway exit at the culmination of an Old Firm game claimed 66 lives. An enquiry concluded that the crush was likely to have happened ten minutes after the final whistle and to have been triggered by someone falling on the stairs. A benefit match to raise funds for the victims' families took place after the disaster, a joint Rangers and Celtic team playing a Scotland XI at Hampden, watched by 81,405 fans.
In 1972, Rangers emerged from the tragedy of the previous year to finally achieve success on the European stage. A Colin Stein goal and a Willie Johnston double helped secure a 3–2 victory over Dynamo Moscow at the Nou Camp, Barcelona, to lift the European Cup Winners' Cup. Captain John Greig received the trophy in a small room within the Nou Camp following pitch invasions by Rangers fans reacting to the heavy handed tactics of the Spanish police, the majority of whom had been brought in from outwith Catalonia. Rangers were banned from Europe for two years for the behaviour of their fans, later reduced on appeal to one year.
The following season saw the club compete in the first ever European Super Cup, although the European ban saw it officially recognised as Rangers centenary anniversary match. The side played the European Cup holders Ajax, who had first proposed the idea, in January 1973. The Dutch side proved too strong and recorded a 6–3 aggregate win, with Rangers losing 1–3 at Ibrox and 3–2 in Amsterdam.
Emerging from the shadows of Jock Stein's Celtic side, Rangers regained ascendancy with notable domestic success under the stewardship of manager Jock Wallace. In his first season in charge – the club's centenary – Rangers won the Scottish Cup at Hampden in front of 122,714 supporters. In 1974–75, Wallace led Rangers to their first League championship triumph in 11 years, before winning the treble the following season, repeating the historic feat in 1977–78.
John Greig served as manager for five years but was unable to achieve the success as a manager that he had as a player. Unable to win the league during his reign, he was replaced by Wallace returning in 1983. Wallace was unable to repeat the success of his first period in charge with a win ratio of less than 50%, and was himself replaced by Graeme Souness in 1986.
Graeme Souness, Walter Smith and 9-in-a-row
Every year from the 1988–89 season until the 1996–97 season, Rangers won the league title. This nine-in-a-row achievement equalled Celtic's record, set prior to the forming of the Scottish Football League Premier Division, subsequent to which competing teams met four times a season. The first three of these seasons the club was managed by Graeme Souness; the latter six under the stewardship of Walter Smith.
Notable seasons included 1990–91, which culminated in a last-day finale, Rangers securing a 2–0 victory at Ibrox over Aberdeen, who needed only a draw to secure the championship. Season 1992–93 was notable for a domestic treble of trophies, as well an extended run in the inaugural UEFA Champions League, the club at one stage only one goal from securing a place in the final.
Rangers' ninth consecutive championship title was secured at Tannadice Park on 7 May 1997, with a single-goal victory over Dundee United.
Dick Advocaat, Alex McLeish and Paul Le Guen
In 1998, Dutchman Dick Advocaat became the club's first foreign manager. Nine-in-a-row era stalwarts having moved on, Advocaat invested heavily in the team with immediate results, leading the club to their sixth domestic treble. The league championship was won with a 3–0 victory at Celtic Park on 2 May 1999. A second-consecutive league title was won by a record 21-point margin, the club securing a domestic double with a 4–0 Scottish Cup final victory over Aberdeen. Rangers' campaign in the Champions League saw them defeat UEFA Cup winners Parma en route.
Advocaat's third season saw Rangers fail to compete domestically against Celtic under new manager Martin O'Neill. Despite investment in the team, including Tore Andre Flo for a club-record £12 million, European success beyond the Champions League group stages again proved elusive. After a slow start to the following season, Advocaat resigned from his post in December 2001 and was replaced by Alex McLeish.
In his first full campaign, the 2002–03 season saw McLeish become the sixth Rangers manager to deliver a domestic treble. The championship was won on goal difference during a dramatic final day 6–1 triumph over Dunfermline Athletic at Ibrox, securing Rangers' 50th league title, the first club in the world to achieve the feat. Major expenditure sanctioned by chairman David Murray had burdened Rangers with considerable debts in the region of £52m. The club's worsening financial state saw many of the team's top players leave in the summer of 2003, the following season failing to deliver any trophies, only the second such occasion since 1985–86.
The 2004–05 season restored success to Rangers, who were boosted by signings such as Jean-Alain Boumsong, Dado Pršo and Nacho Novo, along with the return of former captain Barry Ferguson after a spell in England with Blackburn Rovers. The club's league championship triumph culminated in a dramatic final-day finish. The destination of the trophy changed unexpectedly, with Celtic conceding late goals to Motherwell at Fir Park whilst Rangers led against Hibernian, requiring the helicopter carrying the SPL trophy to change direction and deliver the prize to the Easter Road ground in Leith.
Despite beginning as favourites to retain the championship, Rangers suffered an unprecedented run of poor results between September and November, a club-record run of ten games without a win. Included within this period, a 1–1 draw with Inter Milan took Rangers into the last 16 of the Champions League, the first Scottish team to achieve the feat since 1993, the club eventually exiting on the away goals rule to Villarreal. On 9 February 2006, it was announced by David Murray that McLeish would be standing down as manager at the end of that season.
Frenchman Paul Le Guen replaced Alex McLeish as manager after season 2005–06. The season started with an early exit from the League Cup whilst Celtic built a commanding lead at the top of the table. In the UEFA Cup, Rangers became the first Scottish side to qualify for the last 32 of the competition, since the introduction of the group phase, after finishing their group unbeaten. However, amid claims of disharmony between the manager and captain Barry Ferguson, it was announced on 4 January 2007 that Le Guen had left Rangers by mutual consent.
Walter Smith's return and Ally McCoist
On 10 January 2007, former boss Walter Smith resigned from his post as Scotland manager to return to the Ibrox helm, with Ally McCoist as assistant manager.
The following season Rangers contested the UEFA Cup after dropping into the competition from the Champions League. The club reached the final, defeating Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina along the way. The final in Manchester against Zenit Saint Petersburg, who were managed by former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat, ended in a 2–0 defeat. An estimated 200,000 supporters travelled to Manchester for the event, and the 2008 UEFA Cup final riots occurred.
The 2008–09 season saw Rangers recover from an early exit from the UEFA Champions League to FBK Kaunas of Lithuania. The club secured its 52nd league championship on the last day of the season with a 3–0 victory at Dundee United. Rangers also successfully defended the Scottish Cup, defeating Falkirk 1–0 in the final.
The 2009–10 season saw Rangers reach their fifth consecutive domestic final: against St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup, the club overcame a two-men deficit from red cards, a late deciding goal from Kenny Miller securing the victory. The league championship title was retained, with three matches remaining, at Easter Road, defeating Hibernian 1–0 with a Kyle Lafferty goal. The 2010–11 season, Smith's final season in charge, saw Rangers retain the League Cup, defeating Celtic at Hampden with a Nikica Jelavić goal in extra time. A third consecutive title was won by beating Kilmarnock 5–1 on the last day of the season, Smith's final match in charge of the club.
Ally McCoist took over from Walter Smith in June 2011 but season 2011–12 started with Rangers eliminated from two European competitions before the end of August: losing to Swedish side Malmö in the Champions League third round qualifying match, and to Slovenian side Maribor in a Europa League qualifying match. While good league form saw Rangers in top spot after being unbeaten for the first 15 games, they were knocked out of the League Cup by Falkirk and the Scottish Cup by Dundee United at Ibrox. Rangers were placed into administration on 14 February 2012 resulting in the club being deducted 10 points as per SPL rules. Though Rangers avoided having Celtic win the championship at Ibrox on 25 March by winning the game 3–2, Rangers ultimately finished 20 points behind Celtic in second place.
Insolvency and the lower leagues
On 1 June 2012, after four months in administration, a failure to reach a CVA agreement with creditors led to The Rangers Football Club plc (since renamed RFC 2012 plc) entering the process of liquidation. The administrators completed a sale of the business and assets to a new company, Sevco Scotland Ltd (which later renamed itself The Rangers Football Club Ltd), though most first-team players refused to transfer across. The new company failed to secure the transfer of Rangers' previous place in the Scottish Premier League, but were later accepted into the Scottish Football League. Rangers were awarded associate membership and placed in the lowest division, the Third, rather than the First Division as the SPL and SFA had sought. The transfer of Rangers' SFA membership was agreed by the SFA upon acceptance of a number of conditions, including a one-year transfer ban, in time for the club to begin the 2012–13 season.
With most key Rangers players having refused to transfer to the new company, a very different Rangers team lined up for the first league match in the Third Division though it secured a comfortable 5–1 victory over East Stirlingshire in front of a crowd of 49,118, a world record for a football match in a fourth tier league. Away from home, Rangers started their league campaign with three successive draws before losing 1–0 to Stirling Albion, at the time the bottom club in the country. Rangers were defeated in the third round of the Scottish Challenge Cup by Queen of the South at Ibrox, in the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle and in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup by Dundee United. Rangers beat their own new record against Queens Park with an attendance of 49,463 and again against Stirling Albion with an attendance of 49,913. Rangers clinched the Third Division title on 30 March after a goalless draw at Montrose.
Apart from being defeated 2–1 by Forfar Athletic in the first round of the League Cup on 3 August, season 2013–14 got off to an excellent start with Rangers winning maximum league points in their first 15 games in League One, before being held to a draw at home by Stranraer on Boxing Day 2013. Rangers secured the League One title and promotion to Scottish football's second tier on 12 March 2014 and went on to end the season unbeaten in league football. Rangers also reached the final of the Scottish Challenge Cup, in which they lost to Raith Rovers and the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, in which they lost 3–1 at Ibrox to Dundee United.
Playing in the Scottish Championship in season 2014–15 provided Rangers with a more difficult challenge, with the club losing home and away to both Hibernian and Hearts and also losing away to Queen of the South in the first half of the season. Rangers also failed to beat Alloa either home or away in the league before losing 3–2 to Alloa in the semi-final of the Scottish Challenge Cup. Amid mounting criticism, McCoist submitted his resignation intending to honour his 12 months notice period but was placed on gardening leave and replaced by Kenny McDowall on a caretaker basis. McDowall remained in charge for just three months before resigning in March 2015. During his time in charge, Rangers won just three matches. Rangers then named former player Stuart McCall as their third manager of the season for the remaining fixtures. Under McCall, Rangers finished third in the league and then reached the Premiership play-off final, which they lost 6–1 on aggregate to Motherwell.
Warburton, Premiership return, Caixinha and Murty
In June 2015, it was announced that Mark Warburton had been appointed as manager on a three-year deal. Rangers went on to win the 2015–16 Scottish Championship and automatic promotion to the Scottish Premiership, ending their four-year stint in the lower divisions. The club also reached the 2016 Scottish Cup Final, beating Old Firm rivals Celtic in the semi-final at Hampden, before losing to Hibernian in the final. After a poor first half of the 2016–17 season, Mark Warburton and David Weir left Rangers on 10 February 2017, and Graeme Murty was placed in caretaker control of the Rangers first team. Pedro Caixinha eventually took over as permanent manager.
Caixinha's first full season started with Rangers suffering one of the worst results in their history. After winning 1–0 at Ibrox, Rangers lost 2–0 to Luxembourg minnows Progrès Niederkorn, resulting in Rangers being knocked out 2–1 on aggregate in the first qualifying round of the 2017–18 Europa League. Progrès had never before won a tie and had only ever scored once before in European competition. After that disappointing start to the season the form did not improve, with notable results including a 2–0 reverse to Celtic at home in the league and defeat to Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup semi-final by the same scoreline. On 26 October, a day after a 95th-minute equaliser at Ibrox by last-placed Kilmarnock saw Rangers draw 1–1, Caixinha was sacked and Graeme Murty took over as caretaker manager again. The Portuguese manager's reign was described as "a desperate mess from start to finish".
