Rangers Football Club is no stranger to scrutiny, and the latest remarks from veteran journalist Hugh Keevins have only added fuel to the fire. His pointed comment—“I heard better”—may seem brief, but it carries significant weight, especially as the new Rangers management team steps into one of the most demanding roles in Scottish football. With expectations sky-high and patience running thin among the Ibrox faithful, Keevins’ words serve as both a challenge and a warning: if the new regime fails to deliver, the consequences could be severe.
Rangers’ recent history has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From the financial collapse and subsequent climb back through the divisions to their triumphant 55th league title under Steven Gerrard, the club has experienced it all. However, the last few seasons have seen a regression, with Celtic reasserting their dominance and Rangers struggling to maintain consistency. The departure of key figures like Ross Wilson and, more recently, Michael Beale, signaled the need for change. Now, with a fresh leadership team in place, the pressure is on to prove that they can restore the club to its former glory.
Keevins’ skepticism is not unfounded. Scottish football is a relentless environment where second-best is never good enough, especially for a club of Rangers’ stature. The phrase “I heard better” suggests that promises have been made—whether in terms of player recruitment, tactical approach, or long-term vision—and now, those promises must be substantiated. If the new management fails to meet expectations, the backlash will be swift and unforgiving.
Rangers fans demand success, and rightly so. This is a support base that has stood by their club through administration, liquidation, and years in the lower leagues. Their loyalty has been rewarded with moments of brilliance, but also with frustration when potential has gone unfulfilled. The new board and coaching staff must understand that rhetoric means little without results.
The summer transfer window will be the first major test. Rangers have been linked with several players, but as Keevins implies, hearing about potential signings is one thing—seeing them deliver on the pitch is another. The club’s recruitment in recent years has been inconsistent, with some signings flourishing while others have failed to make an impact. If the new management cannot address this, they will quickly find themselves under fire.
Any discussion about Rangers’ ambitions must include their eternal rivals. Celtic’s dominance in recent seasons has been a source of immense frustration at Ibrox, and closing the gap is non-negotiable. The new Rangers hierarchy must demonstrate that they have a clear plan to not only compete with but overtake their Glasgow rivals.
This means more than just spending money—it requires shrewd decision-making, tactical innovation, and a unified vision from the boardroom to the pitch. Keevins’ comment hints at a weariness with empty promises; what Rangers need now is action. If the new management cannot deliver immediate improvements, the patience of the supporters will wear thin quickly.
Rangers have had their share of false dawns in recent years. Moments where it seemed like the tide was turning, only for setbacks to follow. The danger for the new regime is falling into the same cycle—bold statements followed by underwhelming performances. Keevins’ remark cuts to the heart of this issue: talk is cheap, and the fans have heard it all before.
The board must ensure that the club is structured for long-term success, not just short-term fixes. That means proper investment in the squad, a coherent playing philosophy, and a manager who can handle the unique pressures of the job. If they fail in any of these areas, “I heard better” will become a damning indictment of their tenure.
Hugh Keevins’ three-word statement may be brief, but it encapsulates the mood around Rangers right now. The new management has been given a mandate to restore the club to the top of Scottish football, and anything less will be deemed a failure. The fans have endured enough disappointment—they deserve a team that matches their ambition.
If the promises made behind closed doors are not fulfilled, the backlash will be severe. Rangers cannot afford another period of stagnation. The time for words is over; now is the time for action. As Keevins suggests, they had better deliver—because if they don’t, the consequences will be dire.
For Rangers, “I heard better” isn’t just a passing comment—it’s a challenge. And it’s one they must rise to meet.
