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Rangers F.C.
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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.[3] 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 Scotland's third-largest football stadium. The club has always played in royal blue shirts.[4]

Key Information

Rangers have won the Scottish League title a joint-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.[5][6] Both clubs have historically been emblematic of sectarianism in Glasgow, with Rangers and its fanbase being associated with Protestantism and Irish unionism, with Rangers having historically had a policy until the 1970s of refusing to sign Catholic players. With more than 600 Rangers supporters' clubs in 35 countries worldwide, Rangers has one of the largest fanbases in world football.[7] 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.[8][9] 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.[10]

One of the eleven original members of the Scottish Football League,[11] Rangers remained in the top division continuously until a financial crisis during the 2011–12 season saw the club enter administration[12] and the original company liquidated[13][14] with the assets moved to a new company structure.[15] 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

[edit]

Formation, early years and William Wilton

[edit]
The 1877 Scottish Cup Final Rangers team
The 1877 Scottish Cup Final Rangers team

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.[16] In 1873, the club held its first annual meeting and staff were elected.[17][18] By 1876, Rangers had its first international player, with Moses McNeil representing Scotland in a match against Wales.[19] 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 Charity Cup the following year against Vale of Leven 2–1, their first major cup.[20][21] 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.[22][23][24]

Chart of Rangers yearly table positions in League play

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.[18][20][25][26] During William Wilton's time as match secretary and then team manager, Rangers won ten league titles.

Bill Struth and Scot Symon

[edit]

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.[27] 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.[17][28] 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.[29][30][31]

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.[32][33] Rangers also lost by their biggest Old Firm margin of 7–1.[29]

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.[34] 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.[35] Rangers lost again in the final of the same competition in 1967, by a single goal, after extra time, to Bayern Munich.[26]

Ibrox disaster, European success and Jock Wallace

[edit]
The Ibrox Disaster memorial statue, commemorating the 1971 tragedy
The Ibrox Disaster memorial statue, commemorating the 1971 tragedy along with previous disasters

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.[36] 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.[37]

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.[38] Rangers were banned from Europe for two years for the behaviour of their fans, later reduced on appeal to one year.[39]

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.[40]

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.[41] 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.[42]

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

[edit]

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.[43]

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.[44]

Rangers' ninth consecutive championship title was secured at Tannadice Park on 7 May 1997, with a single-goal victory over Dundee United.[45]

Dick Advocaat, Alex McLeish and Paul Le Guen

[edit]

In 1998, Dutchman Dick Advocaat became the club's first foreign manager.[46] 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.[47] A second-consecutive league title was won by a record 21-point margin,[48] 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.[49][50]

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,[51] European success beyond the Champions League group stages again proved elusive.[52] After a slow start to the following season, Advocaat resigned from his post in December 2001 and was replaced by Alex McLeish.[53]

In his first full campaign, the 2002–03 season saw McLeish become the sixth Rangers manager to deliver a domestic treble.[54] The championship was won on goal difference during a dramatic final day 6–1 triumph over Dunfermline Athletic at Ibrox,[55] securing Rangers' 50th league title, the first club in the world to achieve the feat.[56] Major expenditure sanctioned by chairman David Murray had burdened Rangers with considerable debts in the region of £52m.[57] 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.[58]

The 2004–05 season restored success to Rangers, who were boosted by signings such as Jean-Alain Boumsong,[59] Dado Pršo[60] and Nacho Novo,[61] along with the return of former captain Barry Ferguson after a spell in England with Blackburn Rovers.[62] 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.[63][64]

Rangers F.C. showing French card display at Ibrox to welcome Paul Le Guen
Card display at Ibrox to welcome Paul Le Guen

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,[65] the club eventually exiting on the away goals rule to Villarreal.[66] On 9 February 2006, it was announced by David Murray that McLeish would be standing down as manager at the end of that season.[67]

Frenchman Paul Le Guen replaced Alex McLeish as manager after season 2005–06.[68] The season started with an early exit from the League Cup[69] whilst Celtic built a commanding lead at the top of the table.[70] 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.[71] However, amid claims of disharmony between the manager and captain Barry Ferguson,[72] it was announced on 4 January 2007 that Le Guen had left Rangers by mutual consent.[73]

Walter Smith's return and Ally McCoist

[edit]

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.[74]

The 2008 UEFA Cup final in Manchester which Rangers contested
The 2008 UEFA Cup final in Manchester, which Rangers contested

The following season Rangers contested the UEFA Cup after dropping into the competition from the Champions League.[75] The club reached the final, defeating Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina along the way.[76] The final in Manchester against Zenit Saint Petersburg, who were managed by former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat,[77] ended in a 2–0 defeat.[78] An estimated 200,000 supporters travelled to Manchester for the event,[79] 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.[80] The club secured its 52nd league championship on the last day of the season with a 3–0 victory at Dundee United.[81] Rangers also successfully defended the Scottish Cup, defeating Falkirk 1–0 in the final.[82]

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.[83] 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.[84] 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.[85]

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,[86] and to Slovenian side Maribor in a Europa League qualifying match.[87] 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[88] and the Scottish Cup by Dundee United at Ibrox.[89] Rangers were placed into administration on 14 February 2012 resulting in the club being deducted 10 points as per SPL rules.[90] 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.[91]

Insolvency and the lower leagues

[edit]

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)[92] entering the process of liquidation.[93] 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.[94][95] The new company failed to secure the transfer of Rangers' previous place in the Scottish Premier League,[96] 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.[97] 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.[98]

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.[99][n 1] 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.[101] Rangers were defeated in the third round of the Scottish Challenge Cup by Queen of the South at Ibrox,[102] in the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle[103] and in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup by Dundee United.[104] Rangers beat their own new record against Queens Park with an attendance of 49,463[105] and again against Stirling Albion with an attendance of 49,913.[106] 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, the 2013–14 season 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.[107] Rangers also reached the final of the Scottish Challenge Cup, in which they lost to Raith Rovers[108] 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[109][110] and Hearts[111][112] and also losing away to Queen of the South[113] 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.[114] Amid mounting criticism,[115] 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.[116] 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.[117] 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.[118]

Warburton, Premiership return, Caixinha and Murty

[edit]

In June 2015, it was announced that Mark Warburton had been appointed as manager on a three-year deal.[119] 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,[120] before losing to Hibernian in the final.[121] 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.[122][123] 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.[124] 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[125] and defeat to Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup semi-final by the same scoreline.[126] 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".[127]

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[128][129] and also defeated Hibernian away from home[130] during his interim spell) was appointed to the role until the end of the season.[131] 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.[132] Rangers again ended the season in 3rd place, behind Celtic and Aberdeen for the second year in a row.[133]

The Gerrard era

[edit]

On 4 May 2018, former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard was confirmed as the new manager of Rangers on a four-year contract.[134] 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.[135] However Rangers were then defeated by Celtic in the first Old Firm match of the season,[136] and the following month were eliminated from the League Cup by Aberdeen.[137] 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.[138] 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.[139]

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.[140] 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.[141] On 29 December, Rangers beat Celtic 2–1 at Celtic Park, their first win at their arch rival's stadium since October 2010.[142] 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.[143] However, all professional football in Scotland was suspended later that month due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.[144][145] On 18 May 2020, the SPFL officially ended the season, and Celtic were awarded the league title which was determined by points per game.[146]

On 7 March 2021, Rangers won the league title for the first time in ten years,[147] going on to end the league campaign undefeated, with a club record 102 points.[148]

Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Europa League Final, Michael Beale return and Philippe Clement

[edit]

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.[149]

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.[150] Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked on 21 November 2022, after also falling nine points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.[151] Michael Beale, a coach under previous manager Steven Gerrard, succeeded van Bronckhorst on 28 November 2022.[152] 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.

Philippe Clement was appointed manager on 15 October 2023, Rangers' sixth permanent manager in ten years, with Steven Davis being the interim manager prior to Clement's appointment. The club won their 28th League Cup title, and their first in twelve years.[153] Rangers finished runners up to Celtic in the league and the Scottish Cup. After being defeated by Dynamo Kyiv in the 2024–25 Champions League Third Qualifying Round, Rangers entered the Europa League, where they placed eighth in the new format, placing them directly in the Round of 16.[154] Clement was sacked as manager on 23 February 2025.[155]

2025 takeover, Russell Martin and Danny Röhl

[edit]

On 30 May 2025, Rangers announced that a consortium headed by US businessman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, had purchased 51% of shares to compete a multi-million pound takeover of the club.[156] Russell Martin was appointed head coach in June 2025 on a three-year deal. Following a string of poor results, including one league win in seven games, Martin was sacked after a 1–1 draw against Falkirk just 123 days after becoming head coach, making him the shortest serving manager in Rangers' history.[157][158][159]

Danny Röhl was appointed Martin's successor on 20 October 2025.[160]

Crest and colours

[edit]

Crest

[edit]

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.[161][162] In 2021 the club unveiled a 150th anniversary crest that was to be used during the 2021–22 season.[163]

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.[164][165]

Colours

[edit]

The club colours of Rangers 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 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.[165]

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.[166] Orange and blue change strips, first seen in 1993–94,[166] worn once in 2002–03[167] and reintroduced in 2018–19[167] and 2022–23,[168] have caused controversy because the colours were seen as referencing the Orange Order.[167]

Selection of Rangers kits through history[165]
The blue shirt, white shorts and blue & white hooped socks. Worn 1873–1879.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
The royal blue shirt and black socks with red tops. Worn 1958–1968 and 1973–1978.

Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors

[edit]

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[165]
Period Supplier
1978–1990 Umbro
1990–1992 Admiral
1992–1997 Adidas
1997–2002 Nike
2002–2005 Diadora[169]
2005–2013 Umbro[170]
2013–2018 Puma[171][172]
2018–2020 Hummel[173]
2020–2025 Castore[174]
2025–present Umbro[175]
Front of shirt sponsors[165]
Period Sponsor
1984–1987 CR Smith[176][177]
1987–1999 McEwan's Lager[176][177]
1999–2003 NTL[178][176]
2003–2010 Carling[179]
2010–2013 Tennent's[180][181]
2013–2014 Blackthorn[182]
2014–2023 32Red[183][184]
2023–present Unibet[185][186]
Back of shirt sponsors[165]
Period Sponsor Position
2017–2020 Utilita[187] Top
2020–2021 The Energy Check[188] Bottom
2020–present SEKO Logistics[189] Top
2021–2022 Sportemon Go[190] Bottom
2022–2023 Socomec[191]
Sleeve sponsors[165]
Period Sponsor
2020–2022 Tomket Tires[192]
2022–present BOXT[193]
Shorts sponsors[165]
Period Sponsor
2023–present AIM Building & Maintenance Services[194]

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.[195] Later matches in France (when the club was sponsored by Carling) saw the club play with no shirt sponsor, in 2006[196] and 2007.[197]

During 32Red's sponsorship, Rangers faced NK Osijek in 2018–19 wearing unsponsored training gear due to Croatia's ban on gambling advertising.[167] 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.[198]

Mascot

[edit]

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.[199] He made his first appearance in a 2–2 draw against Raith Rovers on 13 November 1993.[200] Broxi was later accompanied by his "wife" Roxi and their "son" Boris[199] although from 2001 Roxi and Boris no longer made any on-field appearances at Ibrox.[201] Roxi and Boris did continue to appear on some club merchandise.[199] On 9 September 2017, Roxi and Boris were re-introduced before a 4–1 win against Dundee.

Stadium and training facility

[edit]

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 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.[202][203]

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 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.[46] 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.[204][205]

Club identity, supporters and relations with other clubs

[edit]

Rangers 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.[206] 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 eighth overall for national attendance share.[207]

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. There are also many unregistered supporters clubs currently active. The official club website lists over 100 supporters' clubs in Great Britain and Northern Ireland,[208] with over 100 further clubs spread across over 35 countries around the world.[209]

Rangers fans have contributed to several records for high attendances,[210] including the highest home attendance for a league fixture, 118,567 on 2 January 1939.[27] 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.[211][212] Despite most supporters behaving "impeccably",[213] 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.[214][215][216]

In 2021, Rangers supporters were widely criticised, including by Nicola Sturgeon, John Swinney and Humza Yousaf, after they gathered in George Square to celebrate the club winning the Scottish Premiership.[217] 53 Rangers supporters were arrested following the celebration, which was in breach of COVID-19 lockdown regulations,[218] and in excess of £58,000 worth of damage was done to the square.[219]

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.[10] No arrests were made in Seville as Rangers supporters impressed the Spanish police with their good behaviour.[220]

Supporters group Club 1872 are shareholders in 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.
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

[edit]
Rangers fans (right) at an Old Firm match away to Celtic in 2004

The club's most distinct rivalry is with Glasgow neighbours Celtic; 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.[221][222]

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.[223] 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.[223] 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.[224] 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.[225][226]

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.[227][228] 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.[229]

Sectarianism

[edit]

John 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.[230] From the early 20th century onwards, Rangers had a policy of not signing Catholic players, or employing Catholics in other prominent roles.[231][232][233][234]

In 1989, Rangers signed Mo Johnston, "their first major Roman Catholic signing".[235] 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.[231][236] Since Johnston's signing, an influx of overseas footballers has contributed to Catholic players becoming commonplace at Rangers.[237] In 1999, Lorenzo Amoruso became the first Catholic captain of the club.[238]

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.[239][n 2] William Gaillard, UEFA's Director of Communications, commended the SFA and Scottish clubs, including Rangers, for their actions in fighting discrimination.[241] In September 2007, UEFA praised Rangers for the measures the club has taken against sectarianism.[242][243]

Sectarian chanting by supporters has continued to incur criticism and sanctions upon the club as well as convictions against individuals identified.[244][245] 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.[246][247][248] UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body has punished Rangers for incidents during European ties, most notably Villarreal in 2006,[249] Osasuna in 2007,[250] PSV Eindhoven in 2011,[251][252] and at Ibrox in 2019.[253] 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.[254] However, there have been cases of the police and courts taking action, with Rangers fans having been charged, convicted and jailed for sectarian behaviour.[255]

Rangers' use of orange and blue change strips, first worn in 1993–94,[166] once in 2002–03[167] and reintroduced in 2018–19[167] and 2022–23,[168] has caused controversy because the colours are seen as referencing the Orange Order.[167]

Politics

[edit]