In late December, after a search for a more experienced manager proved unsuccessful, including a failed attempt to appoint Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes, Murty (who had won back-to-back games over Aberdeen and also defeated Hibernian away from home during his interim spell) was appointed to the role until the end of the season. On 1 May 2018, Murty's second spell in charge ended prematurely when he was sacked as manager following a 5–0 defeat to Celtic which resulted in Celtic winning their 7th consecutive league title. Rangers again ended the season in 3rd place, behind Celtic and Aberdeen for the second year in a row.
The Gerrard era
On 4 May 2018, former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard was confirmed as the new manager of Rangers on a four-year contract. Gerrard's era started successfully with Rangers remaining unbeaten in their first 12 games, clinching a place in the UEFA Europa League group stage in the process. However, Rangers were then defeated by Celtic in the first Old Firm match of the season, and the following month were eliminated from the League Cup by Aberdeen. On 29 December, Rangers defeated Celtic at Ibrox to inflict Brendan Rodgers' first defeat in 13 Old Firm games; Rangers first win over Celtic since a Scottish Cup victory in April 2016 and their first league win over Celtic since March 2012. Aberdeen knocked Rangers out of a cup for the second time in the season after securing a 2–0 victory in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on 12 March 2019.
The 2019–20 season began with Rangers again qualifying for the UEFA Europa League group stage before losing 2–0 to Celtic at Ibrox in the first Old Firm match of the season on 1 September. The following day, the club signed Ryan Kent from Liverpool for £7 million. Rangers reached the final of the League Cup, but despite a dominant performance, were beaten 1–0 by Celtic. On 12 December, Rangers progressed to the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 as group runners-up after a 1–1 draw with Young Boys which secured European football beyond Christmas for the first time since the 2010–11 season. On 29 December, Rangers beat Celtic 2–1 at Celtic Park, their first win at their arch rival's stadium since October 2010. However, a slump in form thereafter, including losing to Hearts in the Scottish Cup and Hamilton in the league within five days, left Rangers 13 points adrift of Celtic a week into March. However, all professional football in Scotland was suspended later that month due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. On 18 May 2020, the SPFL officially ended the season, and Celtic were awarded the league title which was determined by points per game.
On 7 March 2021, Rangers won the league title for the first time in ten years, going on to end the league campaign undefeated, with a club record 102 points.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Europa League Final and Michael Beale return
Midway through the 2021–22 season, Steven Gerrard left Rangers for Aston Villa, and was replaced by former Rangers midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst on 11 November 2021. He led Rangers to their first European final in fourteen years, beating Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade, Braga and RB Leipzig on the way to facing Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2022 UEFA Europa League Final. He also took the club to their first Scottish Cup final in six years, in which they beat Hearts.
In the 2022–23 season, Rangers qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2010–11 season. They went on to lose all six group matches against Napoli, Liverpool, and Ajax with only two goals scored and a −20 goal difference overall, setting the worst performance in a Champions League group stage, surpassing Dinamo Zagreb's −19 goal difference in the 2011–12 season. Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked on 21 November 2022, after also falling nine points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Michael Beale, a coach under previous manager Steven Gerrard, succeeded van Bronckhorst on 28 November 2022. After a winning start, Beale had turned around results quickly; however, they lost out in both cup competitions against Celtic and finished the 2022–23 season seven points behind their rivals. After a summer rebuild, Rangers lost on the opening day of the 2023–24 season to Kilmarnock; their hopes of qualifying for that seasons Champions League was also crushed after losing to PSV Eindhoven. Beale was sacked as manager on 1 October 2023, the defeat to Aberdeen at Ibrox the culmination of a very poor run of results.
Crest and colours
Crest
Unusually for a football club, Rangers have two different official crests. Today the original scroll crest appears on the club's strips whereas the lion rampant club crest is used by the media, on club merchandise and on official club documents. Both crests have undergone minor variations since their introduction. It is believed that the scroll crest, representing the letters RFC overlapping, has been used since the club's formation in 1872, although the oldest remaining piece of memorabilia containing this crest is from the 1881–82 season. The scroll crest was replaced in 1959 with the lion rampant club crest which featured a lion rampant, an old-style football and the club's motto Ready, which was shortened from Aye Ready (meaning Always Ready in Scots), all surrounded by the team name, Rangers Football Club. The lion rampant club crest was modernised in 1968; the lion rampant, team name, club motto and old style football all remained. It was again updated slightly in the early 1990s and then once more in 2020 to the current version. The modern circular crest is regularly used on club merchandise and by the media; it has never featured prominently on the club strip. In 1968 the scroll crest made a return appearing on the chest of the club shirt for the first time while the modernised club crest was still the club's official logo. The scroll crest first appeared on the teams shorts for the start of the 1978–79 season.
The way the scroll crest has appeared on the club shirt has varied slightly through the years. Between 1990 and 1994 'Rangers Football Club' and the 'Ready' motto appeared above and below the Crest respectively. Between 1997 and 1999 the scroll crest featured within a shield. After a successful end to the season in 2003, which delivered Rangers a Domestic Treble and their 50th league title; five stars were added to the top of the scroll crest, one for every ten titles won by the club. The team wore a special crest on 8 December 2012 in a home league match against Stirling Albion, to commemorate the 140th anniversary of their formation. '1872–2012' appeared above the scroll crest with the words '140 years' featuring below.
- Kit crest history
- Scroll crest, appeared on the chest of the Rangers shirt since 1968
- Scroll crest version with banner and 'Ready' motto, worn on shirts between 1990 and 1995
- Scroll crest with five stars, worn on the Rangers shirt since 2003
Colours
The club colours of Rangers F.C. are royal blue, white and red. However, for the majority of the first forty-eight years of Rangers existence the club played in a plain lighter blue home shirt. The only deviation from this was a four-season period from 1879 when the side wore the lighter shade of blue and white in a hooped style. Traditionally this is accompanied by white shorts (often with royal blue and/or red trim) and black socks with red turn-downs. Rangers moved from the lighter shade of blue to royal blue in 1921, and have had a royal blue home shirt every year since. Black socks were first included in 1883 for five seasons before disappearing for eight years but became a more permanent fixture from 1896 onwards. When the red turn-downs were added to the socks in 1904, the strip began to look more like the modern day Rangers home kit. Occasionally the home kit will be altered by the shorts and socks, sometimes replacing the black socks with white ones; or replacing the white shorts and black socks combination with royal blue shorts and socks.
The basic design of Rangers away strips has changed far more than the traditional home strip. Rangers original change strip, used between 1876 and 1879, was all white featuring blue and white hooped socks and a light blue six pointed star on the chest. White and red have been the most common colours for Rangers alternate strips, though dark and light blue have also featured highly. In 1994 Rangers introduced a third kit. This is usually worn if both the home and away kits clash with their opponents. The colours used in the third kits have included combinations of white, red, dark and light blue as well as black. Orange and blue change strips, first seen in 1993–94, worn once in 2002–03 and reintroduced in 2018–19 and 2022–23, have caused controversy because the colours were seen as referencing the Orange Order.
Selection of Rangers kits through history | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The blue shirt, white shorts and blue & white hooped socks. Worn 1873–1879. | A change kit featuring a white top. Worn 1916–1918, 1921–1932 and 1933–1934. | The blue shirt, white shorts and black socks. Worn 1883–1888 and 1896–1904. | The royal blue shirt with white collar and black socks with red tops. Worn 1921–1957. | The royal blue shirt and red socks with white tops. Worn 1968–1973 and 2012–2013. | The royal blue shirt and black socks with red tops. Worn 1958–1968 and 1973–1978. |
Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors
Since 1978 when Rangers signed a deal with Umbro they have had a specific kit manufacturer and since 1984 have had a kit sponsor. The following tables detail Rangers' shirt sponsors and kit suppliers by year:
Kit suppliers | ||
---|---|---|
Period | Supplier | |
1978–1990 | Umbro | |
1990–1992 | Admiral | |
1992–1997 | Adidas | |
1997–2002 | Nike | |
2002–2005 | Diadora | |
2005–2013 | Umbro | |
2013–2018 | Puma | |
2018–2020 | Hummel | |
2020–present | Castore |
Front of shirt sponsors | |
---|---|
Period | Sponsor |
1984–1987 | CR Smith |
1987–1999 | McEwan's Lager |
1999–2003 | NTL |
2003–2010 | Carling |
2010–2013 | Tennent's |
2013–2014 | Blackthorn |
2014–2023 | 32Red |
2023–present | Unibet |
Back of shirt sponsors | ||
---|---|---|
Period | Sponsor | Position |
2017–2020 | Utilita | Top |
2020–2021 | The Energy Check | Bottom |
2020–present | SEKO Logistics | Top |
2021–2022 | Sportemon Go | Bottom |
2022–2023 | Socomec | Bottom |
Sleeve sponsors | ||
---|---|---|
Period | Sponsor | |
2020–2022 | Tomket Tires | |
2022–present | BOXT |
Shorts sponsors | ||
---|---|---|
Period | Sponsor | |
2023–present | AIM Building & Maintenance Services |
When Rangers played French sides in 1996–97 and 1997–98, they wore the logo of Center Parcs instead of McEwan's Lager, due to a French ban on alcohol advertising. Later matches in France (when the club was sponsored by Carling) saw the club play with no shirt sponsor, in 2006 and 2007.
During 32Red's sponsorship, Rangers faced NK Osijek in 2018–19 wearing unsponsored training gear due to Croatia's ban on gambling advertising. Team Talk, an arm of the Rangers Charity Foundation, appeared on the shirts on two occasions in 2021–22: away in Leipzig, as Unibet hold no licence for Germany; and in the 2021–22 UEFA Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt, as gambling advertisements are banned in Spain.
Mascot
Broxi Bear is the official mascot of Rangers. Its name is derived from Rangers' home stadium, Broxi being an anagram of Ibrox. Broxi is a brown bear with blue inner ears and nose, wearing a Rangers strip. He made his first appearance in a 2–2 draw against Raith Rovers on 13 November 1993. Broxi was later accompanied by his "wife" Roxi and their "son" Boris although from 2001 Roxi and Boris no longer made any on-field appearances at Ibrox. Roxi and Boris did continue to appear on some club merchandise. On 9 September 2017, Roxi and Boris were re-introduced before a 4–1 win against Dundee.
Stadium and training facility
Main articles: Ibrox Stadium and Rangers Training CentreThe club used a variety of grounds in Glasgow as a venue for home matches in the years between 1872 and 1899. The first was Fleshers' Haugh, situated on Glasgow Green, followed by Burnbank Park in the Kelvinbridge area of the city, and then Kinning Park for ten years from the mid-1870s to the mid-1880s. From February of the 1886–87 season, Cathkin Park was used until the first Ibrox Park, in the Ibrox area of south-west Glasgow, was inaugurated for the following season. Ibrox Stadium in its current incarnation was originally designed by the architect Archibald Leitch, a Rangers fan who also played a part in the design of, among others, Old Trafford in Manchester and Highbury in London. The stadium was inaugurated on 30 December 1899, and Rangers defeated Hearts 3–1 in the first match held there.
A panorama of Ibrox Stadium from the Broomloan Road End. This picture was taken during the first match of the 2011–12 SPL season, Rangers vs Heart of Midlothian.Rangers' training facility is located in the Auchenhowie area of Milngavie, Glasgow; it was initially named Murray Park after former chairman and owner Sir David Murray, but has since been renamed. It was proposed by then-manager Dick Advocaat upon his arrival at the club in 1998. It was completed in 2001 at a cost of £14 million. The training centre was the first purpose-built facility of its kind in Scotland, and incorporates features including nine football pitches, a gym, a hydrotherapy pool, and a video-editing suite. Rangers' youth teams are also accommodated at the centre, with around 140 players between under-10 and under-19 age groups using the facilities. International club teams playing in Scotland, as well as national sides, have previously used the centre for training, and Advocaat's South Korea team used it for training prior to the 2006 World Cup.
