Rangers chairman admits 15-year title failure

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavanagh has admitted the club has become accustomed to finishing second or worse over the past 15 years, with that culture of failure now deeply embedded across every level of the organisation.

Speaking after a fans’ forum in Glasgow, Cavanagh said the sense of underachievement had “seeped through” into the club’s operations, from recruitment to coaching. He added that Rangers must now “reset” their expectations and move away from the mentality that sees them settle for runners-up spots rather than chasing titles.

The admission follows years of frustration for supporters, including six Scottish Premiership runners-up finishes since 2009. Cavanagh’s comments reflect wider concerns about the club’s leadership and on-pitch performance, with manager Steven Gerrard sacked in late 2021 and his successor Giovanni van Bronckhorst losing his job in November 2022. Current boss Philippe Clement has stabilised the team but has yet to deliver silverware.

The club is now under pressure to deliver in the transfer market after a string of expensive but underwhelming signings. Cavanagh hinted at a more measured approach in January, with no major deals expected until the summer. The board’s willingness to accept past failures could signal a shift, but fans will demand proof of progress—not just words. If Rangers fail again in the title race or exit early in Europe, the patience that has lasted for years may finally run out.