Rangers have historically embodied a stark Protestant, Unionist and Monarchist identity, deeply intertwined with British Loyalism in Scotland and Northern Ireland.[256] Academics argue that the club has long served as a symbolic expression of Britishness in Scotland, often associated with the political right and the Conservative Party. Until 1989, Rangers informally refused to sign Catholic players, reinforcing its image as a bastion of Protestant identity. Supporters frequently express their unionist and Orange affiliations through songs, emblems, and banners, with many fans attending sectarian Orange Order events and adopting symbols such as the Union Jack and slogans like "We are the people." In the 2000s, Ranger fanzines like Follow Follow openly promoted a loyalist and right-wing agenda.[256] Surveys from 1990 and 2001 showed Rangers fans to be the most likely in Scotland to support the Conservative Party, oppose a British withdrawal from Northern Ireland and oppose the Scottish National Party.[256]

In contrast to Glasgow Celtic supporters, who are known to support Palestinian nationalism and wave Palestinian flags at games, Glasgow Rangers supporters support Israel and wave Israeli flags.[257][258][259]

Some Rangers fans have been accused of making Nazi salutes, most notably at a UEFA Cup game in Israel in 2007, although the gestures were later clarified as being "red hand salutes", identified with the loyalist movement.[260] In 2013, a Rangers fan was banned from attending football games for two years after being found guilty of giving a Nazi salute at a youth cup final game.[261] A flag featuring the Nazi SS Tokenkopf has been flown by Rangers fans in both 2023[262] and 2024,[263] with the club launching an investigation after one of the flags was flown at Ibrox Stadium.[264]

In 2003, Rangers chairman John McClelland vowed to "weed out" those who among the Rangers support who "indulge in racist behaviour" after Celtic players Bobo Balde and Momo Sylla were subjected to racist abuse.[265] In March 2015, Rangers director Chris Graham resigned his position after posting derogatory comments about Muslims on social media.[266] In April 2017, a Rangers fan was seen on TV making racist 'monkey gestures' towards Celtic winger Scott Sinclair and banned for life.[267] In August 2019, UEFA ordered Rangers to close a part of their stadium after their fans were found guilty of 'racist chanting'.[268] In July 2020, Rangers defender Connor Goldson was criticised by Rangers fans for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, he described the fans' reaction as "hate" and "ignorance",[269] he was supported by ex-Rangers player Maurice Edu, who also expressed his "embarrassment" and "disappointment" with some Rangers fans' reaction to the Black Lives Matter movement.[270] These events led Rangers CEO Stewart Robertson to condemn the racial abuse of Rangers players by stating "if you are unable to support our players, regardless of their background, you are not welcome at Ibrox".[271]

In the 2020s, Rangers hired former Democratic Unionist Party politician David Graham as their head of public relations. Graham was later promoted to the position of general manager at the club, until the position was abolished.[272]

Friendships

[edit]

Supporters of Rangers have a fan friendship with the Northern Irish club Linfield, 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.[273]

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.[274] This link was formalised in February 2021 with the formation of an official club partnership between the two sides.[275] 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.[276][277][274]

Ownership and finances

[edit]

From incorporation to liquidation

[edit]

On 27 May 1899, Rangers Football Club incorporated, forming The Rangers Football Club Ltd.[92] 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.[278]

On 6 May 2011, Craig Whyte bought David Murray's shares for £1.[279] On 13 February 2012, Whyte filed legal papers at the Court of Session giving notice of his intention to appoint administrators.[280] 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.[281][282] 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.[283] 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.[284][285] An Upper Tribunal upheld the decision in 2014.[286] 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.[287]

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.[288]

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[289] meant that the company would enter the liquidation process.[290][291][292] The accountancy firm BDO was appointed to investigate the years of financial mismanagement at the club.[293][294]

Current corporate identity

[edit]

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,[295] completed the purchase of the business and assets of The Rangers Football Club Plc[296][297] 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.[96] 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.[298][299]

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.[300][301] Agreement was reached on the transfer with the new company accepting a number of conditions relating to the old company.[98]

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.[302] In 2013, after its first 13 months, the company reported operating losses of £14.4m.[303] Thereafter it continued to post annual operating losses, variously £9.8m in 2014 and £9.9m in 2015,[304] £2.5m in 2016,[305] £6.3m in 2017[306] and £13.2m in 2018,[307] until returning to profit in 2022.[308]

In June 2025, the consortium Rangers FC LLC, headed by US businessman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, purchased 51% of shares to compete a multi-million pound takeover of the club.

Remaining major shareholders of the club included former chairman Douglas Park, George Taylor and Stuart Gibson, who all held at least a 5% shareholding.

Dave King, who had been the largest individual shareholder since leading the regime change in 2015, and John Bennett, chairman from 2023 to 2024, both divested their entire shareholding.

Social responsibility

[edit]

Support for charities

[edit]

The 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.[309][310]

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.[311] The club's Charity Foundation has backed initiatives in Togo and India[311] as well as funding one million vaccinations for a children's vaccination programme.[312] 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.[313] 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.[314]

Work in the community

[edit]

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,[315] 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.[316] 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.[317]

[edit]

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.[318][319]

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.[320] The series was originally broadcast in the winter of 2003 with a follow-up episode in 2011.[321]

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.[322]

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.[323]

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;[324][325] 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.[326]

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.[327]

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.[328][329] 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.[330][331][332]

Records

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Highest attendance
143,570 vs Hibernian, 27 March 1948[333][334][335]
UK record home attendance
118,567 vs Celtic, 2 January 1939[17][27][336][337]
Highest European attendance
100,000 vs Dynamo Kyiv, 16 September 1987[334]
World record fourth-tier attendance
50,048 vs Berwick Rangers, 4 May 2013[99][105][106]
Unbeaten league seasons
1898–99 (Rangers won all of their 18 league matches)[338] and 2020–21[339]
Highest scoring match
14–2 vs Whitehill, 29 September 1883[340]
14–2 vs Blairgowrie, 20 January 1934[336][337][340]
Record league victory
10–0 vs Hibernian, 24 December 1898[17][333][340]

Player

[edit]
Record appearances
Dougie Gray, 940 appearances, 1925–1947[341]
Most league appearances
Sandy Archibald, 513 appearances, 1917–1934[342]
Record goalscorer
Jimmy Smith, 381 goals, 1929–1946[343]
Most league goals
Jimmy Smith, 300 goals, 1929–1946[344]
Most Scotland caps whilst playing at Rangers
Ally McCoist, 61 caps, 1983–1998[345][346]

Players

[edit]

First-team squad

[edit]
As of 1 September 2025[347]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  ENG Jack Butland
2 DF  ENG James Tavernier (captain)
3 DF  ENG Max Aarons (on loan from Bournemouth)
5 DF  SCO John Souttar
6 MF  ENG Joe Rothwell
8 MF  SCO Connor Barron
9 FW  POR Youssef Chermiti
10 MF  CIV Mohamed Diomande
11 MF  NOR Thelo Aasgaard
13 DF  CAN Derek Cornelius (on loan from Marseille)
14 MF  ALB Nedim Bajrami
16 MF  SCO Lyall Cameron
17 FW  WAL Rabbi Matondo
18 FW  FIN Oliver Antman
19 DF  FRA Clinton Nsiala
No. Pos. Nation Player
20 MF  ENG Kieran Dowell
21 DF  ENG Dujon Sterling
23 FW  FRA Djeidi Gassama
24 DF  BFA Nasser Djiga (on loan from Wolves)
28 FW  MKD Bojan Miovski
30 DF  ENG Jayden Meghoma (on loan from Brentford)
31 GK  SCO Liam Kelly
32 GK  SCO Kieran Wright
37 DF  ENG Emmanuel Fernandez
43 MF  BEL Nicolas Raskin
47 MF  ENG Mikey Moore (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
49 MF  SCO Bailey Rice
52 MF  SCO Findlay Curtis
99 FW  BRA Danilo

On loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
7 FW  COL Óscar Cortés (on loan at Sporting Gijón)
15 MF  ECU José Cifuentes (on loan at Toronto FC)
26 DF  ENG Ben Davies (on loan at Oxford United)
38 DF  SCO Leon King (on loan at Ayr United)
45 FW  NIR Ross McCausland (on loan at Aris Limassol)
48 MF  ENG Paul Nsio (on loan at Raith Rovers)
50 FW  WAL Josh Gentles (co-operation loan with Raith Rovers)
51 MF  SCO Calum Adamson (co-operation loan with Alloa Athletic)
53 FW  SCO Chris Eadie (co-operation loan with Stirling Albion)
54 GK  NIR Mason Munn (on loan at Dunfermline Athletic)
No. Pos. Nation Player
55 DF  SCO Jack Wyllie (on loan at Kelty Hearts)
56 DF  SCO Arran Kerr (co-operation loan with Stirling Albion)
58 DF  SCO Connor Campbell (co-operation loan with Stirling Albion)
60 DF  SCO Lyle Wark (on loan at Forfar Athletic)
61 MF  SCO Lewis Stewart (co-operation loan with Alloa Athletic)
63 DF  SCO Zander Hutton (on loan at Hamilton Academical)
79 MF  NIR Callum Burnside (on loan at Alloa Athletic)
93 FW  SCO Cormac Christie (on loan at Forfar Athletic)
GK  SCO Alfie Halliwell (on loan at Albion Rovers)
MF  NIR Blaine McClure (on loan at Nottingham Forest)

Academy squads

[edit]

For more details on the academy squads, see Rangers F.C. B Team and Academy.

Retired and reserved numbers

[edit]

Staff

[edit]

Board of directors

[edit]

Rangers 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 Limited ("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.

First-team staff

[edit]

As of 20 October 2025[350]

Position Name
Head coach Danny Röhl
Assistant coach Matthias Kaltenbach
First team performance manager Sascha Lense
Goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo
Pathway coach Brian Gilmour
Head of recruitment Robbie Thelwell
Head of scouting operations Fraser Murray
Lead UK scout Mervyn Day
Lead Scotland scout Ian Murdoch
Lead international scout Anthony Galinski
Scouts Timo Cato
Ross Ireland
Ludovic Lemor
Jamie Miller
Head of sports science Rhys Owen
Head of performance Jamie Ramsden
Strength and conditioning coach Samuel Harrison
Physical performance coach Calum MacMaster
Head of performance physiotherapy Kevin Bain
First team performance physiotherapy Steven Walker
Head of nutrition and performance coach Craig Flannigan
Head of physiotherapy Jonathon Skinner
Head of rehabilitation Russell Parker
Club doctor Gary Ramsay
Masseurs David Lavery
Ruari Yeoman
Head of analysis Graeme Stevenson
Performance analysts Adam Berry
Euan Fotheringham
Data insights lead Jaymes Monte
Kit operations manager David MacGregor

Managers

[edit]

Twenty-one men (including two repeat appointments) have been manager of Rangers during the club's history.[74][351][352] In addition, twelve 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 six foreign managers during their history: Dick Advocaat, Paul Le Guen, Pedro Caixinha, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Philippe Clement and Danny Röhl. Graeme Souness is the only player-manager during Rangers' history.[43] 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.

[353]
Name Period
Scotland William Wilton 1899–1920
Scotland Bill Struth 1920–1954
Scotland Scot Symon 1954–1967
Scotland David White 1967–1969
Scotland Willie Waddell 1969–1972
Scotland Jock Wallace 1972–1978
1983–1986
Scotland John Greig 1978–1983
Scotland Graeme Souness 1986–1991
Scotland Walter Smith 1991–1998
2007–2011
Netherlands Dick Advocaat 1998–2001
 
Name Period
Scotland Alex McLeish 2001–2006
France Paul Le Guen 2006–2007
Scotland Ally McCoist 2011–2014
England Mark Warburton 2015–2017
Portugal Pedro Caixinha 2017
England Steven Gerrard 2018–2021
Netherlands Giovanni van Bronckhorst 2021–2022
England Michael Beale 2022–2023
Belgium Philippe Clement 2023–2025
Scotland Russell Martin 2025
Germany Danny Röhl 2025–

Honours

[edit]
As of 17 December 2023[25]
Type Competition Titles Seasons
Domestic Scottish League Championship 55‹The template Smallsup is being considered for deletion.› s

1890–91,[n 3] 1898–99, 1899–1900, 1900–01, 1901–02, 1910–11, 1911–12, 1912–13, 1917–18, 1919–20, 1920–21, 1922–23, 1923–24, 1924–25, 1926–27, 1927–28, 1928–29, 1929–30, 1930–31, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1936–37, 1938–39, 1946–47, 1948–49, 1949–50, 1952–53, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1958–59, 1960–61, 1962–63, 1963–64, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2020–21[25][336][337]

Scottish second-tier League Championship 1 2015–16
Scottish third-tier League Championship 1 2013–14
Scottish fourth-tier League Championship 1 2012–13
Scottish Cup 34

1893–94, 1896–97, 1897–98, 1902–03, 1927–28, 1929–30, 1931–32, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1935–36, 1947–48, 1948–49, 1949–50, 1952–53, 1959–60, 1961–62, 1962–63, 1963–64, 1965–66, 1972–73, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1978–79, 1980–81, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1995–96, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2021–22[25][336][337]

Scottish League Cup 28

1946–47, 1948–49, 1960–61, 1961–62, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1970–71, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1978–79, 1981–82, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1990–91, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1996–97, 1998–99, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2023–24[25][336][337]

Scottish Challenge Cup 1 2015–16
Continental European Cup Winners' Cup 1 1971–72
  •   record
  • ‹The template Smallsup is being considered for deletion.› s shared record

Other honours

[edit]

Doubles and trebles

[edit]
  • League Title, Scottish Cup, League Cup: 7
1948–49, 1963–64, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1992–93, 1998–99, 2002–03
  • League Title and Scottish Cup: 11
1927–28, 1929–30, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1949–50, 1952–53, 1962–63, 1991–92, 1995–96, 1999–2000, 2008–09
  • League Title and League Cup: 10
1946–47, 1960–61, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1990–91, 1993–94, 1996–97, 2004–05, 2009–10, 2010–11
  • Scottish Cup and League Cup: 4
1961–62, 1978–79, 2001–02, 2007–08

Notable statistics

[edit]

Rangers became the first British side to reach a UEFA-sanctioned European final in 1961.[354]

UEFA club coefficient rankings

[edit]
As of 5 October 2025[355]
Ranking Club Country 2025/26
Points
Total
Points
National
Association Points
31 Villareal Spain 7.000 59.000 16.190
32 Lazio Italy 59.000 17.360
33 Real Sociedad Spain 57.000 16.190
34 Rangers Scotland 0.000 56.250 5.810
35 Real Betis Spain 3.000 55.250 16.190
36 Bodø/Glimt Norway 8.000 55.000 7.517
37 Ajax Netherlands 21.250 69.250 13.430

Notable former players

[edit]

Club captains

[edit]

For further information, see Rangers club captains.