Supporters and rivalries
Main article: Rangers F.C. supporters See also: Club 1872, Rangers Fans Fighting Fund, and 2008 UEFA Cup final riotsRangers are one of the best supported clubs in Europe, the figure for the 2017–18 season being in the 20 largest home league attendances in Europe. A study of stadium attendance figures from 2013 to 2018 by the CIES Football Observatory ranked Rangers at 18th in the world during that period, with Rangers' accounting for 27.4% of total Scottish attendance, placing them 8th overall for national attendance share.
The Rangers Worldwide Alliance is a network of supporters clubs that was set up for the benefit of the club and the fans. There are more than 600 registered supporters clubs with over 30,000 registered members and these continue to grow, in keeping with the vision the club initially had. There are also many unregistered supporters clubs currently active. The official club website lists over 100 supporters' clubs in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with over 100 further clubs spread across over 35 countries around the world. It includes representatives from all over the globe – including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Australia – as well as closer to home in the United Kingdom. Beyond Europe, there are supporters clubs registered in far-flung locations such as Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, China, India, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, United States of America, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica. One of Hong Kong's most popular football clubs Hong Kong Rangers FC was set up by an expatriate fan.
Rangers fans have contributed to several records for high attendances, including the highest home attendance for a league fixture, 118,567 on 2 January 1939. Rangers record highest attendance was against Hibernian on 27 March 1948 in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park. Rangers beat Hibernian 1–0 in front of a packed 143,570 crowd.
In 2008, up to 200,000 Rangers supporters, many without match tickets, travelled to Manchester for the UEFA Cup Final. Despite most supporters behaving "impeccably", Rangers fans were involved in serious trouble and rioting. A minority of fans rioted in the city centre, clashing violently with police and damaging property, resulting in 42 being arrested for a variety of offences.
In 2022, Rangers also took the largest ever travelling support abroad when an estimated 100,000 fans arrived in Seville for the UEFA Europa League Final. No arrests were made in Seville as Rangers supporters impressed the Spanish police with their good behaviour.
Supporters group Club 1872 are the ninth-largest shareholder of the club.
A panorama of Rangers supporters at the 2008 UEFA Cup final, in the Piccadilly Gardens fan zone. This picture was taken during the day, before the match against Zenit Saint Petersburg on 14 May 2008.Rivalries
The club's most distinct rivalry is with Glasgow neighbours Celtic F.C.; the two clubs are collectively known as the Old Firm. Rangers' traditional support is largely drawn from the Protestant Unionist community, whilst Celtic's traditional support is largely drawn from the Catholic community. The first Old Firm match was won by Celtic and there have been over four hundred matches played to date. The Old Firm rivalry has fuelled many assaults, sometimes leading to deaths, on Old Firm derby days; an activist group that monitors sectarian activity in Glasgow has reported that on Old Firm weekends, admissions to hospital emergency rooms have increased over normal levels and journalist Franklin Foer noted that in the period from 1996 to 2003, eight deaths in Glasgow were directly linked to Old Firm matches, as well as hundreds of assaults.
The bitter rivalry with Aberdeen developed following an incident in the 1979 League Cup final when Rangers' Derek Johnstone provoked the fury of the Dons support with what they believed was a blatant dive but which resulted in the dismissal of Aberdeen's Doug Rougvie and a Rangers victory. Then, the following season, Aberdeen's John McMaster had to be given the kiss of life at Ibrox after a stamp on his throat by Willie Johnston. Relations between fans were further soured during a league match on 8 October 1988, when Aberdeen player Neil Simpson's tackle on Rangers' Ian Durrant resulted in Durrant being injured for two years. Resentment continued and in 1998 an article in a Rangers match programme branded Aberdeen fans "scum", although Rangers later issued a "full and unreserved apology" to Aberdeen and their supporters, which was accepted by Aberdeen.
Rangers' relaunch in the Third Division in the 2012–13 season led to the club's original rivalry with Queen's Park being renewed for the first time since 1958 in the league. Rangers and Queen's Park first played each other in March 1879, some nine years before the start of the Old Firm rivalry. Matches with Queen's Park were advertised as the "Original Glasgow derby" by Rangers and the Scottish media; and as the "Oldest Derby in the World" by Queen's Park.
Sectarianism
Main article: Sectarianism in GlasgowJohn Ure Primrose, chairman of Rangers from 1912 to 1923, has been described as sharpening Rangers' Protestant Unionist identity and anti-Catholic identity, contributing to the absence of openly Catholic players from the team. From the early 20th century onwards, Rangers had a policy of not signing Catholic players, or employing Catholics in other prominent roles.
In 1989, Rangers signed Mo Johnston, "their first major Roman Catholic signing". Johnston was the first high-profile Catholic to sign for the club since the World War I era, though other Catholics had signed for Rangers before. Since Johnston's signing, an influx of overseas footballers has contributed to Catholic players becoming commonplace at Rangers. In 1999, Lorenzo Amoruso became the first Catholic captain of the club.
Rangers partnered with Celtic to form the Old Firm Alliance, an initiative aimed at educating children from across Glasgow about issues like healthy eating and fitness, as well as awareness of anti-social behaviour, sectarianism and racism. The club's Follow With Pride campaign was launched in 2007 to improve the club's image and build on previous anti-sectarian and anti-racist campaigns. William Gaillard, UEFA's Director of Communications, commended the SFA and Scottish clubs, including Rangers, for their actions in fighting discrimination. In September 2007, UEFA praised Rangers for the measures the club has taken against sectarianism.
However, sectarian chanting by supporters has continued to incur criticism and sanctions upon the club as well as convictions against individuals identified. In 1999, the vice-chairman of The Rangers Football Club Ltd, Donald Findlay, resigned after being filmed singing sectarian songs during a supporters club event. UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body has punished Rangers for incidents during European ties, most notably Villarreal in 2006, Osasuna in 2007, PSV Eindhoven in 2011, and at Ibrox in 2019. In February 2015, following sectarian singing from Rangers fans at a match at Raith Rovers, the SPFL came in for criticism for their failure or inability to deal with the issue. However, there have been cases of the police and courts taking action, with Rangers fans having been charged, convicted and jailed for sectarian behaviour.
Rangers' use of orange and blue change strips, first worn in 1993–94, once in 2002–03 and reintroduced in 2018–19 and 2022–23, has caused controversy because the colours are seen as referencing the Orange Order.
Friendships
Supporters of Rangers have a fan friendship with the Northern Irish club Linfield F.C., dating back to 1920. Two of the founders of the club Moses and Peter McNeil have a Northern Irish connection through the County Down birth of their mother Jean Bain, who after moving to Scotland for work in the mid-19th century married a Scotsman, John McNeil. From Rangers formation to the present day, the club have had 32 players who were born in either Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and previously Ireland (from 1882 to 1950). A number were former Linfield players, and they have contributed much to the success of Rangers Football Club. Three former Northern Irish players have captained Rangers – Bert Manderson, John McClelland and Steven Davis; six from a Northern Irish connection have been elevated to the Rangers 'Hall of Fame' and one – Jimmy Nicholl – was the club's assistant manager in 2018.
The fans of Rangers also have a fan-friendship with the German club Hamburger SV, dating from the 1970s when Scots moved to the German port in search of work and reinforced by their shared affection for the midfielder Jörg Albertz. This link was formalised in February 2021 with the formation of an official club partnership between the two sides. Conversely, Celtic fans have a long-standing friendship with Hamburger SV's city rivals, FC St. Pauli. The friendship exists due to both the Rangers-HSV affinity and the shared left-wing politics of Celtic and St. Pauli fans.
Ownership and finances
Main articles: Ownership of Rangers F.C. and Administration and liquidation of the Rangers Football Club plcFrom incorporation to liquidation
On 27 May 1899, Rangers Football Club incorporated, forming The Rangers Football Club Ltd. No single shareholding exceeded 50% until 1985 when the Lawrence Group increased its shareholding in Rangers to a 52% majority, following a deal with then club vice-chairman Jack Gillespie. In November 1988, head of the Lawrence Group Lawrence Marlborough sold out to David Murray for £6 million. In 2000, David Murray decided to list the company on the stock exchange (making it a public limited company), with the name of the company being changed to The Rangers Football Club plc.
On 6 May 2011, Craig Whyte bought David Murray's shares for £1. On 13 February 2012, Whyte filed legal papers at the Court of Session giving notice of his intention to appoint administrators. The next day, The Rangers Football Club plc – which was subsequently renamed RFC 2012 plc – entered administration over non-payment of £9 million in PAYE and VAT taxes to HM Revenue and Customs. In April the administrators estimated that the club's total debts could top £134m which was largely dependent on the outcome of a First Tier Tax Tribunal concerning a disputed tax bill in relation to an Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT") scheme employed by the club since 2001. However, on 20 November 2012, the Tribunal ruled in favour of Rangers. Had that decision been upheld the tax bill could have been significantly reduced from an estimated £74m to under £2m. An Upper Tribunal upheld the decision in 2014. HMRC then appealed to the Court of Session, which ruled in November 2015 that Rangers should have paid tax and national insurance on the EBT payments.
On 25 June 2012, the Crown Office asked Strathclyde Police to investigate the purchase of Rangers and the club's subsequent financial management during Whyte's tenure.
Charles Green agreed a deal with the administrators of The Rangers Football Club plc to purchase the company for £8.5 million if a proposed CVA was agreed or to purchase its business and assets for a £5.5million if the proposed CVA were to be rejected. On 14 June 2012, the formal rejection of the proposed CVA meant that the company would enter the liquidation process. The accountancy firm BDO was appointed to investigate the years of financial mismanagement at the club.
Current corporate identity
On 14 June 2012, hours after the CVA's rejection, Sevco Scotland Ltd, a new company formed by Charles Green's consortium for this eventuality, completed the purchase of the business and assets of The Rangers Football Club Plc and then, on 18 June 2012, formally applied to acquire the SPL share of The Rangers Football Club plc. On 4 July, SPL clubs voted by 10–1 to reject the application with Kilmarnock abstaining and the old Rangers company voting in favour. Thereafter, an application to the Scottish Football League was successful with Rangers securing associate membership on 13 July 2012 at an SFL meeting by a vote of 29–1. The SFL member clubs voted that Rangers should enter the fourth tier of Scottish Football, Scottish Third Division for the 2012–13 season, rather than the Scottish First Division.
An application was made for a transfer of SFA membership on 29 June 2012, with the new company applying for the transfer of the membership of The Rangers Football Club plc. Agreement was reached on the transfer with the new company accepting a number of conditions relating to the old company.
At the end of 2012, Rangers International Football Club plc became the holding company for the group, having acquired The Rangers Football Club Ltd on the basis of a one for one share exchange. In 2013, after its first 13 months, the company reported operating losses of £14.4m. Thereafter it continued to post annual operating losses, variously £9.8m in 2014 and £9.9m in 2015, £2.5m in 2016, £6.3m in 2017 and £13.2m in 2018, until returning to profit in 2022.
Major shareholders
- As of July 2024
Stakeholder | No of Ordinary Shares held | % of issued share capital |
---|---|---|
New Oasis Asset Limited | 63,172,893 | 14.12% |
Douglas Park | 52,550,000 | 11.74% |
George Alexander Taylor | 44,074,998 | 9.85% |
Stuart Gibson | 44,000,000 | 9.84% |
Borita Investments Limited | 27,611,955 | 6.17% |
John Bennett | 24,647,059 | 5.51% |
Perron Investments LLC | 24,250,000 | 5.42% |
George Letham | 22,274,516 | 4.98% |
Club 1872 Shares CIC | 22,202,838 | 4.96% |
Tifosy Investment Nominees Limited | 17,610,000 | 3.94% |
Social responsibility
Support for charities
Main article: Rangers Charity FoundationThe Rangers Charity Foundation was created in 2002 and participates in a wide range of charitable work, regularly involving Rangers staff and star players. The foundation also has partnerships with UNICEF, The Prostate Cancer Charity and Erskine, and is responsible for over £2.3 million in donations. As well as fundraising, the Rangers Charity Foundation regularly bring sick, disabled and disadvantaged children to attend matches and tours at Ibrox, with the chance to meet the players.
