Former Rangers star Charlie Miller is deeply familiar with the high expectations of the Ibrox fans, and he believes the current team is far from meeting them. During his time as a player, Miller was part of a Rangers squad that showcased a diverse mix of international talent. Players from Denmark, England, Holland, Germany, and Sweden all contributed to the success of the team as they completed their historic run of nine league titles in a row. Yet, despite the array of foreign stars, Miller insists that the true strength of the team lay in the Scottish players who brought an intrinsic understanding of the club’s identity and the passion of its supporters.
In the dressing room, Miller shared space with Scottish legends such as Richard Gough, Ally McCoist, Ian Durrant, Andy Goram, David Robertson, Stuart McCall, and Gordon Durie. As a lifelong Rangers supporter himself, he knew exactly what it took to thrive in Glasgow’s demanding football scene. Miller believes this homegrown spirit is missing in the current squad under Philippe Clement. He points to the recent game against Motherwell, where only two Scots were in the lineup, as evidence of a disconnect. Miller argues that for Rangers to succeed, they need a core of Scottish players who understand the club’s significance. He laments the missed opportunities in recent years, as Scottish talents like Lewis Ferguson, Josh Doig, Aaron Hickey, and Andy Robertson went unsigned by Rangers.
Though Rangers recently secured a place in the Premier Sports Cup Final against Celtic, Miller has concerns about the team’s broader performance. Currently nine points behind Aberdeen and Celtic, Rangers seem adrift, both on and off the pitch. Financial woes have added to the problems, with a reported £17 million loss despite revenues reaching £90 million. Miller’s disappointment extends to Clement’s tactics, too, as he feels the coach’s decisions don’t align with a team aiming for the top. Miller questioned the choice to substitute one striker for another rather than pushing for a win with two forwards, especially if the team hopes to win the league. He doubts Cyriel Dessers is the answer, despite the forward’s effort on the field.
While Dessers scored at Hampden last Sunday, his performance was shaky, and Miller worries about how he’ll fare in the upcoming Europa League match against Olympiakos. For Miller, the focus should be on dominating domestic competitions rather than getting sidetracked by European aspirations. Clement’s struggles at home, coupled with managerial instability, are, in his view, leaving the club in a precarious position. Miller adds that boardroom tensions only make matters worse, warning that if these issues persist, Rangers could face another challenging five years.
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