Name Period
Scotland Tom Vallance 1876–1882
Scotland David Mitchell 1882–1894
Scotland John McPherson 1894–1898
Scotland Robert Hamilton 1898–1906
Scotland Robert Campbell 1906–1916
Scotland Tommy Cairns 1916–1926
Ireland Bert Manderson 1926–1927
Scotland Tommy Muirhead 1927–1930
Scotland David Meiklejohn 1930–1938
Scotland Jimmy Simpson 1938–1940
Scotland Jock Shaw 1940–1957
Scotland George Young 1953–1957
Scotland Ian McColl 1957–1960
Scotland Eric Caldow 1960–1962
Scotland Bobby Shearer 1962–1965
Scotland John Greig 1965–1978
Scotland Derek Johnstone 1978–1983
Northern Ireland John McClelland 1983–1984
Name Period
Scotland Craig Paterson 1984–1986
England Terry Butcher 1986–1990
Scotland Richard Gough 1990–1997
1997–1998
Denmark Brian Laudrup 1997
Italy Lorenzo Amoruso 1998–2000
Scotland Barry Ferguson 2000–2003
2005–2007
2007–2009
Australia Craig Moore 2003–2004
Germany Stefan Klos 2004–2005
Scotland Gavin Rae 2007
Scotland David Weir 2009–2012
Northern Ireland Steven Davis 2012
United States Carlos Bocanegra 2012
Scotland Lee McCulloch 2012–2015
Scotland Lee Wallace 2015–2018
England James Tavernier 2018–
The "Greatest Ever" Rangers 11 chosen by fans in 1999. The manager chosen was Walter Smith.[n 4][356]

Greatest-ever team

[edit]

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":[357]

Scottish Football Hall of Fame

[edit]

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:[358]

Scottish FA International Roll of Honour

[edit]

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:[359]

Scottish Sports Hall of Fame

[edit]

Three Rangers players have been selected in the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame, they are:[360]

Greatest-ever Ranger

[edit]

John Greig was voted the greatest ever Rangers player in 1999.[357] He was announced as Honorary Life President in 2015.[361]

Sponsors

[edit]

As of September 2025, Rangers are sponsored by:[362]

Official partners

[edit]
  • Official Kit Manufacturer, Retail, Merchandise and Licensing Partner – Umbro
  • Principal Club Sponsor – Kindred Group[363]
  • Official Shirt Sponsor – Unibet[363]
  • Official Training Kit Partner – 32Red[363]
  • Official Presenting Partner – Park's Motor Group[364]
  • Official Upper Back of Shirt Sponsor and Logistics Partner – Seko Logistics[365]
  • Official Lower Back of Shirt Sponsor –
  • Official Sleeve Partner – BOXT[193]
  • Official Women's Principal Partner and Official Women's Front Of Shirt Partner – Sportsbreaks.com[366]
  • Official Academy Partner – Carrick Packaging[367]
  • Official Academy Front of Shirt Training Wear Partner and Air Conditioning Partner – CSD Air Conditioning[368]
  • Official Destination Partner – Experience Kissimmee[369]
  • Official Lager Partner – Tennent's Lager
  • Official Breakfast Cereals Partner – Kellogg's[370]
  • Official Video Gaming Partner – EA Sports[371]
  • Official Digital Auction Supplier – MatchWornShirt[372]
  • Official FX Transfer Partner – Ebury[373]

Associate partners

[edit]
  • Official Scotch Whisky Partner – Douglas Laing & Co[374]
  • Official Restaurant Partner – Black Rooster[375]
  • Official Engineering Partner – Forrest Precision Engineering[376]
  • Official Cyber Security Partner – NordVPN[377]
  • Official Electrical and Security Partner – JC Electrical & Security Solutions
  • Official Ground Engineering Partner – Northern Piling

Official suppliers

[edit]
  • 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[378]
  • Official Soft Drink Supplier – Coca-Cola
  • Official Hydration Partner – Lucozade Sport[379]
  • Official Personal Care Supplier – Molton Brown[380]
  • Official Rangers Legends Events Supplier – 5 Stars[381]
  • Official Events Partner – Turnberry
  • Official Clothing Partner – Suited & Booted


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

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Rangers Football Club is a professional association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, founded in March 1872 by four teenage boys—Peter Campbell, William McBeath, Moses McNeil, and Peter McNeil—during a walk in West End Park. The club competes in the Scottish Premiership, Scotland's top division, and has been playing its home matches at Ibrox Stadium since 1899.
Rangers holds the record for the most Scottish league titles with 55, along with 34 victories and 28 triumphs, making it the most decorated club in Scottish football history. In , its most notable achievement came in 1972 with victory in the European Cup Winners' Cup, defeating 3–2 in the final at , though it has also reached finals in 1961, 1967, and more recently the 2008 UEFA Cup and 2022 Europa League, both ending in defeat. Central to Rangers' identity is the Old Firm rivalry with crosstown opponents Celtic, the world's most intense club derby, which encapsulates longstanding religious (Protestant versus Catholic), ethnic (Scottish versus Irish heritage), and political (unionist versus nationalist) divides in Scottish society that have fueled fan passion, cultural significance, and occasional violence since the clubs' first meeting in 1888. A defining controversy arose in when the original holding company entered administration over unpaid taxes exceeding £9 million, leading to liquidation in October; a consortium purchased the club name, , and Ibrox leasehold to form a new entity (The Rangers Football Club Ltd), which was placed in the fourth tier and progressively promoted back to the Premiership by 2016 amid debates over institutional continuity.

History

Formation and early development under William Wilton

Rangers Football Club was established in March 1872 by four teenage boys—brothers Peter McNeil and Moses McNeil, along with William McBeath and Peter Campbell—who were inspired to form a team after observing a football match while boating on the River Clyde near . Initially playing informal matches on and Fleshers' Haugh, the club adopted the name Rangers, drawing from the rowing team's "rangers" moniker, and competed in friendly fixtures against local sides. By 1876, Rangers had formalized operations, with Moses McNeil emerging as a key player and later captain, and the club participated in early cup competitions, reaching the semi-finals in 1877. The team relocated to Burnbank in 1886 before securing a for the first Ibrox in 1887, which featured basic terracing and hosted growing crowds, including three international matches and the 1890 Final. As one of the ten founding members of the in August 1890, Rangers played their home fixtures at Ibrox and clinched their inaugural league title in the 1890–91 season, sharing the championship with after both finished with 29 points from 18 matches. William Wilton, who joined the club in 1883 as match secretary, oversaw tactical and administrative advancements, including the recruitment of key players and ground enhancements, before his formal appointment as the first manager on 27 May following Rangers' incorporation as a . Under Wilton's leadership, the club transitioned to the second in December 1899, a purpose-built venue with improved capacity and facilities costing approximately £10,000, which accommodated up to 70,000 spectators and symbolized the club's rising professional stature. His tenure emphasized disciplined organization and youth development, yielding further successes such as the 1893–94 league title—the club's first outright win—and the inaugural victory in 1894, alongside additional league championships in 1898–99 and subsequent seasons, establishing Rangers as a dominant force in Scottish football by the early . Wilton's strategic focus on competitive edge and infrastructure laid foundational principles for long-term sustainability, though his era concluded tragically with his death in a accident on 2 May 1920.

Bill Struth's transformative era and interwar dominance

William Struth, born on 16 June 1875 in , joined Rangers as a trainer in 1914 after prior experience at Clyde, where he had implemented rigorous fitness regimes that elevated the club's performance, including two Scottish Cup final appearances in five years. Following the death of manager William Wilton in a boating accident on 2 May 1920, Struth was appointed as Rangers' second manager in June 1920, initiating a 34-year tenure marked by unprecedented professionalism and success. Struth transformed Rangers by enforcing strict discipline, mandating tailored physical training, and prohibiting alcohol consumption among players, practices that enhanced fitness levels and tactical cohesion far beyond prevailing norms in Scottish football. He emphasized individual player conditioning and high moral standards, including requirements for players to dress formally off the pitch, fostering a culture of total commitment that revolutionized team preparation and contributed to sustained dominance. These methods, rooted in Struth's background as a former athlete and trainer, addressed prior inconsistencies in player readiness and elevated Rangers' competitiveness against rivals like Celtic in the intensifying rivalry. Under Struth's leadership, Rangers secured the Scottish league title in his debut season of 1920–21, initiating a period of interwar supremacy with nine championships won between 1920 and 1939: 1920–21, 1922–23, 1923–24, 1927–28, 1928–29, 1929–30, 1930–31, 1933–34, and 1936–37, comprising 14 of the 19 available titles before disrupted play. This haul included a run of five consecutive titles from 1927–28 to 1930–31, underscoring organizational superiority amid economic challenges of the era. Complementing league success, Rangers claimed five Scottish Cups during the interwar years (1921, 1928, 1930, 1932, and 1936), achieving the first domestic double in 1927–28 by winning both the league and cup. Struth's era also saw infrastructural enhancements at , with expansions and improvements to accommodate growing attendances, reflecting the club's rising stature and financial stability from consistent victories. By the outbreak of war in , Rangers had established a benchmark for , amassing over 20 major domestic trophies in the interwar decades alone, a dominance attributable to Struth's uncompromising standards rather than mere talent acquisition.

Post-World War II achievements, Ibrox disaster, and European Cup Winners' Cup

Following the resumption of competitive Scottish football after World War II in the 1946–47 season, Rangers F.C. maintained their domestic preeminence, securing Scottish League titles in 1948–49, 1949–50, and 1952–53 under manager Bill Struth before his retirement. Scot Symon succeeded Struth as manager on 15 June 1954 and led the club to six further League championships between 1955–56 and 1963–64, along with five Scottish Cups and six League Cups during his tenure. These successes included a domestic treble in 1963–64, underscoring Rangers' sustained superiority in a league dominated by the Old Firm rivalry with Celtic. Rangers also ventured into European competition during this period, reaching the European Cup Winners' Cup finals in 1961 (losing 0–4 on aggregate to Fiorentina) and 1967 (losing 0–1 to Bayern Munich), though domestic focus remained paramount. However, tragedy struck on 2 January 1971 during an Old Firm league match against Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, when a crowd crush occurred on Stairway 13 as supporters surged back into the stadium following a late equalizing goal by Celtic's Jimmy Johnstone. The incident resulted in 66 deaths—all Rangers fans—and approximately 200 injuries, marking the deadliest disaster in British football history at the time and prompting a comprehensive inquiry that attributed the cause to outdated wooden terracing and poor crowd flow design. The disaster accelerated Ibrox's redevelopment, with the Copland Road stand rebuilt and safety standards overhauled under incoming manager Willie Waddell, who prioritized infrastructure improvements alongside on-field performance. In the ensuing 1971–72 season, Rangers achieved their greatest European success by winning the European Cup Winners' Cup, defeating Dynamo Moscow 3–2 in the final at Barcelona's Camp Nou on 10 February 1972, with goals from Peter McCloy (own goal), Colin Stein, and Willie Johnston securing the victory despite a late pitch invasion by fans that briefly halted play. This triumph, Rangers' only major European trophy, came amid heightened scrutiny from UEFA over crowd behavior but affirmed the club's competitive resurgence post-tragedy.

The 9-in-a-row era under Graeme Souness, Walter Smith, and David Murray's ownership

Graeme Souness became Rangers' player-manager in April 1986, succeeding Jock Wallace and introducing a strategy of recruiting high-profile players from English clubs to challenge the dominance of Aberdeen and Celtic. His initial signings included England goalkeeper Chris Woods from Norwich City and captain Terry Butcher from Ipswich Town, investments that exceeded £1 million combined and established new benchmarks for transfer fees in Scottish football. These moves revitalized the squad, leading to Rangers' first Scottish League Cup victory in 1986–87, secured 1–0 against Celtic in the final on 28 November 1986. David Murray, a steel magnate, acquired control of the club on 23 November 1988 by purchasing a majority stake from Lawrence Marlborough for approximately £6 million, injecting capital that facilitated further recruitment and infrastructure improvements. Under this ownership and Souness's leadership, Rangers ended a nine-year league title drought by winning the 1988–89 Scottish Premier Division, clinched with a 5–1 victory over on 23 April 1989, achieving a double with the . Success continued with league titles in 1989–90 and 1990–91, plus additional triumphs in 1987–88, 1988–89, and 1990–91, amassing 21 points or more in each championship season and relying on prolific scoring from , who netted 94 league goals across Souness's tenure. Souness departed for in April 1991 after five years, having transformed Rangers into title contenders through bold spending backed by Murray's resources. , his assistant since 1986, assumed the managerial role and sustained the momentum, securing the 1991–92 league title by 12 points over and completing the nine consecutive championships with the 1996–97 crown, confirmed via a 5–1 win against Tannadice on 3 May 1997. Smith's era added wins in 1992 (2–1 vs. Airdrieonians), 1993 (2–1 vs. ), and 1996 (5–2 vs. Hearts), alongside League Cups in 1992–93, 1993–94, and 1996–97, with defensive solidity from players like and underpinning the dominance that yielded over 100 points in multiple seasons.