Through its support of the Rangers Charity Foundation, the club has helped a number of charities with support and financial donations. In 2008, the club became the first Scottish side to be selected as a partner club of UNICEF. The club's Charity Foundation has backed initiatives in Togo and India as well as funding one million vaccinations for a children's vaccination programme. The club has been a firm supporter of Erskine, a charity which provides long-term medical care for veterans of the British Armed Forces, and in 2012, donated £25,000 to fund projects within their care homes. In January 2015, Rangers hosted a charity match for the benefit of former player Fernando Ricksen who had been diagnosed with Motor neurone disease; this raised £320,000 for him and MND Scotland.
Work in the community
Alongside its work with numerous charities, the club and its Charity Foundation operate various initiatives within the community including courses to help Armed Forces veterans overcome addictions, to raise awareness of social issues and help unemployed people back into work. In October 2015, the club launched its Ready2Succeed programme which was a ten-week course designed to develop participants confidence and employability skills by engaging with football and fitness. Rangers first-team players also visit the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow every year during the festive period where they hand out presents to the children and donate money to the hospital activity fund.
Popular culture
In 2002, former Rangers striker Ally McCoist starred in Robert Duvall's film A Shot at Glory as Jackie McQuillan where he would play against Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final for "Kilnockie F.C.", a fictional side.
In 2003, a Scottish television documentary series filmed by BBC Scotland, Blue Heaven, followed aspiring young footballers at Rangers as they tried to forge a career in football. The series was originally broadcast in the winter of 2003 with a follow-up episode in 2011.
In 2008, celebrity chef and former Rangers youth player Gordon Ramsay returned to the club to teach them how to cook in Series 4, Episode 12 of The F Word.
Owing to the notoriety of the "Rangers Inter City Firm", a football firm associated with the club, Rangers have also featured in television documentaries and books about football hooliganism, including Series 1, Episode 5 of The Real Football Factories presented by English actor Danny Dyer on Bravo in 2006, during which he visits his first Old Firm match and meets football casuals from Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibernian, Dundee United and Dundee.
The club featured on BBC Scotland comedy Scotch and Wry in 1979 in a scene where Manager (Rikki Fulton) and Chief Scout (Gregor Fisher) unknowingly sign a young Catholic footballer (Gerard Kelly) but then try to void his contract to avoid publicly breaking the club's "No Catholic" signing policy after finding out.
Rangers have appeared in theatre a number of times in shows such as Follow Follow: The Rangers Story at the King's Theatre in 1994 starring Scottish actors Barbara Rafferty, Alexander Morton, Jonathan Watson, Iain Robertson, Ronnie Letham and Stuart Bowman; Singin' I'm No A Billy He's A Tim at the Pavilion Theatre in 2009; Divided City at the Citizens Theatre in 2011; and, more recently, Billy and Tim and the Wee Glesga Ghost in 2015, and Rally Roon the Rangers in 2019 and 2022, both at the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow.
William Orcutt Cushing's hymn "Follow On", also known as "Down in the Valley with My Saviour I Would Go" or "I Will Follow Jesus", has been adopted as the anthem of Rangers in their club song "Follow Follow". The club has also played the Tina Turner song "The Best" when the teams exit the tunnel before kick off.
In October 2023, K-pop girl group STAYC went viral when during a concert in Dallas, Texas, US, they wore cropped 1996–97 season Rangers shirts instead of uniforms from the local Major League Baseball team, the Texas Rangers. A club spokesman said that the moment had "triggered nostalgia for the Light Blues". When the group traveled to the UK the following month for the Korea On Stage show at Wembley, the club welcomed them to Ibrox Stadium and their adjoining event facility, Edmiston House.
Records
Main article: List of Rangers F.C. records and statisticsClub
- Highest attendance
- 143,570 vs Hibernian, 27 March 1948
- UK record home attendance
- 118,567 vs Celtic, 2 January 1939
- Highest European attendance
- 100,000 vs Dynamo Kyiv, 16 September 1987
- World record fourth-tier attendance
- 50,048 vs Berwick Rangers, 4 May 2013
- Unbeaten league seasons
- 1898–99 (Rangers won all of their 18 league matches) and 2020–21
- Highest scoring match
- 14–2 vs Whitehill, 29 September 1883
- 14–2 vs Blairgowrie, 20 January 1934
- Record league victory
- 10–0 vs Hibernian, 24 December 1898
Player
- Record appearances
- Dougie Gray, 940 appearances, 1925–1947
- Most league appearances
- Sandy Archibald, 513 appearances, 1917–1934
- Record goalscorer
- Jimmy Smith, 381 goals, 1929–1946
- Most league goals
- Jimmy Smith, 300 goals, 1929–1946
- Most Scotland caps whilst playing at Rangers
- Ally McCoist, 61 caps, 1983–1998
Players
First-team squad
- As of 30 August 2024
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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On loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Academy squads
For more details on the academy squads, see Rangers F.C. B Team and Academy.
Retired and reserved numbers
Main article: Retired numbers in football- Number 12 is reserved for the fans (often referred to as the 12th man)
Staff
Board of directors
Rangers F.C. is owned and operated by The Rangers Football Club Limited ("TRFCL"), which, in turn, is a subsidiary of the holding company Rangers International Football Club Plc ("RIFC"). The latter company, RIFC, also owns other corporations related to Rangers including Rangers Retail Ltd, Rangers Media Ltd and Garrion Security Services Ltd who are responsible for providing match day security at Ibrox Stadium.
- Rangers International Football Club Plc
As of 16 December 2024
Position | Name |
---|---|
Chairman | Fraser Thornton |
Non-executive director | John Halsted |
Non-executive director | Alastair Johnston |
Non-executive director | Graeme Park |
Non-executive director | George Taylor |
Non-executive director | Julian Wolhardt |
- Corporate staff
As of 20 December 2024
Position | Name |
---|---|
Chief executive officer | Patrick Stewart |
Technical director | Nils Koppen |
Interm chief commercial officer | Sean Jefferson |
Chief financial officer | James Taylor |
Company secretary and legal director | Graham Horsman |
First-team staff
As of 16 December 2024
Position | Name |
---|---|
Manager | Philippe Clement |
Assistant managers | Stephan Van Der Heyden Andries Ulderink |
First team coaches | Alex Rae Brian Gilmour |
Goalkeeping coach | Colin Stewart |
Head of first team operations | Hannah MacLean |
Head of scouting operations | Fraser Murray |
Lead UK scout | Mervyn Day |
Lead Scotland scout | Ian Murdoch |
Lead international scout | Anthony Galinski |
Lead technical scout | James Morgan-Snowley |
Head of performance | Thomas Taylor |
Head of nutrition and performance coach | Craig Flannigan |
Physical performance and reconditioning coach | Mitchel White |
Physical performance coach | Calum MacMaster |
Head of rehabilitation | Russell Parker |
Head of performance physiotherapy | Kevin Bain |
Head of physiotherapy | Jonathon Skinner |
Director of medical and performance | Dr Mark Waller |
Masseurs | David Lavery Paul Shields |
Head of analysis | Graeme Stevenson |
Performance analysts | Adam Berry Euan Fotheringham |
Kit operations manager | Luke Murphy |
Kit logistics coordinator | David MacGregor |
Managers
For a list of team managers, see List of Rangers F.C. managers.Eighteen men (including two repeat appointments) have been manager of Rangers during the club's history. In addition, ten men have taken charge of the side on a caretaker basis, while five served as secretaries choosing the team, prior to the appointment of the club's first full-time manager, William Wilton, in 1899.
The longest-serving manager was Bill Struth, who served for 34 years and 26 days. Rangers have had four foreign managers during their history: Dick Advocaat, Paul Le Guen, Pedro Caixinha and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Graeme Souness is the only player-manager during Rangers' history. There have been two repeat appointments: Jock Wallace and Walter Smith.
The most successful manager, in terms of the number of trophies won, is Bill Struth, with eighteen League titles, ten Scottish Cups and two League Cups. Rangers' other manager with notable success was William Waddell, who won the European Cup Winners' Cup.
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Honours
See also: Reserves and Academy honours and Rangers F.C. honours in full- As of 17 December 2023
- record
- shared record
Other honours
Main article: Rangers F.C. in European football- European Cup Winners' Cup:
- UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League:
- UEFA Super Cup:
- Runners-up (1): 1972
Doubles and trebles
- League Title, Scottish Cup, League Cup: 7
- League Title and Scottish Cup: 11
- League Title and League Cup: 10
- Scottish Cup and League Cup: 4
Notable statistics
Rangers became the first British side to reach a UEFA-sanctioned European final in 1961.
UEFA club coefficient rankings
- As of 16 March 2024
Ranking | Club | Country | 2023/24 Points | Total Points | National Association Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
22 | Arsenal | 21.000 | 71.000 | 20.635 | |
23 | West Ham United | 18.000 | 68.000 | 20.635 | |
24 | Ajax | 5.000 | 67.000 | 12.260 | |
25 | Rangers | 14.000 | 63.000 | 7.210 | |
26 | Shakhtar Donetsk | 10.000 | 63.000 | 5.600 | |
27 | Eintracht Frankfurt | 7.000 | 60.000 | 16.724 | |
28 | AC Milan | 16.000 | 59.000 | 17.399 |
Notable former players
Main article: List of Rangers F.C. players See also: List of Rangers F.C. international footballers and Rangers F.C. Hall of FameClub captains
For further information, see Rangers club captains.
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Greatest-ever team
The following team was voted the greatest ever Rangers team by supporters in 1999. When the vote was launched it was feared that younger voters would ignore the great service of many of the pre-war stars (notably the most successful captain and most successful manager the club has ever had, Davie Meiklejohn and Bill Struth respectively). When the ballot was launched Donald Findlay stated it would be limited to post Second World War players because "few can recall players of these earlier eras":
- Andy Goram
- Sandy Jardine
- Richard Gough
- Terry Butcher
- John Greig – voted Rangers' greatest-ever player
- Brian Laudrup – voted Rangers' greatest-ever foreign player
- Paul Gascoigne
- Jim Baxter – voted Rangers' third greatest-ever player
- Davie Cooper
- Ally McCoist – voted Rangers' second greatest-ever player
- Mark Hateley
Scottish Football Hall of Fame
As of 1 June 2020, 33 players and managers to have been involved with Rangers in their careers have entered the Scottish Football Hall of Fame:
- John Greig – 2004 Inaugural Inductee
- Graeme Souness – 2004 Inaugural Inductee
- Sir Alex Ferguson – 2004 Inaugural Inductee
- Jim Baxter – 2004 Inaugural Inductee
- Willie Woodburn – 2004 Inaugural Inductee
- Alex McLeish – 2005 Inductee
- Willie Waddell – 2005 Inductee
- George Young – 2005 Inductee
- Alan Morton – 2005 Inductee
- Davie Cooper – 2006 Inductee
- Brian Laudrup – 2006 Inductee
- Sandy Jardine – 2006 Inductee
- Willie Henderson – 2006 Inductee
- Richard Gough – 2006 Inductee
- Walter Smith – 2007 Inductee
- Ally McCoist – 2007 Inductee
- Eric Caldow – 2007 Inductee
- Derek Johnstone – 2008 Inductee
- Bill Struth – 2008 Inductee
- David Meiklejohn – 2009 Inductee
- Mo Johnston – 2009 Inductee
- Andy Goram – 2010 Inductee
- Robert Smyth McColl – 2011 Inductee
- Terry Butcher – 2011 Inductee
- Bob McPhail – 2012 Inductee
- Scot Symon – 2013 Inductee
- Davie Wilson – 2014 Inductee
- Bobby Brown – 2015 Inductee
- Jock Wallace – 2016 Inductee
- Archie Knox – 2018 Inductee
- Ian McMillan – 2018 Inductee
- Tommy McLean – 2019 Inductee
- Colin Stein – 2019 Inductee
Scottish FA International Roll of Honour
The Scottish FA International Roll of Honour recognises players who have gained 50 or more international caps for Scotland. As of 1 July 2021, the 10 inductees to have won caps while playing for Rangers are:
- David Weir – 2006 Inductee, 69 Caps
- Kenny Miller – 2010 Inductee, 69 Caps
- Christian Dailly – 2003 Inductee, 67 Caps
- Richard Gough – 1990 Inductee, 61 Caps
- Ally McCoist – 1996 Inductee, 61 Caps
- George Young – 1956 Inductee, 54 Caps
- Graeme Souness – 1985 Inductee, 54 Caps
- Colin Hendry – 2001 Inductee, 51 Caps
- Steven Naismith – 2019 Inductee, 51 Caps
- Alan Hutton – 2016 Inductee, 50 Caps
Scottish Sports Hall of Fame
Three Rangers players have been selected in the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame, they are:
- Jim Baxter – 2002 Inductee
- John Greig – 2002 Inductee
- Ally McCoist – 2007 Inductee
Greatest-ever Ranger
John Greig was voted the greatest ever Rangers player in 1999. He was announced as Honorary Life President in 2015.
