Rangers’ difficult start to the new season has sparked one of the biggest waves of supporter frustration seen at Ibrox in recent years. Following a disappointing run of results, growing criticism of manager Derek McInnes has dominated fan discussions, social media and supporters’ forums, with some disgruntled fans even circulating online petitions calling for change.
While there is no evidence that any fan petition, the increasing unrest reflects the mood around the club after a poor opening to the campaign. McInnes, who arrived with hopes of restoring Rangers as genuine title challengers, now finds himself under intense scrutiny after a series of disappointing performances.
A nightmare beginning to the season
Few supporters expected Rangers to find themselves under pressure so early.
The club has endured a frustrating opening to the campaign, dropping valuable league points while also suffering a setback in Europe. The recent 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian only intensified the criticism, leaving Rangers with just one point from their opening two Scottish Premiership matches and increasing concerns about the team’s direction under McInnes.
Against Hibs, Rangers controlled possession for long periods but once again failed to convert dominance into goals. Defensive mistakes proved costly, and another late concession left Ibrox stunned.
It was exactly the type of performance supporters feared after similar issues had already appeared during the Europa League qualifying defeat away to Jagiellonia Białystok.
Supporters reach breaking point
Rangers supporters have always demanded high standards.
For many, losing matches is one thing—but repeatedly seeing the same problems without obvious improvement is another.
Calls for accountability have grown louder after every match, with criticism focusing on:
- Team selection.
- Defensive organisation.
- Slow attacking play.
- Lack of creativity.
- Poor game management.
- Failure to respond under pressure.
Some frustrated supporters have gone as far as creating online petitions demanding change, while others have flooded phone-ins and social media with criticism of both the manager and the club’s hierarchy. Although these petitions are symbolic and do not carry official authority, they illustrate the frustration among sections of the fanbase.
Club chiefs ask fans for patience
Despite the growing criticism, Rangers’ board has publicly backed Derek McInnes.
At a recent shareholders’ meeting, chairman Andrew Cavenagh and CEO Jim Gillespie acknowledged supporters’ frustrations but insisted they remain confident in the manager’s long-term project.
Gillespie even compared McInnes’ football philosophy to Jürgen Klopp’s high-intensity approach, stressing that significant rebuilding takes time. The board also confirmed that more signings are expected before the transfer window closes.
The message from the board was clear: panic will not dictate decisions.
Why fans are so angry
The disappointment is not solely about recent results.
Many supporters expected a fresh identity under McInnes after a summer of recruitment, but performances have yet to match those expectations.
Several concerns continue to dominate discussions:
Lack of attacking threat
Despite enjoying large spells of possession, Rangers have struggled to create enough clear-cut chances.
Defensive mistakes
Simple errors continue to cost valuable points, particularly in crucial moments.
No settled starting eleven
Frequent changes have prevented the team from building rhythm and consistency.
Pressure of the Old Firm race
With Celtic making a stronger start, supporters already fear falling behind in the title race.
McInnes refuses to hide
Following recent defeats, Derek McInnes accepted responsibility for Rangers’ performances.
He admitted the team has not reached the standards expected and stressed that improvements are needed quickly if Rangers are to recover their season. Earlier in the campaign he also spoke of the importance of making a strong start, a goal that has clearly not been achieved.
However, the manager has also urged supporters not to judge the project solely on its opening weeks.
With several new players still adapting and more arrivals expected before the transfer deadline, McInnes believes the squad remains a work in progress.
Dressing room remains united
Despite speculation surrounding the manager’s future, there is no indication that Rangers have lost the dressing room.
Captain Lawrence Shankland recently acknowledged supporters’ disappointment but insisted the players remain fully committed to turning results around.
He admitted fans have every right to be frustrated but rejected suggestions that the squad lacks effort or desire.
That backing from senior players could prove vital as Rangers attempt to steady the season.
Transfer window offers hope
One reason the board continues to support McInnes is the belief that the squad is still incomplete.
Club officials have confirmed that Rangers expect to complete between three and five additional signings before the transfer window closes. Recruitment remains a priority, with strengthening planned in several areas of the team.
If those additions arrive quickly, they could significantly change both performances and supporter sentiment.
Pressure continues to grow
Even with the board’s backing, football is ultimately judged by results.
The coming fixtures may prove decisive.
Positive performances could calm tensions and rebuild confidence.
Another disappointing run, however, would almost certainly increase pressure on both McInnes and the Rangers hierarchy.
With crucial league fixtures and European commitments approaching, there is little time for the club to reverse its fortunes.
Is the petition likely to change anything?
Realistically, online petitions rarely determine the future of a football manager.
Club owners generally base decisions on performances, dressing-room atmosphere, long-term strategy and financial considerations rather than online campaigns.
Nevertheless, such petitions serve as a visible sign of supporter dissatisfaction. When fan frustration becomes widespread, boards inevitably take notice—even if they continue to back the manager publicly.
Final verdict
Rangers are unquestionably facing a difficult moment. Poor results, defensive frailties and an underwhelming start to the campaign have created an atmosphere of frustration around Ibrox. Sections of the fanbase have responded with online petitions and vocal criticism, but there is no official indication that Rangers are considering dismissing Derek McInnes at this stage. Instead, the board has publicly reiterated its support for the manager while promising further transfer activity to strengthen the squad.
For McInnes, the challenge is straightforward: improve results quickly. Football has a habit of changing rapidly, and a strong run of performances could shift the mood just as fast as it deteriorated. Until then, the pressure will remain firmly on the Rangers boss, with every match carrying added significance as supporters wait to see whether the current project can finally deliver on its promise.