Decline, managerial instability, and financial warning signs (2000s)

Following the successes of the late 1990s, Rangers secured titles in the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 seasons under , but the club experienced a relative decline in domestic dominance during the , winning only three additional league championships (2002–03, 2004–05, and 2008–09) amid Celtic's resurgence under and , who claimed five titles between 2001–02 and 2007–08. This shift reflected broader challenges, including inconsistent squad depth and failure to consistently qualify beyond group stages in , with Rangers exiting the Champions League qualifiers early in multiple seasons and managing only sporadic deeper runs in the UEFA Cup. Managerial transitions exacerbated on-field inconsistencies, beginning with Advocaat's departure in December 2001 after reported boardroom tensions and his dual role with the Netherlands national team. , promoted from within as assistant, stabilized the side to win titles in 2002–03 and 2004–05, alongside domestic cups, but his tenure ended in June 2006 amid speculation of a move to the national team and frustrations over transfer budgets. The appointment of in May 2006 marked a bold shift to a continental coach, but his seven-month stint yielded poor results, including a quarter-final exit and a fifth-place league standing by January 2007, leading to his resignation after conflicts with club legends and squad unrest. Interim coach Ian Durrant managed briefly from January to April 2007, overseeing a mid-table position that underscored the instability, before Walter Smith returned for a second spell in May 2007, leveraging his prior success to rebuild cohesion. Smith's Rangers clinched titles in 2008–09, 2009–10, and 2010–11, reaching the 2008 UEFA Cup final, yet the frequent leadership changes—four permanent managers from 1998 to 2007—highlighted internal divisions and a reactive approach to Celtic's spending under owner Dermot Desmond. Financially, under chairman David Murray, Rangers pursued aggressive player acquisitions to match Celtic's investments, incurring rising debts financed by loans from the , which totaled tens of millions by the mid- and became unsustainable after the bank's and stricter oversight by Lloyds. The introduction of Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs) from 2001 onward allowed tax-deferred payments exceeding £47 million to players and staff through offshore trusts, masking true wage costs and enabling high-profile signings without immediate balance-sheet strain, though this scheme later faced HMRC scrutiny for potential . By the late , operating losses mounted—reaching £10 million projected for –13—amid declining European revenue and over-reliance on domestic gates, signaling structural vulnerabilities despite reported occasional profits from player sales. These practices, while initially sustaining competitiveness, eroded fiscal prudence and foreshadowed the club's administration.

Insolvency, liquidation, and the newco debate

Rangers Football Club plc entered administration on 14 February 2012 after HMRC rejected a settlement and pursued court action over an unpaid £9 million tax bill related to PAYE and VAT liabilities. This followed Craig Whyte's acquisition of the club in May 2011, during which he secured funding by pre-selling three years of season tickets worth approximately £24 million to Ticketus to repay a £18 million secured to , leaving the club with mounting operational debts despite claims of inheriting a debt-free entity. Administrators from & Phelps were appointed, estimating total claims could exceed £134 million, including unsecured debts from suppliers, players, and HMRC's larger disputed claims over employee benefit trusts (EBTs) totaling around £49 million. Attempts to rescue the club via a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) failed when major creditors, led by HMRC, rejected the proposal on 14 June 2012, citing insufficient repayment terms of 20 pence per pound for unsecured claims. This rejection triggered the process, as the CVA was the primary mechanism to avoid it, prompting administrators to sell the club's assets—including player registrations, lease, and —to a new entity, Sevco Scotland Ltd (later renamed Rangers Football Club Ltd), controlled by businessman Charles Green, for £5.5 million on the same day. The old Rangers Football Club plc formally entered on 31 October 2012 after creditors ended the administration, with liquidators BDO pursuing further recovery from prior directors and investigating Whyte's conduct, though Whyte was later acquitted of fraud charges in 2017. The formation of the "newco"—the purchaser of the old company's assets—sparked intense debate over whether it constituted a continuation of the original Rangers or an entirely new club, influencing league membership and recognition. Supporters of continuity, including Rangers officials and fans, argued that the transfer of tangible assets, , , and historical trademarks preserved the club's identity, a position later endorsed by in 2015 to protect competitive integrity and avoid disputes over past achievements like league titles. Critics, primarily rival clubs and some (SPL) members, contended that legally terminated the old entity, treating the newco as a fresh start ineligible for immediate top-flight entry without honoring oldco debts or penalties, such as a 10-point deduction for administration or investigations into EBT player payments breaching SPL rules. This led to SPL clubs voting 10-1 against newco admission in July 2012, forcing a start in the Scottish Third Division, though no title stripping occurred as and deferred to domestic bodies without mandating it. The debate highlighted tensions in Scottish football , with some attributing opposition to competitive rather than strict principle, as evidenced by the Scottish Football League's eventual acceptance amid financial incentives for lower-tier clubs.

Exile in lower leagues and path to Premiership return

In June 2012, HMRC rejected a proposed company voluntary arrangement for Rangers' , leading to its proceedings and the formation of a new entity, initially Sevco Ltd, which acquired the club's assets, , and player registrations for £5.5 million. This new , later renamed The Rangers Football Club Ltd under a consortium led by businessman Charles Green, was denied transfer to the by a 10–1 vote of member clubs and instead admitted to the Scottish Football League's Third Division—the lowest tier—for the 2012–13 season following a 25–5 vote by SFL clubs. Under manager , Rangers dominated the Third Division in 2012–13, securing the title with 87 points from 36 matches, including a 23-match unbeaten run, and averaging over 6,000 home attendances despite the tier's obscurity. The following season, 2013–14, they won the championship by 29 points, clinching promotion to the second tier with key contributions from forwards and . McCoist departed in January 2015 amid boardroom tensions and poor results, replaced briefly by Kenny McDowall and then interim manager , under whom Rangers finished third in the with 74 points but lost the promotion playoff final 2–1 on aggregate to . In May 2015, English manager was appointed, bringing a possession-based style and signings like midfielder and forwards and . Rangers won the title with 91 points from 36 games, sealing automatic promotion to the on 1 April 2016 after a 5–1 victory over , thus ending four years in the lower divisions. This rapid ascent, fueled by strong fan support—evidenced by over 30,000 season-ticket sales annually—and financial backing from investors like Partners, restored Rangers to the top flight for the 2016–17 season, though debates persisted over whether the new entity constituted continuity of the original club or a phoenix operation, with recognizing it as the same entity for licensing purposes.

Revival under Steven Gerrard and sustained competitiveness

Steven Gerrard was appointed as Rangers manager on 4 May 2018, signing a four-year contract effective from 1 June 2018, marking his first senior managerial role after coaching Liverpool's youth teams. In his debut season (2018–19), Rangers finished second in the Scottish Premiership, nine points behind Celtic, while advancing to the UEFA Europa League group stage for the first time since 2010 by defeating teams including FC Midtjylland and Maribor in qualifying rounds. The following campaign (2019–20) saw Rangers again secure second place, trailing Celtic by just one point when the season was prematurely ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Gerrard's side also claiming the Scottish League Cup on 8 December 2019 after a 1–0 victory over Celtic in the final. The pinnacle came in the 2020–21 season, where Rangers clinched the title—their 55th league championship and first since 2011—on 7 March following Celtic's 0–0 draw with Dundee United, ending Celtic's nine-year dominance. The team completed the campaign unbeaten across 38 matches, a feat achieved with a 4–0 win over on 16 May , scoring 102 goals and conceding only 13, with key contributions from captain (18 goals, 16 assists). In Europe, Rangers progressed to the round of 16 that season, defeating , , and Royal Antwerp in the group stage before elimination by Slavia Prague. Gerrard's tenure fostered sustained competitiveness through disciplined recruitment, tactical organization, and a focus on high-pressing play, enabling Rangers to challenge Celtic consistently and maintain top-table contention into the 2021–22 season. By November 2021, when Gerrard departed for Aston Villa, Rangers led the Premiership by four points after 14 matches and sat second in their Europa League group, having won four and drawn one of six domestic games post-international break. This period marked a revival from post-liquidation struggles, with Rangers accumulating 102 points in the title-winning season and demonstrating resilience in qualifiers and knockouts, though domestic cup finals eluded them beyond the 2019–20 success.

Post-Gerrard turbulence: Van Bronckhorst's Europa final, Beale's struggles, Clement's tenure, and Danny Rohl's 2025 appointment

Following Steven Gerrard's departure to Aston Villa on 11 November 2021, was appointed Rangers manager on 18 November 2021, returning to the club where he had played from 1998 to 2001. In his first season, van Bronckhorst led Rangers to the , overcoming in the quarter-finals and in the semi-finals, but they were defeated 5-4 on penalties by on 18 May 2022 after a 1-1 draw. Domestically, Rangers finished third in the , seven points behind champions Celtic, and exited the in the semi-finals. Van Bronckhorst's tenure saw mixed results, with a 61.76% win rate across 69 matches, including heavy investment in players like on loan, yet persistent issues in training intensity, pre-season preparation, and recruitment contributed to declining form. By November 2022, Rangers trailed Celtic by nine points in the league after 15 games, prompting his sacking on 21 November 2022, just 368 days after appointment. Michael Beale succeeded van Bronckhorst on 28 November 2022, having previously assisted Gerrard at Rangers and QPR. Beale's stint was marked by early promise, including a 2–1 final win over Hibernian on 21 February 2023, but quickly deteriorated with defensive frailties and inconsistent attacking output. Rangers suffered a humiliating 7–3 aggregate defeat to in the 2023–24 Champions League third qualifying round, failing to reach the group stage despite domestic qualification. Fan dissatisfaction grew over Beale's tactical decisions, such as over-reliance on wide crosses (455 attempted in one analyzed period) and poor summer 2023 signings like , who struggled with goal-scoring efficiency. By September 2023, four losses in seven league games left Rangers eight points behind Celtic, leading to Beale's dismissal on 2 October 2023 after less than 10 months and 42 matches. Philippe Clement was appointed on 15 October 2023, replacing Beale amid a three-game losing streak. Clement initially stabilized the side, winning eight of his first nine league matches and securing a 3–0 final victory over on 17 December 2023, but Rangers finished second in the 2023–24 Premiership, seven points adrift of Celtic. European progress included reaching the 2023–24 Europa League last 16, where they lost to Benfica, but domestic form waned in 2024–25 with early exits like a shock to Queen's Park. Persistent challenges, including squad depth issues and failure to challenge Celtic effectively, culminated in Clement's sacking on 23 February 2025 after 16 months and approximately 80 matches, despite a brief title push earlier in the season. Following a brief period under Russell Martin, Danny Rohl was appointed head coach on 20 October 2025 on a two-and-a-half-year contract, having previously managed Sheffield Wednesday from October 2023 to July 2025 and held coaching roles at RB Leipzig, Southampton, and Bayern Munich. Rohl's hire followed rejections from candidates including Steven Gerrard, aiming to inject tactical discipline from his high-pressing background amid ongoing board scrutiny over recruitment and stability. Early in his tenure, Rangers secured a 2–0 away victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium on 11 January 2026, with goals from Thelo Aasgaard and a penalty by captain James Tavernier, extending the team's winning streak to five matches and elevating them to second place in the Scottish Premiership.

Identity and symbolism

Crest evolution and meaning

The Rangers Football Club crest has featured variations of a heraldic design since the club's formation in 1872, with the earliest documented use appearing on items from the 1881-82 season. This initial "Scroll Crest" incorporated the letters "RFC" within a ribbon scroll, symbolizing the club's foundational identity and often rendered and white to align with its traditional colors. Over subsequent decades, minor alterations occurred, such as adjustments to lettering and shading for clarity on match kits, including a period from 1990 to 1994 when the full phrase "Rangers Football Club" appeared on the scroll. In 1968, the club introduced a more prominent lion rampant emblem, depicted as a red standing upright over a soccer ball within a white circular border, drawing directly from Scotland's royal heraldry to evoke national strength and nobility. This "Rampant Lion" element became integral to the crest, representing courage, ferocity, and the club's enduring competitive spirit, as the has signified Scottish monarchy since the reign of David I in the . The design served as the foundational template for future iterations, blending heraldic tradition with football symbolism to underscore Rangers' historical dominance in Scottish leagues. The modern crest, refined in minor ways through the late , features a bold enclosing the red rampant against a field, flanked by intricate "RFC" lettering and evoking the club's 55 league titles as a marker of supremacy. In summer , Rangers unveiled an updated "Ready" crest as part of a brand , enhancing precision and digital adaptability while preserving the core and elements to maintain historical continuity and convey readiness for . This iteration symbolizes the club's renewed vigor, rooted in its Protestant unionist heritage and Scottish identity, without altering the emblem's fundamental meaning of resilience and royal Scottish pride.

Traditional colours, kits, and commercial partnerships

Rangers Football Club's traditional kit features shirts paired with white shorts and black socks featuring red tops, a combination originating in the club's early years and retained as the home strip since 1873. This design draws from the associated with Glasgow's industrial heritage and Protestant symbolism, distinguishing it from rivals' hoops. Away and third kits have varied, often incorporating white, red, or black bases to avoid clashes, with historical experiments like hooped patterns abandoned for fidelity to the primary scheme. Kit manufacturing has shifted across decades to align with commercial strategies and performance needs. Early suppliers included in the 1980s and 1990s, followed by Nike from 1997 to 2002, from 2002 to 2005, and Umbro's initial stint from 2005 to 2013, during which the club won multiple titles. Subsequent partnerships encompassed (1992–1997, with gaps), Puma (2013–2018), Hummel (2018–2020), and (2020–2025), the latter criticized for quality issues despite initial five-year terms. In May 2025, returned as supplier for the 2025–26 season onward, reviving a prior era of successful designs like the 2012–13 home kit. Shirt sponsorships began in 1984 with CR Smith (1984–1987), evolving to McEwan's Lager's record 12-year run (1987–1999), which coincided with domestic dominance. Later deals included NTL (1999–2002), Xara (2002–2005), and (2010–2017), with gaps during financial strains post-2012 . As of October 2025, serves as principal shirt sponsor, appearing on the front of kits since 2021 in a multi-year extension valued for its scale amid competitive betting markets. Additional partnerships include Boxt as sleeve sponsor and Seko for back-of-shirt branding through 2027, reflecting diversified revenue from and sectors. These agreements prioritize over ideological alignment, with Unibet's deal reportedly exceeding prior benchmarks despite fan preferences for local brands.