Sponsors
As of 22 November 2024, Rangers are sponsored by:
Official partners
- Official Kit Manufacturer, Retail, Merchandise and Licensing Partner – Castore
- Principal Club Sponsor – Kindred Group
- Official Shirt Sponsor – Unibet
- Official Presenting Partner – Park's Motor Group
- Official Upper Back of Shirt Sponsor and Logistics Partner – Seko Logistics
- Official Lower Back of Shirt Sponsor and Official Ibrox Stadium Payment Processing Partner – Guavapay
- Official Sleeve Partner – BOXT
- Official Shorts Sponsor – AIM Building & Maintenance Services
- Official Training Kit Partner – 32Red
- Official Women's Principal Partner and Official Women's Front Of Shirt Partner – Sportsbreaks.com
- Official Women's Sleeve Partner – DCP Capital
- Official Academy Partner – Carrick Packaging
- Official B Team Front of Shirt Training Wear Partner and Building and Maintenance Partner – AIM Building & Maintenance Services
- Official Academy Front of Shirt Training Wear Partner and Air Conditioning Partner – CSD Air Conditioning
- Official Destination Partner – Experience Kissimmee
- Official Lager Partner – Tennent's Lager
- Official Breakfast Cereals Partner – Kellogg's
- Official Video Gaming Partner – EA Sports
- Official Digital Auction Supplier – MatchWornShirt
- Official FX Transfer Partner – Ebury
Associate partners
- Official Snacking Partner – Cadbury
- Official Scotch Whisky Partner – Douglas Laing & Co
- Official Restaurant Partner – Black Rooster
- Official Engineering Partner – Forrest Precision Engineering
- Official Cyber Security Partner – NordVPN
- Official Electrical and Security Partner – JC Electrical & Security Solutions
- Official Gas Mains and Suppliers Replacement Specialist Partner – Pipeline Energy Solutions
- Official Ground Engineering Partner – Northern Piling
Official suppliers
- Official Business Travel Supplier – Destination Sport Travel
- Official Match Breaks Supplier – Sportsbreaks.com
- Official Title Sponsorship Partner - William Hill
- Official Television Supplier – Sky Sports
- Official Food and Beverage Partner – Elior UK
- Official Soft Drink Supplier – Coca-Cola
- Official Hydration Partner – Lucozade Sport
- Official Personal Care Supplier – Molton Brown
- Official Rangers Legends Events Supplier – 5 Stars
- Official Sports Nutrition Partner – Applied Nutrition
- Official Events Partner – Turnberry
- Official Clothing Partner – Suited & Booted
Club & Federation partners
- Official Club Partners – All India Football Federation, Hamburger SV, Bengaluru FC, and Orange County SC.
A full list of Rangers commercial partners and sponsors can be found on the official club website and in the Rangers matchday programme, available at every home game.
See also
Notes
- However this attendance was unofficially exceeded prior to this match in Brazil. But this attendance was not officially recorded.
- Racism has been directed at players on the pitch at Rangers games, including at former Celtic player Bobo Balde.
- Shared with Dumbarton F.C. after both clubs ended the season on 29 points. A play-off game at Cathkin Park on 21 May 1891 finished 2–2, so the clubs were declared joint champions.
- Choices were limited to post World War II era players only.
References
- "Rangers International Football Club PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2024" (PDF). Rangers.co.uk. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- THE RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED Company No. SC425159 Companies House. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- From Sporting Lisbon to Athletic Bilbao — why do we get foreign clubs’ names wrong?, Michael Cox, The Athletic, 16 March 2023.
- "Rangers – Historical Kits". Historicalkits.co.uk. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- "Passion, pride, tradition and nastiness: Why Old Firm match is greatest derby in the world". Evening Times. 11 March 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
- "Classic Rivalries: Old Firm's enduring appeal". FIFA. 16 April 2016. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- "Supporters Clubs". Rangers Football Club, Official Website. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
- "Rangers invasion: your views". British Broadcasting Corporation. 15 May 2008. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
- McLeod, Keith (15 May 2008). "175,000-strong Rangers support the biggest in world football". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 17 December 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
- ^ "Rangers in Seville: Police say 100,000 fans expected". BBC. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
- Gammelsæter, Hallgeir; Senaux, Benoit (2011). The Organisation and Governance of Top Football Across Europe. Routledge. p. 48. ISBN 978-1-136-70533-5. Retrieved 16 November 2015.
- "Rangers Football Club enters administration". BBC. 12 February 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
- "How the mighty Glasgow Rangers have fallen". The Guardian. 18 January 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
- "Rangers to re-form after creditors' deal is rejected". BBC. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- "The Rangers Football Club Limited". Companies House. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
- Paul Smith (2013). Scotland Who's Who: International Players 1872–2013. Pitch Publishing. p. 126.
- ^ "45,000 to see Rangers face blokes coming off night shift". Eurosport. Yahoo!. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 18 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
Founded: 1872
Biggest win: 10–0 v Hibernian 1898
Most appearances: John Greig 755 (1960–1978) - ^ "The on-field history of Rangers Football Club 1873–2012". BBC News. 14 February 2012. Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
The club's origins date back to 1872 when Moses McNeil, his brother Peter, Peter Campbell and William McBeath formed their own team in Glasgow.
The name Rangers was adopted from an English rugby club and the first game, against Callander FC, ended 0–0. The club's official beginning came to be recognised as 1873, when the first annual general meeting was held.
By the time of the first Scottish Football League season in 1890, Rangers had arrived at their current home of Ibrox, in the south east of Glasgow, via Burnbank and Kinning Park.
Rangers finished joint top of the league with Dumbarton, and after a play-off ended 2–2, a decision was taken to share the title.
This was the only time the league has ever been shared, and it marked the first senior honour for Rangers.
Rangers won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 1894, beating Celtic 3–1
Three years later, the club recorded their first ever Scottish Cup win, beating Celtic 3–1 in the 1894 final.
Rangers won the trophy again in 1897 and 1898 with victories over Dumbarton and Kilmarnock. - "Co founder of Glasgow Rangers Football Club, Rangers and Scotland Footballer – a true Footballing Pioneer". Helensburgh Heroes. helensburghheroes.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
McNeil won two caps for Scotland, the first Ranger to represent his country, the first on 25 March 1876 in a 4–0 win over Wales and the second on 13 March 1880 in a 5–4 win over England, in which he played alongside his brother, Henry. Henry McNeil won a total of 10 caps for his country and scored 5 goals.
- ^ "Rangers History". Evening Times. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
Rangers were born in March 1872, after a group of teenage rowing enthusiasts watched a game of football in Glasgow Green. Brothers Peter and Moses McNeil and Peter Campbell and William McBeath got their heads together to give rise to the club, who played just two matches in their first year.
It is believed that Moses McNeil suggested the name 'Rangers' after seeing it in a book about English rugby. The club played their first game in May 1872 at Flecher's Haugh in Glasgow Green against Callander, a match that ended in a 0–0 draw.
Rangers was officially founded in 1873 as that was the year they elected office bearers. The club first donned blue shirts in their second game, against Clyde (not the present-day club), and won it 11–0.
Five years after their founding, Rangers made it to their first major cup final against Vale of Leven. The game was played at First Hampden Park and finished 1–1, so a replay beckoned. Rangers refused to turn up for the replay and Vale were awarded the cup. The teams met the following year in the Charity Cup. Rangers won 2–1 and the Glasgow Merchants' Charity Cup was the first major trophy to be won by the team.
The 1890–91 season saw the inception of the Scottish Football League, and Rangers were one of ten original members. Rangers' first ever league match took place on 16 August 1890 and resulted in a 5–2 victory over Hearts. After finishing equal-top with Dumbarton, a play-off was held at Cathkin Park to decide the champions. The match finished 2–2 and the title was shared for the only time in its history – the first of Rangers' 54 championships. - Chapter XX.—Queen's Park and Glasgow Charity cup, History of the Queen's Park Football Club 1867 – 1917, Richard Robinson (1920), via Electric Scotland
- "Summer Soccer & Football Camps train with the best teams in world football". football-soccer-camps.com. Archived from the original on 20 June 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
After joining, Rangers finally reached their first final of the Scottish Cup in 1877 but were not victorious.
The eternal rivalry, known as the Old Firm, between the two Glaswegian city teams, Rangers and Celtic has been ongoing since the first Old Firm match in 1888, in which Rangers lost 5–2 in a friendly against the Celtic team which was largely made up of "guest players" from Hibernians. - "The Founding of Celtic Football Club 1888". BBC Scotland. November 2005. Archived from the original on 14 September 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
It would be over six months later before the newly-constituted Celtic club played its first ever match, on 28 May 1888 which resulted in a 5–2 win over Rangers, in what was called a 'friendly match'.
- "The Founding Fathers". Rangers F.C. Archived from the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
All those championships and cups would never have found their way into the Ibrox Trophy Room but for that encounter between Peter McNeil, his brother Moses, Peter Campbell and William McBeath.
Their first match was an unlikely affair against Callander FC at Flesher's Haugh on Glasgow Green.
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The result was 0–0, but that didn't matter. Rangers had been born.
The name Rangers was adopted from an English rugby club. By their second fixture – the only other they played that first year – they had donned the light blue. It must have done the trick – Rangers beat Clyde 11–0.
In season 1875–76 they moved to Burnbank Park and towards the end of that season Rangers had their first international; Moses McNeil, one of the four founders, who made his Scotland debut in a 4–0 victory over Wales.
The following year Rangers made the breakthrough reaching their first Scottish Cup Final. It took three matches to find a winner, and sadly it was their opponents Vale of Leven. After two drawn games, 0–0 and 1–1, Rangers finally succumbed 3–2 in the second replay. - ^ "Rangers". Scottish Football League. July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 August 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
- ^ "Rangers FC". UEFA. 30 December 2010. Archived from the original on 24 November 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
Founded by brothers Moses and Peter McNeil, Peter Campbell and William McBeath, Rangers shared their first championship with Dumbarton FC in 1890/91 then beat Celtic FC 3–1 to win their first Scottish Cup in 1894, clinching their first title outright by winning every game of the 1898/99 campaign.