Mascot and fan traditions

Broxi Bear serves as the official of Rangers F.C., portrayed as a clad in the club's traditional blue kit with a blue nose and inner ears. The name derives from an of Ibrox, the club's stadium. Broxi debuted on 13 November 1993 during a Scottish Premier Division match at Ibrox, which ended in a 2–2 draw against Raith Rovers attended by 42,657 spectators. The mascot performs pre-match routines, including dancing, engaging with young fans through photographs, and leading cheers to build atmosphere. Over time, Broxi has been joined by a fictional family, featuring "wife" Roxi and "son" Boris, who reappeared in 2017 for promotional events. The character also competes annually in the SPFL Trust Trophy mascot race at Hamilton Park Racecourse since 2008. Rangers supporters maintain a rich tradition of communal , with chants often drawing from Protestant hymns, unionist anthems, and adapted popular tunes to express loyalty and identity. "," adapted from the 1885 "" variant and first linked to Rangers in the early 20th century, remains a staple, evoking unwavering devotion: "Follow, follow, we will follow Rangers / Everywhere, everywhere, we will follow Rangers / Onward the Rangers we will follow you / Anywhere, anywhere that you may go / Though the straits be broad or narrow, follow we will, follow we will." " My Father Wore," an loyalist song dating to the 17th-century wars, is frequently performed, symbolizing Protestant heritage. Other enduring chants include "Simply the Best," a cover blasted over Ibrox speakers after goals since the to celebrate scoring; "We Are the People," asserting fan primacy with origins in early 20th-century ; and "Four Bears Had a Dream," referencing the 1872 founding by brothers and Peter McNeil, Peter Campbell, and McBeath. The nickname "" stems from a 1908 , "Hello, hello, we are the ," endearing yet tied to the mascot's bear motif. Physical traditions feature the "bouncy," a mass bouncing of "Let's all do the bouncy," and scarf-twirling during team entrances, fostering collective energy among the predominantly working-class, unionist-identifying fanbase. These practices, while unifying, have drawn fines for sectarian content in songs like "," originating from a Protestant but sung historically at matches until restrictions in the .

Stadium and infrastructure

Ibrox Stadium: History, expansions, and disasters

was constructed on land purchased by Rangers in 1899 and opened on 30 December 1899 with a 6–1 league victory over Heart of Midlothian before 15,000 spectators. Initially known as Ibrox Park, the ground featured basic terracing and a wooden , reflecting the era's rudimentary designs that prioritized capacity over safety. Early expansions focused on increasing standing room, with capacity reaching approximately 70,000 by the through additions to the enclosures. The first disaster struck on 5 April 1902 during a versus international match, attended by around 68,000 fans. A surge of spectators rushing to view a late equalizing goal caused the wooden west terracing—supported by inadequate —to collapse, killing 25 people, mostly young males, and injuring over 500 others; causes of death primarily included skull fractures from falls into the resulting 20-foot-deep void. The incident exposed flaws in wooden under dynamic loads, leading to a full rebuild of the affected stand using steel and concrete by architect , completed for the 1902–03 season at a cost exceeding £10,000. Interwar expansions under manager elevated Ibrox to one of Europe's largest venues, with the 1928 demolition of the original pavilion and construction of a new , alongside terracing enhancements, pushing capacity to over 118,000 by 1939—evidenced by a record crowd of 118,567 for a Rangers-Celtic match that year. Post-World War II renovations included installation in 1957 and enclosure upgrades in the , maintaining high attendances amid Scotland's industrial-era football culture. The second major disaster occurred on 2 January 1971 during a Rangers-Celtic match drawing 44,000 spectators, when a chain-reaction fall on the outdated Stairway 13—part of the narrow, inward-sloping concrete terracing—triggered a crush, resulting in 66 deaths from compressive and over 200 injuries, with bodies piled up to six feet deep. A subsequent Wheatley attributed the tragedy to inherent design flaws in the 1920s-era stairway, including insufficient width (only 4 feet in places) and poor crowd flow management, rather than solely , prompting the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and Rangers' commitment to all-seating. In response, Rangers, under manager Willie Waddell, initiated phased reconstructions starting with the Main Stand in 1978–1981 (designed by Andy Young), followed by the 1979 Copland Road Stand (capacity 8,000) and the 1980s replacement of wooden sections with concrete terracing. The 1990s saw the final major overhaul with the 1997 Stand, converting the venue to fully seated and establishing a capacity of 50,411, later adjusted to 50,987 by 2023 through hospitality modifications—prioritizing safety while accommodating modern regulations. These changes, driven by disaster-driven mandates, reduced maximum crowds but enhanced egress and structural integrity, influencing UK-wide standards.

Training facilities and youth development hubs

The , commonly referred to as Auchenhowie, functions as the club's primary facility for first-team training, reserve matches, and youth academy operations, located in , , approximately eight miles northwest of . Opened in July 2001 following a £14 million investment by then-owner David Murray, it marked Scotland's inaugural purpose-built training complex dedicated to professional football development. Spanning 38 acres, the site encompasses seven full-size pitches—six outdoor grass surfaces and one indoor pitch measuring 60 by 40 meters—supplemented by two half-size practice areas for technical drills. Supporting infrastructure includes a professional , pools, saunas, medical treatment rooms, video analysis suites, and refurbished areas such as media facilities, kit rooms, and dining spaces, enabling year-round conditioning and tactical preparation. Ongoing upgrades, including pitch resurfacing and indoor enhancements, have addressed wear from intensive use since its construction. Youth development hubs are integrated within Auchenhowie, housing the Rangers Academy's structure from under-9 to under-19 squads, where prospects train alongside senior players to bridge grassroots talent to professional pathways. The academy emphasizes technical proficiency and physical conditioning on the shared pitches and specialized zones, with ancillary support from on-site sports science and coaching staff. Funding for youth programs derives significantly from the Rangers Youth Development Company, which has channeled over £12 million since 2002 via lottery and merchandise initiatives to sustain scouting, coaching, and facility access. While primary operations remain centralized at Auchenhowie, supplementary grassroots sessions under the Rangers Soccer Academy extend to regional sites across Scotland and Northern Ireland for ages 18 months to 15 years, feeding into the core hub.

Supporters, culture, and rivalries

Composition and demographics of the fanbase

The Rangers F.C. fanbase exhibits a strong geographic concentration in , particularly in areas with historical Protestant populations such as Glasgow's south side and surrounding regions, alongside substantial support in due to cultural and familial ties. Significant expatriate communities contribute to its international presence, including in , , , and the , reflecting patterns of Scottish migration. The club oversees 584 registered supporters' clubs (RSCs) across the globe, representing over 20,000 holders within those groups. Rangers supporters also form the largest contingent among members of the Scotland national team's official supporters' club, based on data from December 2018. Religiously, the fanbase aligns predominantly with , though has diversified identifications. The 2014 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey found that 56% of Rangers supporters self-identify as Protestant, 23% as having no religion, and 13% as Christian (without further denomination specified). This distribution reflects broader trends of declining religious observance in Scotland while underscoring the club's enduring appeal within Protestant communities, historically rooted in Glasgow's industrial-era demographics. Ethnically, the supporters are overwhelmingly of white Scottish or British descent, with comparatively lower engagement from ethnic minority groups. Glasgow's Pakistani community, comprising about 10% of the city's population, shows a marked preference for , as evidenced by a 2021 survey where a majority of respondents favored Celtic and 86% expressed interest in supporting a new club catering to Asian or Muslim fans. Such patterns stem from Celtic's origins as an Irish immigrant-founded club, contrasting with Rangers' traditional associations.

Old Firm rivalry: Origins, intensity, and mutual influences

The Old Firm rivalry between Rangers F.C. and Celtic F.C. traces its origins to the clubs' foundings amid Glasgow's rapid industrialization and mass Irish immigration in the late 19th century. Rangers was established in March 1872 by four teenagers—Peter McNeil, Moses McNeil, Peter Campbell, and William McBeath—initially as an amateur side playing on Glasgow Green, drawing early support from the local Protestant community. Celtic emerged on 6 November 1887, founded by Brother Walfrid (Andrew Kerins), an Irish Marist brother, explicitly to generate funds for the impoverished Irish Catholic population in Glasgow's East End through football exhibitions. The clubs' first recorded meeting occurred in a friendly on 28 May 1888, which Celtic won 5–2, though competitive fixtures began in the Scottish League from 1890 onward, coinciding with both teams' ascent to dominance. The rivalry's moniker, "Old Firm," likely originated in the early 1900s from a satirical cartoon in the Scottish Referee newspaper, depicting the clubs as a lucrative commercial duo whose matches guaranteed high attendances and gate receipts, irrespective of on-pitch outcomes. Sectarian undercurrents, rooted in Scotland's 16th-century and the , amplified the divide as Celtic symbolized Irish Catholic and resilience against discrimination, while Rangers aligned with British Unionism and Protestant identity. This manifested asymmetrically in Rangers' unwritten policy, enforced from the until , of refusing to sign Catholic players—a practice Celtic did not mirror, though both fanbases embodied entrenched communal loyalties. Maurice Johnston's transfer from Celtic to Rangers on 10 July , as the first high-profile Catholic signing for the club, shattered this amid financial incentives and competitive pressures, though it provoked backlash from traditionalist supporters. The rivalry's intensity stems from its existential stakes in title races, with over 430 matches played across league and competitions by 2025, including Rangers holding a slight edge in victories (approximately 171 to Celtic's 170 in aggregated tallies). Fixtures routinely draw crowds exceeding 50,000 at Ibrox or , fueling national obsession and occasional eruptions of fan violence, such as pitch invasions or street clashes, which have prompted measures like alcohol bans at Scottish stadiums post-1980 incidents. Empirical data links games to societal harms, including spikes in reported —e.g., a 43% increase in incidents following certain derbies, attributed to excess alcohol consumption among supporters, per police records—and broader disorder, with studies from 2008–2011 documenting elevated abuse reports in the 24 hours post-match. These patterns underscore causal ties between the matches' emotional fervor and real-world aggression, distinct from mere sporting passion. Mutual influences have propelled both clubs' preeminence, alternating dominance—Celtic's nine consecutive Scottish titles from 1965–1974, Rangers' nine from 1988–1997—while fostering financial through shared revenue streams and European qualification incentives. The duopoly has concentrated talent and investment, enabling sustained success (Rangers with 55 league titles, Celtic 53 as of 2025) but arguably stifling broader league competitiveness, as non-Old Firm winners have claimed the title in only four seasons since 1980. Rivalry-driven pressures have spurred tactical innovations, player recruitment escalations, and cultural exports, embedding the fixture in global football lore, yet also perpetuating zero-sum perceptions that prioritize mutual antagonism over collaborative growth in Scottish football's ecosystem.

Sectarianism: Historical policies, fan behaviors, and comparative analysis with Celtic

Rangers Football Club maintained an unwritten of avoiding the signing of Catholic players, which became entrenched from the onward to align with its predominantly Protestant fanbase and broader unionist sentiments in . This practice, while not formally documented, effectively excluded Catholics from the squad for over six decades, with early exceptions in the club's formative years giving way to stricter adherence by the . The policy's end came on July 10, 1989, when manager signed Maurice Johnston, a Catholic forward previously with Celtic, for a then-club record £1.5 million, marking the first high-profile Catholic acquisition and sparking immediate backlash from some supporters, including protests and membership resignations from affiliated groups like the Protestant Rangers Supporters Association. Rangers fans have historically expressed sectarian views through chants targeting Catholics and Irish nationalists, such as the "Famine Song" referencing the Irish Potato Famine or songs invoking figures and anti-Pope sentiments. These behaviors, often tied to loyalist and affiliations among supporters, have led to repeated sanctions, including a €40,000 fine and away fan ban in April 2011 for sectarian singing during a Europa League match against , and a partial Ibrox closure in August 2019 following chants in a game versus . Incidents of anti-Catholic abuse persist, with police investigations into group chants in city center in August 2021 and at Ibrox events in May 2021, though the club has challenged some video evidence and initiated anti-sectarian campaigns like "Proud to be a Ranger." In comparison to Celtic, whose fanbase draws from Irish Catholic immigrant communities and features republican symbolism including Irish tricolour flags and chants honoring IRA figures like those in the "Roll of Honour" song, Rangers' sectarianism manifests more through explicit anti-Catholic exclusion historically and unionist paramilitary references, whereas Celtic's emphasizes pro-nationalist solidarity. UEFA has fined both clubs for supporter misconduct: Celtic faced investigation and fines for sectarian chanting in UEFA competitions as early as 2008, similar to Rangers' penalties, indicating mutual culpability in perpetuating religious-political divides rather than one-sided aggression. Empirical data from Scottish Government surveys, such as the 2015 study showing 4% of adults experiencing football-related sectarian incidents annually, underscore that while Rangers' pre-1989 policy institutionalized discrimination uniquely, both sets of fans contribute comparably to ongoing behaviors, with mainstream media coverage often amplifying Rangers' issues amid broader institutional skepticism toward Protestant unionist expressions.

Political dimensions: Unionism, nationalism, and fan expressions

Rangers F.C. supporters have long been linked to British unionism, emphasizing loyalty to the and opposition to Scottish , rooted in the club's Protestant heritage and historical ties to institutions like the . This stance manifests in displays of flags at and matches, symbolizing commitment to the British state over nationalist dissolution. The affinity extends to , where Rangers draws significant support from unionist communities, reinforcing cross-border British identity. Fan expressions of unionism include chants like "Rule Britannia," "God Save the King," and "I Was Born Under a Union Jack," which affirm monarchist and imperial sentiments during games. The Union Bears, the club's principal ultras group, embody this through banners targeting Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) policies and promoting Protestant unionist ideology, such as anti-independence messaging since the 2014 referendum. Other songs, including "No Surrender" adapted against Irish republicanism, highlight resistance to nationalism perceived as threatening British unity. These practices, while not universal, predominate among core supporters and contrast with expressions of Irish or Scottish separatism elsewhere in Scottish football. Regarding , Rangers fandom prioritizes a dual Scottish-British identity over exclusive , with surveys showing diminished enthusiasm for the Scotland national team amid rising pro- sentiment in broader —68% of fans reported decreased support post-2012 due to associations with . Polling data indicate lower backing for independence among Rangers supporters, around 35% in recent assessments, compared to national averages exceeding 45%, reflecting empirical resistance to SNP-driven constitutional change. While 55% of fans in a 2020 survey deemed unionism non-essential to identity, the prevailing expressions sustain the club's role as a bastion of integrated British in .