William Struth's 34 years as manager from 1920 onwards ushered in the club's first golden era; Rangers won 18 league championships, ten Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups under Struth, including Scotland's first domestic treble in the 1948/49 season.
In 1961, Rangers became the first British club to reach the final of a UEFA competition when they got to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final only to lose 4–1 on aggregate to ACF Fiorentina; they lost 1–0 to FC Bayern München in the final of the same competition six years later before finally lifting the trophy in 1972 when beating FC Dinamo Moskva 3–2 at the Camp Nou. - ^ Forsyth, Roddy (22 September 2006). "A lot of bottle in Old Firm duels". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 8 December 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
The record Old Firm gate at a club ground was set on 2 Jan 1939 by a crowd of 118,567 at Ibrox.
- "The Dominant Force". Rangers F.C. Archived from the original on 22 May 2013.
Sadly, Wilton was not to enjoy this extraordinary success which saw Rangers take the title 15 times in 21 seasons.
With the Championship back at Ibrox, Wilton – the club's first manager – died the day after the last game of the season in May 1920, drowning in a boating accident.
Struth, who was appointed his successor, lived to become a legend. He managed the club for 34 years, winning a glittering array of trophies – 18 League Championships, 10 Scottish Cups and two League Cups. - ^ Murray, Scott (30 December 2011). "The Joy of Six: new year football fixtures". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 February 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
The humiliated Rangers boss that day was Scot Symon, so it is with a pleasing symmetry that Symon was a player in the other record victory in an Old Firm match. Because while Celtic's 7–1 win is the biggest win in official competition, Rangers went one better in an unofficial wartime Scottish Southern League ne'erday game between the two rivals in 1943. An Ibrox crowd of just over 30,000 watched a strong Rangers side including Symon, George Young and the legendary winger Willie Waddell rattle up an 8–1 victory.
- Rangers dominated wartime football but should their titles be recognised in the record books?, The Scotsman, 21 March 2020.
- Record Sport Online (8 August 2017). "Rangers supporters campaign for World War Two titles to be recognised by SFA and SPFL". Daily Record. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- "About Scot Symon". in.com. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
He returned to Rangers just one year later where he would steer them to six league championships. He also took Rangers into European football for the first time reaching two Cup Winners Cup finals which was a fine achievement by losing in both finals
- Stone, Colin (5 January 2012). "Top 10 Glasgow Rangers Players of All Time". Bleacher Report. pp. 2–11. Archived from the original on 27 May 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
Regarded as one of Scotland's greatest ever players, Jim Baxter can also be counted amongst the Rangers' greats for his terrific achievements in the '60s.
"Slim Jim" joined the club in 1960 for £17,500, a record at the time, and went on to win 10 trophies in the five years he spent in Scotland. - "Hampden dazzled by white magic". The Guardian. 15 May 2002. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
- Baird, Stuart. "'And the cry was "No Defenders"' The Museum of Scottish Football at Hampden Park, Glasgow". Culture Wars. Institute of Ideas. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
Rangers were the first British team to reach a European final in 1961
- Womersley, Tara (19 June 2001). "Thousands pay tribute to victims of Ibrox disaster". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013.
David Murray, the chairman of Rangers, yesterday unveiled a bronze statue of John Greig, the captain who led his team against Celtic on the day of the accident. The statue lists the names of those who died in 1971 and 25 fans killed when wooden terraces collapsed during a match between Scotland and England in 1902. Mr Greig then laid a wreath at the plinth of the statue.
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An inquiry, however, later discounted the theory and said that the crush was likely to have happened 10 minutes after the final whistle and to have been triggered by someone falling on the stairs. - "Scotland XI vs Rangers/Celtic Select Official Programme of the Match". celticprogrammesonline.com. 27 January 1971. Archived from the original on 20 May 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
Attendance: 81,405
- "Destiny awaits Ibrox heroes". The Scotsman. 10 May 2008. Archived from the original on 21 May 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2009.
It is hard to take that after Celtic were able to celebrate as much as they liked in Lisbon, our club and supporters were denied a post-match presentation because the Spanish police completely misunderstood the fans' on-field invasion at the end.
I played with a stress fracture in my foot. A guy jumped on it late in the final and I ended up with another fracture on the other side, but the euphoria kept the pain away until I was called down to this little room to receive the trophy.
It all passed in a blur, but I hobbled down there in agony with our manager Willie Waddell and a UEFA delegate and, in this cramped corner covered in Barcelona memorabilia, the delegate handed me the trophy and basically said: "Here, take the cup Glasgow Rangers, now go away".
When I got back to the dressing room all my team-mates were either in the bath or out of it. I felt sorry they didn't get to parade the trophy – ultimately what we were playing for – and even sorrier for all those people who had a paid a lot of money to travel to the Nou Camp and see that. - "Rangers triumph in Europe 1972". BBC Scotland. December 2005. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
Rangers were handed a two-year ban by UEFA for their fans' poor behaviour. Waddell succeeded in getting this reduced to one year, meaning Rangers could not defend their trophy. Waddell argued that the police had over-reacted, that the fans were drunk but not intent on violence, and that recent European finals had witnessed rejoicing Celtic, Bayern Munich and Ajax fans running on to the park and those occasions had been deemed acceptable.
- "UEFA Super Cup – History". UEFA. Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 17 October 2008.
- "Scottish Cup History And Archives". Scottish Football Association. Archived from the original on 2 January 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
122,714 supporters packed into Hampden on 5 May 1973 for the Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic.
- McKinney, David (26 July 1996). "Obituary: Jock Wallace". The Independent. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
Jock Wallace was a giant of Scottish football. No other description can do justice to the man who ended Celtic's domination of the game in the 1970s and who, as manager, led Rangers to two domestic trebles within three years, the Glasgow club winning the League title, the League Cup and the Scottish Cup.
- ^ "Rangers paying for overspending ways". The footy pie. February 2012. Archived from the original on 20 May 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
Graham Souness lead the side to their first two championships as player-manager before his assistant, Walter Smith, took the reign, claiming another seven titles to equal a record set by Jock Stein at Celtic in the 1960s and 70s.
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When Dick Advocaat became the Rangers manager in 1998, it was a brave new dawn for the Ibrox club as chairman David Murray attempted to begin a new chapter in the club's history following Walter Smith's departure.
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Celtic 0–3 Rangers
Rangers created history by winning the title at Celtic Park in a stormy Old Firm game which saw referee Hugh Dallas injured by a missile thrown from the pitch. - "When Rangers can win the league". The Scotsman. 28 March 2010. Archived from the original on 19 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
The biggest winning points margin in the history of the SPL was enjoyed by Rangers in 1999/00, when they finished 21 points clear of Celtic.
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Rangers 2–0 Parma
Rangers secured one of their most impressive European results in years, as Italian giants Parma crashed to defeat in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier - Forsyth, Roddy (12 November 2000). "Rangers' £12m Flo gamble". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
DAVID MURRAY, the Rangers chairman, moved dramatically last night to end the crisis at Ibrox by setting a new Scottish transfer record of £12 million for Chelsea's out-of-favour Norwegian international forward, Tore Andre Flo.
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Full time: Kaiserslautern 3–0 Rangers
92 mins The Fritz Walter Stadium erupts on the referee's final whistle which brings down the curtain on Rangers' European campaign. - ^ "Rangers unveil McLeish". BBC Sport. 11 December 2001. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2007.
Alex McLeish has been unveiled as Rangers' 11th manager after a dramatic day at Ibrox.
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Rangers capped a fabulous season with a hard-earned Scottish Cup win over Dundee at Hampden Park to seal the seventh domestic Treble in the club's history.
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Rangers 6–1 Dunfermline Athletic
An injury-time penalty by Mikel Arteta clinched the SPL title for Rangers in an amazing afternoon at Ibrox.
Rangers were 5–1 up as the match entered the last few minutes, but with Celtic 4–0 up at Rugby Park and still playing, they knew the championship was not yet theirs. - Grahame, Ewing (26 May 2003). "Six into one equals victory Rangers secure a world-record 50th championship as title showdown goes all the way to the wire". The Herald. Archived from the original on 4 June 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
Rangers secure a world-record 50th championship
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Rangers chairman John McClelland has attempted to assure shareholders the club's £52m debt is nothing to be alarmed over.
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At this point McLeish was viewed as one of the hottest managers in the game. Success doesn't last forever and Rangers financial state cost McLeish dear in 2003. Many of his prize assets were sold and subsequently Celtic won the league comfortably. Also, Rangers failed to pick up a single trophy that season.
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Boumsong joined Rangers from Auxerre on a free transfer last summer and made just 28 appearances for them before moving to England.
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Rangers have confirmed the signing of Monaco's Croatian striker Dado Prso.
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Rangers have completed the signing of Nacho Novo from Dundee but manager Alex McLeish insists his summer spending spree is not yet over.
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Rangers pipped rivals Celtic to the Scottish Premier League title after a dramatic final day of the season.
The Gers went into the final game two points behind their Glasgow rivals but a sensational late fightback by Motherwell gave them the title. - Jackson, Keith (22 April 2010). "Football flashback: Looking back on Rangers' 'helicopter Sunday' triumph in 2005". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 31 July 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
NACHO Novo will be remembered forever as the man whose goal made the helicopter change direction.
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Peter Lovenkrands was the goalscoring hero as Rangers became the first Scottish club to qualify from the group stages of the Champions League.
...
Criticised by some for his tactics during a run without a win now stretching to 10 games, McLeish got it right on the European stage with the surprise inclusion of Lovenkrands as a lone striker. - "Villarreal 1–1 Rangers (agg 3–3)". BBC Sport. 7 March 2006. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2007.
Rangers' dream of becoming the first Scottish side in the quarter-finals of the Champions League ended as they lost on the away-goals rule to Villarreal.
- "McLeish to leave Rangers in May". BBC Sport. 9 February 2006. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2007.
Alex McLeish will leave his position as Rangers manager at the end of the season, the club has confirmed
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Rangers have announced that Paul Le Guen will replace Alex McLeish as manager at the end of the season.
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St Johnstone recorded one of their finest results to stun Rangers at Ibrox and reach the CIS Cup semi-finals.
- Glenn, Patrick (24 September 2006). "Gravesen piles pressure on Le Guen". The Observer. Archived from the original on 4 August 2012.
Until Gravesen gave the home side the lead there was a wariness about both sides, which betrayed the number of players on each side who were making their first appearance in the conflict. If Celtic were expected to be dominant – with Rangers reliant on the absorption of pressure and the counter-thrust – Gordon Strachan and his players would also be mindful of the four-point advantage they held over their great rivals and the need not to risk having it damaged.
- Murray, Ewan (15 December 2006). "Hutton sends Rangers clean through to Old Firm match". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 3 February 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
Paul Le Guen is satisfied his Rangers players will enter Sunday's Old Firm match in as positive a frame of mind as possible after they sealed the top qualifying position from Group A and secured a second consecutive clean sheet.
- Austin, Simon (5 January 2007). "Clash of cultures". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 10 October 2013.
Paul Le Guen's relationship with Barry Ferguson was never likely to be a marriage made in heaven.
On one side was an authoritarian French manager used to having the final word and working with clean-living, tee-total players.
On the other was a passionate Scottish captain who enjoyed talisman status with the fans and liked to work hard and play hard.
There were reported to be differences between the duo soon after Le Guen took over at Ibrox seven months ago. And they came to the surface at a news conference before the last Old Firm derby on 17 December. - "Le Guen and Rangers part company". BBC Sport. 4 January 2007. Archived from the original on 1 January 2013.
Rangers manager Paul Le Guen has left the club by mutual consent.
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Walter Smith has quit as Scotland coach to become boss of Rangers for a second time after agreeing a three-year deal.
- Moffat, Colin (12 December 2007). "Rangers 0–3 Lyon". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 8 April 2012.
Rangers crashed out of the Champions League and into the Uefa Cup with a disappointing home defeat to Lyon.
- "Rangers & Zenit chase Uefa glory". BBC Sport. 14 May 2008. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015.
Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen and Fiorentina have been dispatched, along with Sporting since Rangers qualified via their position in the Champions League group stage.
- "Succescoach Advocaat wordt in Sint-Petersburg nooit vergeten". nos.nl (in Dutch). 15 June 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
- Winter, Henry (15 May 2008). "Rangers run out of steam as Zenit lift Uefa Cup". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013.
Zenit St Petersburg (0) 2 Rangers (0) 0
It is not only Scottish fuel stations that have been running on empty recently. The warning light began flashing on Rangers' tank midway through the second half last night, their exhausting schedule finally catching up with them, allowing a superior and fresher Zenit side to lift the Uefa Cup. - "Battle of Piccadilly". men. Manchester Evening News. 19 April 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- "Rangers exit Champions League in Lithuania". CNN World Sport. CNN. 5 August 2008. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012.
Scottish giants Rangers slumped to a shock European exit when Linas Pilibaitis gave FBK Kaunas 2–1 an aggregate win in their Champions League second qualifying round tie in Lithuania.
- Forsyth, Roddy (24 May 2009). "Rejuvenated Rangers take SPL title in style with victory at Dundee United". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
With the boundless relief and joie de vivre of a man who has been reprieved on the steps of the gallows and installed in a palace, Rangers produced a climactic performance to snatch their first championship since 2005 at sun-drenched Tannadice.
- Forsyth, Roddy (30 May 2009). "Rangers 1 Falkirk 0: Match report". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
Rangers completed the second stage of their Scottish league and cup double in the baking heat of Hampden Park on Saturday thanks to a glorious goal from Nacho Novo, with his first touch of the ball only seconds after arriving as a half-time substitute for Kris Boyd. But the favourites were made to sweat throughout – and not simply because of the sweltering conditions.
- Murray, Ewan (21 March 2010). "Kenny Miller sees nine-man Rangers through to victory". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 March 2010. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
It would, of course, be churlish not to recognise the winning mentality of a team who have lost just a single domestic fixture since Celtic lifted this trophy at their expense a year ago. Yet this win arrived in the most unlikely of circumstances, sealing the League Cup despite being down to nine men.
- "Rangers happy to prove doubters wrong after Cup win". BBC Sport. 20 March 2011. Archived from the original on 10 October 2013.
Rangers manager Walter Smith described the Co-operative Insurance Cup final win over Celtic as one of his "best ever" victories.
Smith, coming to the end of his second spell in charge at Ibrox, clinched a 20th trophy as Rangers boss after the 2–1 extra-time win at Hampden. - Moffat, Colin (16 May 2011). "Kilmarnock 1 – 5 Rangers". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 13 July 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
Rangers gave departing manager Walter Smith the perfect send-off as they wrapped up a third-consecutive Scottish Premier League title in style.
A blistering opening saw Kyle Lafferty net twice inside seven minutes, either side of a Steven Naismith strike.
Early in the second half, Nikica Jelavic smashed in a free kick and Lafferty completed his hat-trick with a composed finish. - "Rangers crash out of Champions League after seeing red twice at Malmo". The Guardian. 3 August 2011. Archived from the original on 4 August 2011.
Rangers' Champions League hopes were shattered as they crashed out of the competition at the hands of Malmo after being reduced to nine men in the qualifier in Sweden. Steven Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra were both shown straight red cards, before Malmo's Ricardinho was also dismissed by the referee Vladislav Bezborodov at the Swedbank stadium
- Campbell, Andy (25 August 2011). "Rangers 1 – 1 NK Maribor (agg 2 – 3)". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 13 July 2012.
Rangers exited the Europa League as Maribor claimed an aggregate victory to progress to the group stages.
- "Ally McCoist fuming as Falkirk kids dump Rangers out of cup". BBC Sport. 22 September 2011. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012.
Manager Ally McCoist believes his Rangers players have only themselves to blame for their shock League Cup defeat by a very youthful Falkirk line-up.
- Campbell, Andy (5 February 2012). "Rangers 0–2 Dundee Utd". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 12 April 2012.
Dundee United knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup with a deserved fifth-round victory at Ibrox.
- "Rangers' 10-point deduction confirmed by SPL". BBC Sport. 14 February 2012. Archived from the original on 18 February 2012.
Rangers have been deducted 10 points after entering administration.
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Reigning champions Rangers prevented the Scottish title being won on their own patch despite a dramatic late rally from nine-man runaway leaders Celtic.
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IncorporationDate 27/05/1899
PreviousNames
CONDate 31 July 2012
CompanyName THE RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB P.L.C. - Rangers in crisis: the final whistle sounds on Rangers' 140 years of history The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
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The continuation of trading operations enabled the Joint Administrators to put the CVA Proposal to the creditors of the Company and after the CVA Proposal was rejected by creditors, the Joint Administrators were able to secure a going concern sale of the business, history and assets of the Company to Sevco
- "Lord Nimmo Smith Commission" (PDF). Scottish Professional Football League. 28 February 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
On 14 June 2012 a newly incorporated company, Sevco Scotland Limited, purchased substantially all the business and assets of Oldco, including Rangers FC, by entering into an asset sale and purchase agreement with the joint administrators.
- ^ "Rangers newco refused SPL entry after chairmen vote". BBC Sport. 4 July 2012. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
BBC Scotland has learned that 10 of the 12 clubs were in opposition, with Kilmarnock abstaining and Rangers voting in favour.
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We are pleased to confirm that agreement has been reached on all outstanding points relating to the transfer of the Scottish FA membership between Rangers FC (In Administration), and Sevco Scotland Ltd, who will be the new owners of The Rangers Football Club.
- ^ "Fourth-tier Rangers shatter world record". The Sydney Morning Herald. 19 August 2012. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
Rangers manager Ally McCoist paid tribute to the troubled club's fans after 49,118 packed into Ibrox to watch Saturday's 5–1 thrashing of East Stirling, a world record attendance for fourth-tier football.
- "Best attendances of Brazilian Championship of 4th Level" (in Portuguese). RSSSF Brasil. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
1 Santa Cruz (PE) 0 × 0 Treze (PB), 59.966, 16/10/2011, Estádio do Arruda
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Rangers suffered a shock first loss in the Third Division after crashing to defeat against bottom side Stirling Albion.
- Lindsay, Clive (18 September 2012). "Ramsdens Cup: Rangers 2–2 Queen of the South (3–4 pens)". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
Rangers made a shock exit in the Ramsdens Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat by Queen of the South at Ibrox.
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle advanced to the semi-finals of the Scottish Communities League Cup for the first time with an ultimately comfortable defeat of Rangers.
- Dundee United 3–0 Rangers BBC, 2 February 2013.
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Attendance 49,463
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IBROX STADIUM (ATT 49,913)
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The earliest badge featured the celebrated RFC scroll crest believed to have been used since 1872. Then there's the lion rampant and the club motto 'READY', which have appeared on Rangers' badges since 1959. Finally, see the evolution into the current badge, with the famous blue, white and red colours.
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Although the 'RFC' Scroll Crest was omitted in 1959 it made a welcome return in 1968 when it was placed on the club's home jersey for the very first time. It was later added to the shorts a decade later for the start of the 1978–79 season.
- "The Rangers Crest". Gersnet Online. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
From 1990 to 1994 'Rangers Football Club' and the 'Ready' motto were placed above and below the Crest respectively. In 1997–98 the Crest was placed in a shield but perhaps the most significant change was before the start of the 2003/04 campaign. Having clinched their 50th League Championship, a year in which Rangers secured a domestic Treble, the Club decided to add five stars above the Scoll Crest, one for every ten titles won.
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- phttps://www.kindredgroup.com/media/press-releases/2017/kindred-group-completes-the-acquisition-of-32red/ In June 2017, 32Red was purchased by Kindred Group for £175.6 million, Unibet was already a subsidiary of the Group, having been purchased a year earlier.
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Rangers have actually sported the Center Parcs logo during the course of two seasons. It was first worn in the 1996–97 Champions League match at Auxerre. In 1997–98 another Center Parcs logo was worn in the UEFA Cup first round first leg game in Strasbourg where again the 'Gers lost 2–1 (also wearing their change blue shorts)
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Scotland's contributions to the development of the game were equally impressive in other areas. Glaswegian born architect Archibald Leitch was the pioneering football stadium designer of his day – by the 1920s 16 out of 22 of England's First Division stadiums were Leitch designs. The most famous example of his work still in existence is probably Ibrox. (This would undoubtedly please Leitch, who was a devout Rangers fan.)
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The plans, one of three options being considered by the club, could see the stadium in Glasgow completely rebuilt with a new capacity of 70,000. Rangers would retain the Bill Struth main stand, which is designated as a Category B listed building. Ibrox currently holds 51,082 fans, behind Hampden Park and Celtic Park.
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Ally McCoist, the manager, normally leaves Sinclair and his staff to choose the youngsters but sometimes will stipulate who he and the first-team staff want. "That daily exposure is priceless," says Sinclair. "The boys become comfortable with the staff and first-team players. If they were round there once every six months, it would be a trial but it is a regular process. Wilson, Fleck and Little were all steeped in that."
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add quote
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2013/2014 42,938
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There are more than 600 registered supporters clubs with over 30,000 registered members and these continue to grow, in keeping with the vision the club initially had.
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The Record attendance for a friendly match in the United Kingdom is 104,493, who saw Rangers lose 3–2 to Eintracht Frankfurt at Hampden Park on 17 October 1961.
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It was always going to put a massive strain on the city. An invasion of up to 200,000 Rangers supporters for the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester swamped the city's pubs and bars and the dedicated fan zones.
- Nisbet, John (27 August 2010). "150,000 Rangers fans descended on the city for the Uefa Cup final in 2008". The Independent. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
But the chief executive at Rangers, Martin Bain, insists there will be no repeat of the scenes of crowd misbehaviour which marred the club's last visit to Manchester. Some 200,000 Rangers fans descended on the city for the Uefa Cup final in 2008 and trouble started when a giant screen failed to work.
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GMP would like to stress that the vast majority of supporters have behaved impeccably and came to Manchester clearly intent on enjoying the carnival atmosphere.
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A full inquiry was under way today after Rangers fans clashed with riot police in Manchester last night after their team's defeat by Zenit St Petersburg in the Uefa Cup final.
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A number of supporters clashed with riot police after a big screen in Manchester broke down. Officers later confirmed 42 people had been arrested.
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Police in Manchester have released CCTV images showing up to 200 football fans chasing officers and attacking one of them after the Uefa Cup final.
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On Old Firm weekends, admission rates for local hospitals increase ninefold, and the cumulative total for arrests at Old Firm games is the highest in the world.
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RANGERS operations chief Ali Russell insists the Old Firm rivalry is the biggest in the world – because a billion fans tune in to watch two teams devoid of world stars.
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RANGERS ISSUED a full public apology to Aberdeen last night for labelling a section of the Pittodrie club's support "scum" in last Saturday's Ibrox matchday programme. Stewart Milne, the Aberdeen chairman, protested to Bob Brannan, the Rangers chief executive, yesterday about the anonymous article which also branded the Dons' team as "under-achievers and money-grabbers"
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The catalyst for the recent venom between the two sets of supporters was the 1988 incident involving Neil Simpson and Ian Durrant.
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IT HAS been billed by the Ibrox club as the "original Glasgow derby". It might equally be argued that their hosting of Queen's Park in the Third Division on Saturday is the newest Glasgow derby.
...