Alliances and friendships with other clubs

Rangers F.C. maintains notable friendships with select clubs, primarily driven by longstanding affinities rather than formal competitive alliances. These relationships often trace back to shared cultural and historical ties among fanbases, particularly those aligned with Protestant and Unionist identities, contrasting with the club's domestic rivalries. club partnerships have formalized some of these bonds in recent years, facilitating exchanges in youth development, , and fan engagement. A prominent example is the partnership with (HSV) of , rooted in fan connections established during the through European competitions and mutual supporter travel. The friendship parallels affiliations between HSV's rivals and Rangers' opponents Celtic, reflecting divided loyalties in mirroring Glasgow's sectarian dynamics. On February 10, 2021, the clubs formalized their relationship with a cooperation agreement, enabling joint initiatives such as player loans, scouting collaborations, and fan events to strengthen bilateral ties. This partnership builds on decades of goodwill, with HSV supporters viewing Rangers as kindred spirits due to similar club histories and fan cultures. Supporter-level affinities extend to in , where the "" moniker encapsulates a bond dating to the early , allegedly influenced by Chelsea's founding connections to Scottish football and shared blue kits. The relationship deepened in the amid 's European competition ban, as Chelsea fans accompanied Rangers supporters on continental trips, fostering joint chants and pub gatherings in that persist today. While not an official club pact, this grassroots alliance manifests in mutual respect during matches and coordinated fan displays, with estimates of overlapping supporter groups in the thousands based on attendance overlaps and online communities. In , Rangers share a close association with , another "Blues" club with parallel Protestant and Unionist supporter demographics, originating from friendly matches as early as 1912 and reinforced by cross-community visits. The clubs have hosted pre-season friendlies, including discussions for one in 2021 under manager , and maintain active fan exchanges through shared events and travel. This link underscores Rangers' broader appeal in unionist areas, where Linfield supporters often align with Rangers against Irish nationalist counterparts, evidenced by joint marches and supporter clubs numbering in the hundreds. Other historical connections include , symbolized by a 1960s bowler hat exchange from a European tie, though these remain more anecdotal than institutionalized. Such friendships, while enriching Rangers' , occasionally draw for their cultural underpinnings but are substantiated by consistent fan interactions and club acknowledgments over decades.

Ownership, finances, and

Early incorporation and private ownership

Rangers Football Club was established in March 1872 by four young men—brothers Peter McNeil and Moses McNeil, Peter Campbell, and William McBeath—who, as rowing enthusiasts, decided to form a football team after observing a match on Glasgow Green. The group played their first fixture in May 1872 against Callander, a team of older boys, marking the informal beginnings of the club on rented grounds around Glasgow. Initially operating as an amateur association without formal legal structure, the club progressed by joining the Scottish Football Alliance in 1891 and turning professional, which necessitated a more organized governance to manage growing operations, player contracts, and finances. On 27 May 1899, Rangers incorporated as The Rangers Football Club Limited, a under Scottish law, to limit personal liability for directors and provide a stable entity for asset ownership, including grounds and revenues from matches. This transition aligned with broader trends in British football, where clubs sought corporate form to handle increasing commercialization and legal risks, appointing William Wilton, previously match secretary, as the first manager to oversee operations. The incorporation established a , chaired initially by figures like James Henderson, drawn from Glasgow's business elite, who invested personally to fund developments such as early ground improvements at Ibrox. Under this private ownership model, control rested with a small group of shareholders—primarily local industrialists, merchants, and long-serving directors—whose stakes ensured decisions prioritized club stability over external speculation. No individual or entity held a shareholding exceeding 50% during the early decades, fostering collective through board elections and annual general meetings, with funds reinvested into and rather than dividends. This structure persisted through the and post-World War II expansions, sustaining Rangers' competitive edge in Scottish football via prudent , though reliant on gate receipts and cup winnings amid limited external . By the mid-20th century, key directors like John L. Bain and later figures maintained this diffuse private control, avoiding the public listings common in English clubs until economic pressures in the prompted consolidation under influential stakeholders like Lawrence Marlborough's group in 1985.

David Murray's flotation, EBT scheme, and expansion

In November 1988, businessman David Murray acquired a controlling 69.95% stake in Rangers from Lawrence Marlborough for £6 million, marking the beginning of his 23-year involvement with the club as owner and chairman. Under his leadership, Rangers pursued aggressive financial strategies to fund player acquisitions and infrastructure growth, including the club's listing on the London Stock Exchange in May 1991 as Rangers F.C. plc, which transitioned it from a private to a public limited company and raised initial capital for expansion. This flotation enabled Murray to leverage public investment amid rising transfer spending, with the club signing high-profile players like Graeme Souness in 1986 (pre-Murray but continued) and later Paul Gascoigne in 1995 for a then-British record £4.3 million, contributing to nine consecutive Scottish Premier League titles from 1989 to 1997. A key element of Murray's financial approach was the implementation of an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) scheme through the Murray Group Management Remuneration Trust, active from May 2001 to 2010, which distributed approximately £47.4 million in tax-free "loans" to 85 beneficiaries, including players, executives, and Murray himself (receiving £6.3 million). The scheme involved remuneration paid into offshore trusts in Jersey, with recipients receiving letters of wishes for distributions disguised as non-taxable loans rather than salary, allowing Rangers to attract talent without immediate PAYE or National Insurance deductions—potentially saving the club millions in payroll taxes. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) challenged the arrangement as disguised remuneration, leading to a 2017 Supreme Court ruling upholding tax liabilities estimated at up to £50 million for the oldco Rangers entity, though Murray maintained it was lawful and provided no sporting advantage, denying any cheating occurred. Critics, including HMRC and liquidators, argued the EBTs contributed to unsustainable debt accumulation, with a 2022 settlement revealing a £48.8 million claim that factored into the club's 2012 insolvency, as repayments could have exceeded assets. Murray's tenure also drove physical and commercial expansion, particularly at , where a £4 million extension in the early added capacity and modern facilities following his , increasing overall attendance potential amid domestic dominance. Further developments included the 1998 opening of the 6,000-seat Club Deck on the Copland Road Stand, funded partly through flotation proceeds and sponsorships, elevating Ibrox to a 50,411 all-seater venue compliant with post-Hillsborough safety standards. Beyond the stadium, Murray pursued broader regeneration, securing 2008 Glasgow City Council approval for a £350 million masterplan encompassing residential , hotels, and commercial spaces around Ibrox to generate non-football revenue, though economic downturns and regulatory hurdles limited realization. These initiatives, alongside EBT-enabled signings, propelled Rangers to 15 league titles and European campaigns, but escalating bank loans—reaching £24 million by 2009 with a from in 1999—exposed vulnerabilities when revenues faltered. Murray relinquished the chairmanship in August 2009 to Alastair Johnston amid mounting debts, selling his shares to for £1 in May 2011.

Craig Whyte era, tax disputes, and 2012 liquidation

In May 2011, , a British businessman, acquired an 85.3% majority shareholding in Rangers Football Club plc from Sir David Murray's Murray International Holdings for a nominal £1, simultaneously clearing the club's £17 million bank debt to using funds he claimed to have personally provided, totaling around £33 million for the takeover and . Whyte assumed control amid ongoing scrutiny over his business history, including prior insolvencies, but positioned the purchase as a means to stabilize and invest in the club without immediate additional shareholder funding. Following the takeover, Rangers faced acute financial pressures exacerbated by Whyte's operational decisions, including the cessation of payments for pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) taxes and national insurance contributions to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) starting in November 2011, which accumulated into an unpaid bill of approximately £9 million by early 2012. This immediate tax delinquency, distinct from the club's longer-standing dispute over its Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) scheme used between 2001 and 2010 under previous ownership—which HMRC contested as taxable disguised remuneration potentially owing up to £49 million—triggered HMRC's winding-up petition against the club. The EBT case, involving £47.65 million in trust payments to players and staff, added to the club's precarious position as legal proceedings loomed, though it remained unresolved at the time and pertained to historical practices rather than Whyte's direct actions. On 14 February 2012, Rangers entered administration under Duff & Phelps, appointed by the after HMRC rejected Whyte's proposals and amid revelations that Whyte had funded the via pre-sale ticket revenues from Ticketus, creating secured claims that complicated . The imposed a 10-point deduction, severely impacting the club's title aspirations, while administrators sought a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) to avoid , proposing repayment plans that Whyte supported but which prioritized his and Ticketus's interests. Creditors, led by HMRC which held an estimated £21 million claim including the unpaid taxes and other liabilities, rejected the CVA on 14 June 2012 by a vote of 76% against, primarily due to dissatisfaction with the proposed 20-pence-per-pound recovery rate and perceived inequities favoring secured parties. Administrators promptly sold the club's business, assets, and Ibrox Stadium to a new entity, Sevco Scotland Ltd (later Rangers Football Club Ltd), for £5.5 million under Charles Green, allowing football operations to continue but terminating the old company's SPL membership. The Rangers Football Club plc entered creditors' voluntary liquidation on 31 October 2012, with total debts exceeding £134 million, including £20 million owed to Ticketus and unresolved tax claims; Whyte was later disqualified from directorship for 15 years in 2015 for misconduct in the affair. Following the rejection of a proposed Company Voluntary Arrangement by HMRC on 12 June 2012, which precluded the old company's exit from administration, the administrators sold Rangers' business and assets—including player contracts, lease, and —to Sevco Scotland Ltd for £5.5 million. Sevco Scotland Ltd, incorporated on 29 May 2012 under the leadership of businessman Charles Green and his consortium, was established explicitly to facilitate this acquisition and continue football operations. The entity was later renamed The Rangers Football Club Ltd, marking the formation of the "newco" that succeeded the liquidated Rangers Football Club plc (subsequently RFC 2012 plc, entering formal liquidation on 31 October 2012). The newco promptly applied to the (SFA) for membership, which was granted as an associate member on 27 July 2012, permitting retention of the club's historical identity, registration, and pre-2012 honours upon meeting share issuance requirements. However, on 4 July 2012, (SPL) clubs voted 10–2 against transferring the oldco's SPL share to the newco, primarily due to unresolved queries over ownership transparency, creditor treatment, and "fit and proper person" tests for directors. This rejection compelled the newco to apply to the (SFL), resulting in direct entry to the Third Division for the 2012–13 season amid protests from Rangers supporters, who viewed the demotion as punitive overreach by rival clubs. Legal efforts by fans and the club to challenge the SPL vote failed, with courts upholding the league's voting autonomy under its . Post-formation legal challenges encompassed tax disputes inherited from the oldco and disputes over sporting sanctions. The most prominent was the "big tax case" concerning Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs), through which the oldco remunerated 85 players and executives with over £47 million in tax-free loans from 2001 to 2010, circumventing and contributions. HMRC's claim progressed through tribunals, culminating in a 5 July 2017 ruling that these payments constituted taxable employment rewards, not discretionary loans, affirming HMRC's position and exposing systemic that enhanced the club's ability to attract talent during a dominant . However, with the oldco liquidated, recoveries were minimal, totaling under 10% for creditors after asset sales. The newco faced no direct liability, as SFA rules insulated it from predecessor penalties beyond membership conditions. The title stripping controversy stemmed from EBT-enabled successes, including nine SPL titles from 2003 to 2011. An SPL tribunal under Lord Nimmo Smith, reporting on 28 February 2013, determined the oldco breached SPL rules by omitting side-letter details of EBT entitlements from player registration forms, imposing a £250,000 fine (uncollectible post-liquidation) but declining to deem players ineligible or strip titles. The panel reasoned that EBTs were presumptively lawful under contemporaneous , side letters did not alter contractual obligations to , and no evidence showed on-pitch advantages from the nondisclosure. Following the 2017 verdict invalidating EBT tax treatment, renewed demands for sanctions—voiced by Celtic supporters, fan groups, and outlets like the Daily Record—argued the scheme equated to undeclared financial doping, distorting competition by freeing funds for superior signings unavailable to tax-compliant rivals. The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), successor to the SPL, rebuffed these calls on 27 July 2017, stating the Nimmo Smith findings remained binding, no fresh evidence warranted rehearing, and altering historical outcomes lacked precedent or jurisdiction over a defunct entity. Critics, including former Celtic players like Darren O'Dea, labeled this favoritism, citing perceived inconsistencies in Scottish football governance where rival clubs faced harsher penalties for lesser infractions. Defenders countered that EBTs received provisional HMRC clearance until litigated, player eligibility hinged on registration compliance (not tax status), and retrospective nullification would destabilize precedents across sports. The impasse endures, fueling sectarian-tinged narratives in fan discourse, though empirical review shows EBTs correlated with Rangers' wage competitiveness—averaging 20–30% higher effective player pay versus peers—but without proven causation to title wins beyond on-field merit.

Post-liquidation ownership: Dave King, Douglas Park, and 2025 developments

Following the 2012 liquidation of the original Rangers Football Club and the formation of a new entity, Rangers International Football Club plc (RIFC), South African businessman Dave King, a former director of the old company, re-engaged with the club in early 2015 by acquiring approximately 15% of shares from existing holders, positioning himself as the largest individual . In March 2015, King successfully orchestrated a revolt against the board led by Derek Llambias and Mike Ashley, securing a majority at an extraordinary general meeting and assuming the role of chairman. Under King's leadership, which lasted until February 2020, the club invested heavily in squad rebuilding, culminating in the title after a nine-year absence from the top flight; however, King retained significant influence as the largest with around 13% stake into 2025. Douglas Park, a Scottish businessman who first invested in RIFC shares in December 2014 alongside George Letham and George Taylor by purchasing Laxey's stake, emerged as a key backer during 's era and succeeded him as chairman in November 2020. Park's tenure, ending with his resignation on April 4, 2023, involved overseeing Europa League final qualification in 2022 and continued financial support, though marked by operational challenges including high transfer spending and debt management; he held approximately 11.5% of shares as of January 2025, making him the second-largest individual investor behind . By early 2025, amid calls for substantial capital injection to compete with rivals Celtic and sustain European ambitions, King publicly endorsed and facilitated negotiations with a U.S.-based consortium led by investor Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises (the business arm of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers). An agreement in principle for a controlling 51% stake was reached by March 14, 2025, following due diligence, with the deal valued at around £75 million for the acquisition portion, implying a £150 million club valuation. The takeover completed on May 30, 2025, transitioning RIFC from public limited company to private limited status, adding new board directors including Cavenagh, Paraag Marathe (49ers Enterprises president), Mark Taber, Andrew Clayton, and Gene Schneur, while existing shareholders like Park retained minority positions. King described the probability of completion as over 90% in May interviews, crediting the consortium's resources for restoring competitive edge, though some legacy directors such as Alastair Johnston stepped down post-deal. Park continued as a major shareholder exceeding 5%, ensuring continuity amid the ownership shift.