Although the teams last met in a League Cup tie 21 years ago and regularly jousted in the Glasgow Cup in the two decades before that, there has not been a league meeting since 1958, the year Queen's Park last played top-flight football. The fact the confrontation has returned to the calendar in a wholly different form was best encapsulated by Rangers ambassador Sandy Jardine. - Fisher, Stewart (14 October 2012). "Old rivalry renewed". The Herald. Glasgow. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
Queen's Park and Rangers, two teams that first met competitively in a Scottish Cup tie in March 1879, some nine years before Celtic were formed, meet in an Irn-Bru Third division encounter at Ibrox.
- Forsyth, Roddy (19 October 2012). "Rangers and Queen's Park ready to resurrect world's oldest derby". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 January 2013. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
The Old Firm collision it most certainly is not – to the relief of Glasgow's constabulary and A&E departments – but Saturday afternoon's visit of Queen's Park to Ibrox will draw the UK's second biggest crowd and resurrect a fixture that first appeared in the records in 1875 when the pair played a charity match in aid of fire victims.
- Armstrong, Gary; Giulianotti, Richard (2001). Fear and loathing in world football. Berg Publishers. pp. 25, 26. ISBN 1-85973-463-4. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
Primrose was associated with the most virulent anti-Catholic and anti-Irish sentiment, and was openly allied with the orange order.
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Historically Rangers have maintained a staunch Protestant and anti-Catholic tradition which includes a ban on signing Catholic players.
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The conflict in Ireland failed to be the catalyst which swept the religious cobwebs from the Ibrox-based club's terraces and boardroom. One of its managers even had no qualms in the 1970s about urging his players to roar out the loyalist battle-cry 'No Surrender' as they ran up the tunnel at Ibrox.
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For years Rangers have been pilloried for what the majority of people saw as discrimination against one section of the population. Now we have shown that this unwritten policy at Ibrox is over. It's finished. Done with.
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Rangers yesterday paraded their latest, and most controversial signing, Maurice Johnston, in the process demolishing any remaining they were sectarian, and upstaging their arch-rivals Celtic.
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In the past 15 years, both clubs have tried to stamp out bigotry, largely for pragmatic reasons. The IRA guff puts off sponsors and when the market in foreign footballers opened up in the 1990s, the old prohibition on signing Catholics became irksome for Rangers. Many of the foreign players who have since come to Glasgow must have struggled to remember whether they were playing for the Protestant team or the Catholic one.
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I've been Rangers' first Catholic captain
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THE Scottish Premier League has confirmed it has received the match delegate's report from the Old Firm derby but refused to divulge if alleged sectarian chanting from Rangers fans was mentioned within it.
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Rangers chairman John McClelland has vowed to root out the racist fans who booed whenever Celtic's Bobo Balde and Momo Sylla had possession during his club's Old Firm derby defeat on Saturday.
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Education and prevention is what we are really looking at and Scotland is a great example of somewhere where that has done a tremendous amount in practically eradicating the worst features of discrimination.
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Both UEFA and FIFA hold Rangers up as a positive example of a club determined to tackle the problem that threatens its future. And the SFA joins in that praise. "On the sectarianism front Rangers have tried to develop a policy across the Protestant/Catholic divide," says Mr Mitchell. "They have imposed a large number of life bans on supporters who have been identified and found guilty of sectarian behaviour." And Rangers is not alone in taking such action. "Generally speaking it is by the clubs," he says. "If there is a criminal prosecution that has an effect as well, but the clubs themselves have taken that action off their own back, because they have the right to decide who can come into the stadium or not."
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The Faculty of Advocates is to investigate complaints against the leading Scottish lawyer Donald Findlay QC after he was captured on camera singing sectarian songs.
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Findlay, Scotland's leading criminal lawyer, is a Protestant and proud of it. But he was embarrassed to be caught on video singing sectarian songs. They included "The Billy Boys", a verse of which goes: "We're up to our knees in Fenian blood, Surrender or you die, We are the Billy Boys."
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Donald Findlay QC tells John Humphrys about the effect singing sectarian, anti-Catholic songs at a party for Glasgow Rangers had on his life, and how he, at one stage, even contemplated suicide.
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UEFA appealed against the decision on 12 April by the Control and Disciplinary Body to find Rangers not guilty of alleged discriminatory chants by the club's supporters at both legs of the tie, on 22 February at Ibrox and 7 March at El Madrigal. Rangers have been fined €19,500 and severely warned about their responsibility for any future misconduct by their fans in relation to sectarian and discriminatory behaviour.
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Rangers have been fined £8,280 by Uefa for the behaviour of their fans during their match against Osasuna – but the Spanish club must pay £31,000.
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Rangers are to face a Uefa disciplinary hearing over allegations of sectarian singing during last month's Europa League match away to PSV Eindhoven. The club's chief executive Martin Bain says they are "utterly dismayed" by the decision and that they will defend the club's position "vigorously".
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Uefa has fined Rangers 40,000 euros (£35,652) and banned its fans from the next away European game for sectarian singing in a match at PSV Eindhoven.
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Rangers football club, on track for its 49th Scottish premier league title, announced plans yesterday to float the business on the stock market and disclosed that talks are under way with a number of potential media investors.
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Craig Whyte has completed his takeover of Rangers for £1 but amid continuing concerns by board members about his ability to invest sufficient funds.
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Rangers Football Club has confirmed it has filed legal papers at the Court of Session to appoint administrators.
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HMRC lodged its petition over alleged non-payment of about £9m in PAYE and VAT following Craig Whyte's takeover.
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RANGERS went into administration today – as it was revealed they had failed to pay £9million in VAT and PAYE from the current financial year.
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Rangers' administrators estimate that the club's total debts could top £134m.
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A criminal investigation is to be launched into Craig Whyte's takeover of Rangers Football Club in May last year.
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Mr Green has previously stated that should the CVA fail his offer goes into an "automatic mode" to carry out a 'newco' switch at the Ibrox club, where all assets are sold to a new business entity for £5.5m and Rangers FC Plc, incorporated in 1899, is liquidated.
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In June administrators Duff and Phelps confirmed it had failed to secure a route out of the insolvency event and the club's assets were sold to a newco owned by a Charles Green-led consortium in a £5.5m deal. The oldco, now RFC 2012 Plc, formerly The Rangers Football Club Plc, has been placed into liquidation.
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And Green, who bought Rangers' assets after the company that formerly ran the club could not be saved from liquidation, believes the decision to sell tickets directly to visiting fans could spark trouble at the match.
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The three-man commission will decide if the company that formerly ran Rangers broke Scottish Premier League rules.
...
The commission will study the financial arrangements made by the Employee Benefit Trust scheme run by former Rangers owner Sir David Murray's company, Murray International Holdings.
...
The probe was launched before the company that ran Rangers – The Rangers Football Club Plc – was consigned to liquidation.
The consortium now running the club, led by chief executive Charles Green, has refused to recognise or co-operate with the investigation. - Farrell, Mike (12 June 2012). "Rangers in Crisis". STV News. STV. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
The Ibrox club confirmed its planned company voluntary arrangement (CVA) escape from administration would now fail as the tax authorities revealed they felt it was in the "public interest" to liquidate Rangers FC plc, incorporated in 1899.
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GLASGOW RANGERS were today forced into liquidation after major creditor Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) formally rejected an offer of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) from the club's administrators.
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Businessman Charles Green led a consortium to buy Rangers' assets for £5.5m and reformed the club as a new company. But the 'newco' did not get the required votes for re-admittance to the SPL and instead, Rangers were relaunched in Division Three, drawing 2–2 with Peterhead in their opening game.
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Raith Rovers and Clyde insist plans to place the Rangers newco in Scottish Division One should not be forced upon Scottish Football League clubs.
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The charity, which has donated more than £2.3m to various causes since it was set up in 2002, has reduced the amount it will take from the game to 10%, meaning the majority of the money raised will go to the club, which is currently in administration.
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- "Lucozade Sport Teams Up With Rangers To Become Club's Official Hydration Partner". Rangers Football Club, Official Website. 11 December 2020. Archived from the original on 11 December 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
- "Rangers Partner With Molton Brown". Rangers Football Club, Official Website. 16 January 2020.
- "Rangers Appoint 5 Stars Limited As Rangers Legends Events Supplier". Rangers Football Club, Official Website. 25 September 2020.
- "Rangers Announce Applied Nutrition As Official Associate Partner". Rangers Football Club, Official Website. 19 August 2021.
- "Rangers Partner With All India Football Federation". Rangers Football Club, Official Website. 1 June 2022.
- "Rangers and HSV Enter Club Partnership". Rangers Football Club, Official Website. 10 February 2021.
- "Rangers Partner With Bengaluru FC". Rangers Football Club, Official Website. 27 September 2019.
- "Rangers & Orange County SC Announcement". Rangers Football Club, Official Website. 23 December 2019.
Further reading
- Armstrong, Gary; Giulianotti, Richard (2001). Fear and loathing in world football. Berg Publishers. ISBN 1-85973-463-4. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- Barnes, Stuart (2010). News of the World Football Annual 2006/2007. HarperCollins UK. ISBN 9780007234233. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
- Ferrier, Bob; McElroy, Robert (1990). Glasgow Rangers: Player by Player. Crowood Press. ISBN 1-85223-404-0.
- Ferrier, Bob; McElroy, Robert (1998). Glasgow Rangers: Player by Player. Crowood Press. ISBN 0-600-59495-5.
- Ferrier, Bob; McElroy, Robert (2005). Rangers: The Complete Record. Breedon Books. ISBN 1-85983-481-7.
- Gallagher, Tom (1987). Glasgow, the Uneasy Peace: Religious Tension in Modern Scotland, 1819–1914. Manchester University Press ND. ISBN 9780719023965. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
- Giulianotti, Richard (1999). Football: A Sociology of the Global Game. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9780745617695.
- Kuper, Simon (1994). Football Against the Enemy. Orion. ISBN 0-7528-4877-1.
- Murray, William J. (2000). The Old Firm: Sectarianism, Sport and Society in Scotland. John Donald Publishers. ISBN 9780859765428.
- Potter, David; Jones, Phil (2011). The Encyclopedia of Scottish Football. Pitch Publishing. ISBN 978-1908051103.
- Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack (4 August 2011). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2011–12. Headline. ISBN 978-0755362325.
- Romanos, Joseph (2010). Great Sporting Rivals (Large Print 16pt). ReadHowYouWant.com. ISBN 9781458779663. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
- Scott, Les (2008). End to End Stuff. Random House. ISBN 9780593060681. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
- Smith, Paul (2012). For Richer, for Poorer: The Murray Years. Random House. ISBN 9781780572826. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
- Souness, Graeme; Gallacher, Ken (1989). Graeme Souness: A Manager's Diary. Mainstream Publishing. ISBN 9781851582242.
External links
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- Official website
- Rangers from Scottish Professional Football League
- Football Club: Team profile
- Rangers at FIFA
- Rangers FC at UEFA
- Club 1872
- Rangers F.C. on BBC Sport: Club news – Recent results and fixtures
- Club information at Fitbastats.com
Rangers Football Club | |
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History | |
Home stadium |
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Training ground | |
Incidents | |
Supporters | |
Rivalries |
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Media | |
Others |
Rangers F.C. matches | |
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Scottish Cup Finals | |
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Scottish Professional Football League | |
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« Scottish Premier League (1998–2013) « Scottish Football League (1890–2013) | |
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2024–25 Premiership teams | |
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Former teams | |
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Scottish Premier League (1998–2013) | |
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« Scottish Football League Premier Division (1975–98) Scottish Premiership (2013– ) » | |
Former teams | |
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Scottish Football League original clubs, 1890–91 | |
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Founding members of the European Club Association | |
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1960s | |
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1990s |
Football in Glasgow | |
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Defunct League teams | |
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Teams in italics are no longer based in, or do not currently play home games in, Glasgow |
- Rangers F.C.
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