Ongoing financial strategies, debts, and sustainability

In the financial year ending 30 June 2024, Rangers International Football Club plc reported a pre-tax loss of £17.2 million, attributed in part to a strategic business review and ongoing litigation costs, despite achieving record total of £94.2 million, including core revenue of £88.3 million and commercial revenue of £67 million. Gross increased to £27.8 million, primarily from director loans rising to £22.3 million, resulting in net doubling from the prior year, though the club maintained liquidity through operational cash flows and shareholder support. Debt management strategies have centered on conversions to equity, with £9 million of loans converted during the 2024 financial year and an additional £9 million post-year-end, alongside £4 million in new from investors, reducing immediate repayment pressures while bolstering the balance sheet. In February 2025, the club issued over 26 million new shares, diluting existing holdings but injecting capital to address needs amid persistent operating losses. These measures reflect a reliance on infusions rather than external borrowing, with director loans forming the bulk of liabilities, a pattern sustained since the post-2012 reconstruction to avoid high-interest commercial . A pivotal shift occurred in May 2025, when a U.S.-led including Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises acquired a 51% stake, approved by the Scottish FA, providing fresh capital and strategic oversight. The new owners secured approval for a £20 million investment in June 2025, earmarked for , enhancement, and diversification, aiming to align financial outlays with on-field performance to access UEFA competition . This transition, facilitated by former chairman Dave King, emphasizes long-term sustainability over short-term spending, with board statements highlighting commercial growth—evidenced by double-digit increases in sponsorships—as a core pillar to mitigate domestic league volatility. Sustainability challenges persist, as annual losses exceed £17 million despite revenue records, underscoring dependence on European qualification and player trading for profitability; failure in these areas has historically amplified debt reliance. The 2024/25 budgets project stability through controlled wage-to-revenue ratios below 60%, but analysts note risks from in transfer fees and wages, necessitating prudent to prevent recurrence of pre-2012 over-leveraging. Under new ownership, strategies prioritize self-sufficiency via youth development and global merchandising, though empirical data from prior cycles indicates that sustained title contention remains causal to financial health, absent which subsidies from owners continue.

Achievements and records

Domestic league and cup dominance

Rangers Football Club holds the record for the most titles in a domestic top-flight league, with 55 Scottish championships as of the 2020–21 season. This surpasses any other club globally in a premier division, reflecting sustained competitive superiority over rivals including Celtic, who trail with 54. The club's ledger includes 34 victories and a leading 28 triumphs, contributing to a total of over 100 major domestic honors. Early dominance emerged under manager , who from 1920 to 1954 secured 18 league titles alongside 10 Scottish Cups and 2 League Cups, forging a disciplined playing style that emphasized fitness and tactical organization. Post-World War II, Rangers maintained control, winning five consecutive leagues from 1948–49 to 1952–53 despite wartime disruptions that suspended official competitions but saw unofficial regional successes. This period underscored the club's infrastructural advantages at and scouting network, enabling consistent recruitment of talent. A pinnacle of modern supremacy arrived with nine successive league titles from 1988–89 to 1996–97, initiated by Graeme Souness's recruitment of high-profile players like and sustained by , who added five more in that streak. During this span, Rangers also claimed multiple cups, including trebles in 1992–93 and 1993–94, leveraging financial investments to outpace competitors. The club has achieved the domestic treble seven times overall—league, , and in one season—joint-most worldwide, with instances in 1948–49, 1963–64, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1992–93, 1993–94, and 2002–03. These feats highlight Rangers' ability to monopolize resources and adapt formations, though intensified rivalry periodically challenged exclusivity.

European competitions and continental impact

Rangers first entered European competition in the , defeating 5–2 on aggregate in the preliminary round before elimination by . The club reached the European Cup Winners' Cup final in as the first British team to contest a final, losing 4–1 on aggregate to Fiorentina after a 0–2 home defeat in the first leg and a 2–1 away win marred by crowd trouble. They returned to the final in 1967, falling 1–0 to Bayern Munich in extra time amid disputes over the legitimacy of Bayern's goal, scored by from a after Concetto Lo Bello disallowed a prior Bayern goal for offside. The club's sole European trophy came in the 1971–72 European Cup Winners' Cup, where Rangers defeated 3–2 in the final on May 24, 1972, at Barcelona's before 24,000 spectators, with goals from (own goal), , and securing victory despite a late comeback attempt by the Soviets. This triumph, following a semifinal win over Torino, elevated Rangers' continental standing and prompted pitch invasions by supporters, leading to impose a temporary ban on European participation that was later reduced on appeal. Rangers advanced to the Cup Winners' Cup quarterfinals or beyond in four other seasons during the 1960s and 1970s, including a 1978 semifinal exit to . In the rebranded UEFA Cup and Europa League eras, Rangers reached the 2007–08 UEFA Cup final, losing 0–2 to Zenit St. Petersburg on May 14, 2008, at Manchester's City of Manchester Stadium, with Danny goals from Danny and Konstantin Zyryanov ending a campaign that saw Rangers overcome Barcelona, Panathinaikos, and Werder Bremen. They again contested the Europa League final in 2021–22, drawing 1–1 with Eintracht Frankfurt on May 18, 2022, in Seville before a 5–4 penalty shootout defeat, highlighted by Joe Aribo's opener and sustained defensive resilience against a German side that advanced via Aaron Ramsey's miss. Additional deep runs include last-16 exits in the 1992–93 and 1994–95 Champions Leagues and a 2005–06 group stage qualification, the first by a Scottish club. Rangers hold Scottish records for most European matches played (over 400 as of 2023) and victories (approximately 160), with notable away successes like the 2008 Barcelona win contributing to revenue streams exceeding £20 million in high-attendance seasons. Their continental campaigns have amplified Scottish football's visibility, fostering rivalries with clubs like and while generating substantial gate receipts and broadcasting income that bolster domestic sustainability, though limited by the smaller scale of the compared to major leagues. Despite no Champions League knockout progression beyond the group stage, these efforts underscore Rangers' role in elevating Scotland's through consistent qualification via league titles.

Club-level records and statistical milestones

Rangers hold the record for the most top-division league titles in Scottish football , with 55 championships won between 1891 and 2021. The club has also secured a record 28 titles and 34 victories, contributing to seven domestic trebles—a joint shared with Celtic. These achievements include consecutive trebles in 1963–64 and other instances in seasons such as 1948–49, 1975–76, and 1998–99, marking the first club globally to reach 100 major trophies in 2000. In terms of sequences, Rangers completed an unbeaten campaign in 2020–21 under , accumulating 102 points from 38 matches with 92 goals scored and a joint-record 26 clean sheets—the second such invincible league season in club history after winning all 18 games in 1898–99. The club recorded a 44-game unbeaten run across all competitions from September 1992 to December 1993, including 29 consecutive league matches without defeat. Their longest stands at 20 matches, achieved starting in August 2013. Rangers' largest margin of victory is 13 goals, recorded three times in Scottish Cup matches: 13–0 against Annbank in 1880, Uddingston in 1886, and Possilpark in 1889. A 14–2 win over Blairgowrie in the 1934 first round represents the highest-scoring domestic triumph. The club's record attendance is 118,567, set during a 1939 league match against Celtic at . Additionally, Rangers maintained a 74-game streak without conceding a penalty from 2018 to 2021, ranking fifth in European history.

Individual player achievements and hall of fame

holds the club record for most goals scored, with 355 in all competitions during his tenure from 1983 to 1998. He also achieved the distinction of winning the European Golden Boot in consecutive seasons, 1992–93 and 1993–94, as the first player to do so in European football history. set the record for most appearances, totaling 755 matches between 1961 and 1978. Other notable scoring feats include Bob McPhail's 261 goals from 1927 to 1940 and Jimmy Smith's 249 goals spanning 1930 to 1946. Rangers players have secured several individual honors in Scottish football. became the inaugural winner of the PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year award in 1978 while at the club. More recently, earned the Sofascore Scottish Premiership Player of the Season award for 2024–25, recognizing his contributions including top goalscoring among defenders. also claimed the Bowl as the club's top goalscorer in multiple seasons, such as 2023–24. The Rangers Hall of Fame, established in 1999, honors former players based on criteria set by founding members , , David Mason, and David Murray, emphasizing contributions to the club's success. As of 2024, it includes 95 inductees, among them McCoist, , and recent additions like , , and Tavernier, inducted on February 19, 2023, for their roles in domestic dominance and European campaigns. Inductees such as and are recognized for pivotal performances, including Baxter's influence in the European Cup Winners' Cup triumph and Gough's leadership in the 1990s nine-in-a-row era.
CategoryPlayerRecordPeriod
Most Goals3551983–1998
Most Appearances7551961–1978
European Goals (Club)11Various

Personnel

Current first-team squad and key signings

As of January 2026, Rangers F.C.'s first-team for the 2025-26 season comprises 25-30 players across positions, blending established performers with recent acquisitions aimed at bolstering defensive stability and midfield creativity under the ongoing management structure. The 's composition reflects strategic reinforcements following the summer , with emphasis on Premier League-experienced loanees and permanent deals to address prior vulnerabilities in depth and injury resilience. Key personnel include captain at right-back, providing leadership and offensive contributions from defense, alongside goalkeeper as the primary shot-stopper. Midfield features new additions like , signed permanently from for enhanced box-to-box dynamism. Up front, , signed on deadline day from Sporting CP, serves as a key striker. The phase squad, submitted in September 2025, underscores the integration of these players into competitive lineups.
PositionPlayerNotes/Key Details
GoalkeeperFirst-choice; international
GoalkeeperLiam KellyBackup;
GoalkeeperKieran WrightThird-choice;
DefenderCaptain; right-back,
DefenderCentre-back; , summer 2025 signing
DefenderRight-back; , from Wolves
DefenderRight-back; , summer 2025
DefenderTuur RommensLeft-back; Belgium, January 2026 from Westerlo
MidfielderCentral; from , summer 2025
MidfielderTheo AasgaardAttacking; Norway, from Luton Town
MidfielderLyall CameronCentral; , from Dundee
ForwardStriker; , deadline-day 2025
The table represents core squad members as per aggregated rosters; full depth includes youth promotions like Mason Munn. Summer 2025 key signings prioritized midfield and defense, with arriving on a free or low-fee basis from to add pedigree and passing range, having featured in 20+ appearances for the Cherries prior. joined from an English club to compete at full-back, bringing promotion experience. Theo Aasgaard (also listed as Thelo) was acquired from Luton Town for attacking versatility, while and were late-window additions included in squads for immediate impact. These moves, totaling around 8-10 incomings, aimed to refresh the amid expiring contracts and sales, with reported fees for permanent deals like Aarons and Cameron contributing to an estimated £5-10 million net spend. In the January 2026 transfer window, Rangers completed the signings of midfielder Tochi Chukwuani from Sturm Graz and left-back Tuur Rommens from Westerlo, the latter on an initial three-and-a-half-year deal as the second signing under head coach Danny Röhl, subject to international clearance and work permit. Rommens' minutes will be managed due to a recent knock, with full fitness expected in three to four weeks. The combined spending totals around £7 million to support manager Danny Rohl, targeting midfield reinforcement and left-back depth.

Management, coaching staff, and board of directors

As of January 2026, Rangers Football Club is led by a reflecting its majority ownership transition to a involving Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, completed on May 30, 2025. The board includes Chairman Andrew Cavenagh, an entrepreneur with extensive business experience; Vice Chairman Paraag Marathe; and directors Fraser Thornton, John Halsted, George Taylor, Eugene Schneur, and Andrew Clayton. Chief Executive Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell were dismissed on 24 November 2025. The Chief Executive position remains vacant pending a new appointment. The first-team coaching staff is headed by , appointed as head coach on October 20, 2025, on a contract until June 30, 2028, following the dismissal of Russell Martin on October 5, 2025. Röhl's support team includes assistant coach Matthias Kaltenbach and performance manager Sascha Lense, both confirmed on October 22, 2025, to enhance tactical and fitness aspects of training.
PositionName
ChairmanAndrew Cavenagh
Vice ChairmanParaag Marathe
Chief ExecutiveVacant
Head Coach
Assistant CoachMatthias Kaltenbach
Performance ManagerSascha Lense

Youth academy and development pipeline

Rangers operate a comprehensive youth academy at the Auchenhowie Football Centre, established to nurture talent from early ages through structured development pathways. The system includes teams spanning under-9 to under-19 levels, with a B team competing in senior development competitions to provide competitive experience for promising prospects. The Rangers Youth Development Company (RYDC), formed in , has provided sustained financial backing, including a £375,000 donation in to support facilities, , and player welfare programs. This support has enabled innovations such as barefoot training sessions for enhancement, techniques, and a "Best v Best" games program tailored to challenge players against elite opposition. Additionally, the integrates , equipping players with qualifications in , , and other fields to foster long-term career resilience beyond football. In youth competitions, the achieved a milestone in 2023 by topping the Scottish FA's youth development league table, reflecting strong performance across age groups at Auchenhowie. The under-18 and B teams have participated in tournaments and domestic reserves leagues, with May 2025 marking a successful close to the professional season through international youth events and domestic fixtures. The development pipeline emphasizes transition to the first team via the Pre-Professional Programme, launched to immerse under-18 graduates in senior training environments and matches, bridging the gap between academy and professional demands. Notable successes include , who progressed from academy ranks to secure a first-team role, and , named academy player of the year for his midfield contributions before earning a professional contract. Recent strategies prioritize increased game time for youth talents, with B team coach overseeing bespoke schedules to accelerate integration, as evidenced by multiple academy products featuring in senior squads during the 2024-25 season.

Notable historical managers and their legacies

Bill Struth (1920–1954) served as Rangers' manager for 34 years, establishing the club as a dominant force in Scottish football through disciplined organization and youth development. Under his leadership, Rangers secured 18 Scottish league championships, 10 Scottish Cups, and 2 Scottish League Cups, totaling 30 major trophies that underscored his unparalleled success. Struth's emphasis on fitness, tactical discipline, and infrastructure improvements, including expansions at Ibrox Stadium, laid the groundwork for long-term institutional strength, with 14 of his league titles won before World War II amid consistent preeminence over rivals. His legacy endures as the benchmark for managerial achievement at Rangers, recognized for transforming the club into Scotland's most decorated side through sustained excellence rather than fleeting peaks. Jock Wallace (1972–1978, 1983–1985) revived Rangers during a period of Celtic dominance following the latter's 1967 European Cup Winners' Cup triumph, instilling a hard-working ethos that yielded 3 Scottish league titles, 3 Scottish Cups, and additional League Cups for a total of 8 major honors. His 1975–76 treble—, and —marked a rare domestic clean sweep, restoring competitive balance in the rivalry after years of relative underperformance. Wallace's motivational style and focus on squad resilience fostered a culture of grit, influencing subsequent eras by prioritizing collective effort over individual stardom, though his second stint ended amid boardroom tensions without further silverware. Graeme Souness (1986–1991), as Rangers' first player-manager and non-Scottish appointee, initiated a modernization drive by recruiting high-profile talents from England, shattering transfer fee records and injecting professionalism into the squad. He delivered 3 consecutive Scottish league titles and 4 Scottish League Cups, breaking Celtic's grip on the championship after nine years. Souness's aggressive signings, such as Terry Butcher and Chris Woods, elevated standards and European competitiveness, culminating in a 1990–91 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup semi-final run, though disciplinary issues highlighted his combative approach. His tenure's legacy lies in commercial and structural reforms that positioned Rangers for 1990s supremacy, expanding the club's appeal beyond Scotland despite criticisms of on-field controversies. Walter Smith (1991–1998, 2007–2011) built on Souness's foundation to orchestrate Rangers' most prolonged domestic hegemony, clinching 9 Scottish league titles across two spells, including 7 in a row from 1992–1993 to 1997–1998, alongside 5 Scottish Cups and 6 Scottish League Cups for 21 major trophies overall. In his initial phase, Smith's tactical acumen and player management sustained nine-in-a-row aspirations until halted by Celtic in 1998, while his 2007 return navigated financial turmoil post-administration, securing titles in 2009 and 2010. His understated leadership emphasized loyalty and resilience, fostering multiple generations of success and near-European breakthroughs, such as the 2008 UEFA Cup final appearance, cementing a legacy of stability amid Rangers' institutional challenges.

Controversies and criticisms

Tax avoidance allegations and HMRC disputes

In the early 2000s, Rangers Football Club, under the ownership of Sir David Murray, utilized an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) scheme administered through Liberty Trust, a Jersey-based entity, to remunerate players, managers, and directors. Between 2001 and 2010, the club channeled approximately £47.8 million into the trust, which was then distributed as purported "loans" to 85 beneficiaries, including high-profile figures such as Craig Moore and Nacho Novo, thereby circumventing immediate payment of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) income tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs). These arrangements were marketed as tax-efficient but drew scrutiny for resembling disguised remuneration, where earnings were routed through third-party trusts to defer or avoid taxation. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) initiated an investigation into the scheme on April 27, 2010, asserting that the payments constituted taxable employment income rather than genuine loans, as they were conditional on employment and lacked realistic repayment expectations. The dispute escalated amid the club's mounting financial pressures, exacerbated by the and poor trading, culminating in administration on February 14, 2012, and the of The Rangers Football Club plc on October 31, 2012; HMRC's unsecured claim at that stage totaled around £94.4 million, though contested. Prior to the proceedings, former owner Murray disclosed that the club had offered HMRC a settlement exceeding £10 million in 2015, which was rejected. Legal proceedings spanned multiple tribunals and courts, with initial rulings favoring the liquidated entity. The First-tier Tribunal in 2012 and Upper Tribunal in 2014 held that the payments were not subject to PAYE but required NICs, yet HMRC successfully appealed to the in 2015 and ultimately to the , which on July 5, 2017, unanimously ruled 5-0 that the EBT disbursements were taxable under sections 44 and 62 of the ( and Pensions) Act 2003, rejecting the loan characterization due to their irredeemable nature and direct link to services rendered. This judgment, delivered as RFC 2012 Plc (in liquidation) v , affirmed HMRC's position on disguised remuneration and set a precedent invalidating similar EBT avoidance strategies across cases. The resolution came via a settlement between HMRC and the club's liquidators, BDO, agreeing on December 8, 2022, to a £56 million —reduced from HMRC's revised £64.5 million claim—covering the principal liability plus , with final dividends distributed to creditors by June 2024. While the scheme's proponents argued it complied with contemporaneous HMRC guidance on trusts, the courts emphasized a purposive interpretation prioritizing , underscoring that such arrangements undermined fiscal equity without genuine commercial risk transfer. The episode highlighted vulnerabilities in football's player remuneration models but did not retroactively alter the club's sporting achievements, though it fueled ancillary debates on .

Title stripping and sporting integrity debates

In 2001–2010, Rangers F.C. utilized Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs) to players and staff, channeling payments through trusts rather than direct salaries to minimize tax liabilities, a scheme involving approximately £47 million in disputed funds. HMRC contested this as unlawful , initiating legal proceedings that culminated in Rangers losing at the Supreme Court on July 5, 2017, which ruled that the side letters committing to payments were taxable remuneration, not distributions. During this period, Rangers secured nine (SPL) titles, prompting debates over whether the scheme constituted financial doping that distorted competition, as it enabled higher net player earnings compared to rivals adhering to standard taxation. The SPL launched an independent inquiry under Lord Nimmo Smith in 2012 to assess if Rangers breached player registration rules by failing to disclose EBT side letters. On February 28, 2013, the commission determined that non-disclosure violated SPL rules but imposed only a £250,000 fine (partially suspended), declining to recommend title forfeiture on grounds that the breach did not demonstrably undermine sporting or involve deliberate of rivals. Critics, including rival club supporters, argued this lenient outcome prioritized procedural finality over equity, asserting that the undeclared payments effectively subsidized squad costs in breach of financial fair play principles inherent to league regulations. Rangers maintained that EBTs complied with contemporaneous guidance and that the inquiry's focus on registration, not legality, precluded retroactive penalties absent explicit prior prohibition. Following the 2017 Supreme Court verdict, renewed calls emerged from and fan groups for reopened proceedings and title stripping, framing the EBTs as systemic that eroded league by circumventing fiscal oversight. The (SPFL), however, stated on July 26, 2017, that it lacked legal authority to revisit the Nimmo Smith findings or impose further sanctions, as the case was closed under principles, thereby preserving Rangers' titles in official records. The (SFA) similarly declined involvement in any review, citing procedural constraints. Proponents of stripping contended that unpunished financial irregularities incentivize circumvention of rules, potentially validating aggressive tax strategies as viable competitive edges, while defenders emphasized that EBTs were a widespread corporate tool, not unique to Rangers, and that hindsight tax rulings should not retroactively void sporting achievements without evidence of on-pitch impropriety. Public opinion polls reflected polarization, with a 2017 Scotsman survey indicating 69% of respondents favored expunging EBT-era titles to uphold integrity, predominantly from non-Rangers supporters. Reports from organizations like the criticized Scottish football authorities for inadequate enforcement of transparency rules, suggesting the episode highlighted governance weaknesses in monitoring off-field finances that could skew on-field outcomes. No titles have been officially stripped, sustaining the debate as a fixture in Scottish football discourse, often invoked in contexts to question the legitimacy of Rangers' historical dominance.

Fan conduct issues: Violence, songs, and regulatory responses

Rangers fans have been associated with organized hooligan groups, including the (ICF) and Union Bears, which have participated in football-related violence since the 1980s. These groups contributed to clashes during matches, such as the large-scale disorder in on May 14, 2008, following Rangers' UEFA Cup final against Zenit St. Petersburg, where fans engaged in riots after a fan zone screen malfunction, leading to arrests and injuries. Violence has also occurred in Old Firm derbies against Celtic, with reporting over 200 incidents of violence and disorder across after such games in 2011, alongside a doubling of domestic abuse rates. More recent clashes, including pre-match disorder in city center on December 15, 2024, ahead of a match, involved fans from both sides but highlighted ongoing risks of public unrest. Individual accounts from former participants describe severe injuries sustained in hooligan fights during these encounters, underscoring the physical intensity of fan rivalries. Sectarian songs sung by Rangers supporters often feature anti-Catholic or anti-Irish themes, rooted in the club's Protestant and Unionist cultural associations. Examples include adaptations of "Simply the Best" with lyrics targeting Catholics and the which references the 19th-century Irish potato famine in derogatory terms; the club urged fans to stop the latter in 2008 due to its provocative nature. Other chants have explicitly referenced violence against Catholics, as observed during a 2025 parade, prompting public criticism. UEFA has classified such singing as discriminatory or racist behavior, issuing charges in instances like a 2019 Europa League match against . Regulatory bodies have imposed penalties on Rangers for fan conduct. UEFA fined the club and enacted a one-match away fan ban in April 2011 for discriminatory chanting during a Europa League tie against PSV Eindhoven. Similar actions followed, including a €40,000 fine in 2011 for behavior in a home leg and a 2025 sanction for a discriminatory banner displayed against Fenerbahçe. More recently, UEFA levied a €20,000 fine and suspended away ticket sales ban in September 2025 for pyrotechnics use, part of broader efforts to curb crowd disturbances. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has supported these measures through domestic oversight, though specific SFA fines for songs or violence are often integrated into UEFA proceedings. Clubs like Rangers have responded by issuing statements acknowledging sanctions and committing to fan education, while arguing against overly punitive restrictions on away support.

Governance failures and regulatory overreach claims

In 2011, acquired Rangers F.C. through a financed by advances from ticket broker Ticketus, secured against future revenues, without injecting personal funds into the club, which exacerbated existing financial vulnerabilities inherited from prior ownership. This structure, combined with Whyte's failure to remit approximately £3.5 million in pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) and contributions withheld from player and staff wages between November 2011 and February 2012, precipitated the club's entry into administration on February 14, 2012, under administrators & Phelps. The (SFA) subsequently deemed Whyte not a fit and proper person to hold an official position at any affiliated club, citing breaches of financial regulations and imposing personal fines totaling £135,000 alongside a transfer embargo and £160,000 club fine for non-disclosure of side letters to players. These events highlighted lapses, including inadequate by the board on Whyte's financial capacity and oversight of tax obligations, contributing to a reported £4 million loss during the administration period ending June 2012. The rejection of a proposed company voluntary arrangement (CVA) by HMRC on June 29, 2012, due to unresolved disputes, led to the of the original Rangers Football Club plc on October 31, 2012, with assets sold to a new entity under Charles Green. Critics of the club's prior , including Whyte, argued that such failures stemmed from systemic ethical shortcomings in financial stewardship, with the enabling short-term rather than sustainable investment, ultimately eroding creditor protections and club stability. However, the administrators were later cleared of conflict-of-interest allegations in their handling of the sale process, underscoring that while ownership decisions were flawed, procedural administration complied with laws. Regulatory responses by the SFA and (SPL) included a 10-point deduction applied to the old company, which SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster described as "relatively meaningless" given the impending , and the transfer of penalties like the transfer embargo to the newco upon SFA confirmation of its authority to do so on July 17, 2012. Rangers successfully challenged the transfer ban in court on May 29, 2012, with a ruling the SFA had exceeded its powers under association rules, though this was overturned on appeal, prompting claims from club representatives that authorities were imposing punitive measures beyond sporting necessity to appease rival interests. The SPL's July 2012 vote excluding the newco from top-flight membership—citing fit-and-proper concerns and financial fair play—forced demotion to the , fueling assertions of regulatory overreach, as the new entity had no direct legal liability for oldco debts yet inherited sanctions without a clean-slate option, despite continuity of playing staff and assets. Such decisions were defended by regulators as upholding integrity rules, but detractors highlighted inconsistencies, including the SPL's abandonment of fixed penalties for newcos shortly after establishing financial fair play frameworks.

Media portrayal biases and cultural narratives

Media coverage of Rangers F.C. has frequently been accused of systemic bias by club supporters and analysts, particularly in the context of the Old Firm rivalry with Celtic F.C., where incidents involving Rangers fans receive disproportionate scrutiny compared to similar or equivalent behaviors from Celtic supporters. For instance, during Rangers' 2021 Scottish Premiership title celebrations, police investigated claims of sectarian language in videos circulating online, prompting widespread media condemnation focused on Rangers, while the club's "Everyone Anyone" anti-sectarian campaign was cited defensively but received limited positive framing. This pattern aligns with broader critiques from Rangers-affiliated groups, such as Club 1872, which argue that outlets like BBC Scotland exhibit an "inherent bias" by portraying the club as a perennial target for "false and malicious" reporting without equivalent accountability for rival fan actions. Such biases are exacerbated by the BBC's historical disputes with Rangers, including a seven-year of coverage from 2015 to 2022, initiated after contentious reporting on former owner but extending to broader access denials, which the broadcaster later acknowledged as failures to meet editorial standards. The resolution involved an apology, yet fan organizations maintain that a culture persists where Rangers is "fair game," potentially reflecting underlying institutional leanings in Scottish media toward narratives that align with pro-independence or culturally progressive sentiments, given Rangers' historical association with unionist and Protestant identities. This selective emphasis contributes to a portrayal of Rangers as inherently problematic, as seen in rejections of claims over depictions of figures like , despite club complaints. Culturally, Rangers is embedded in narratives framing Scottish football's sectarian divide, often depicted as the Protestant, British-unionist counterpart to Celtic's Irish-nationalist ethos, with media analyses critiquing the club's supporter base for perpetuating "nationalist" elements of Protestant Britishness. This framing, evident in coverage of events like graffiti incidents tied to Pope Francis's death in 2025 or challenged videos of anti-Catholic chants, tends to amplify Rangers' role in "sectarianism" while underplaying reciprocal dynamics, as academic reflections note the press's tendency to construct unified anti-sectarian identities without historical nuance. In Old Firm contexts, complaints about refereeing or VAR decisions from either side trigger skepticism from neutral observers, but Rangers' unionist symbolism invites sharper media pushback, fostering a narrative of the club as resistant to modernization efforts against bigotry. Recent examples, such as BBC coverage disparities in women's Champions League matches, reinforce perceptions of uneven scrutiny. Overall, these portrayals risk entrenching a causal asymmetry, where Rangers' cultural markers are pathologized more rigorously than Celtic's, amid evidence of media acquiescence to dominant anti-Rangers sentiments rather than balanced propaganda models.

Societal role and legacy

Charitable initiatives and community programs

The Rangers Charity Foundation, established in 2002 as a registered Scottish charity (SC047681), operates as the primary philanthropic arm of Rangers F.C., focusing on education, health, employability, and social inclusion to deliver community benefits across and beyond. The foundation collaborates with the club, supporters, staff, and players to fund and execute programs that address local needs, including support for vulnerable youth and adults, while partnering with external organizations such as Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, the , and . In the 2023/24 , its 23 programs reached over 7,400 individuals, with delivery equivalent to 24 hours per day across 518 days, supported by core staff, part-time coaches, and volunteer efforts. In education and youth development, the foundation provides tailored programs for pupils, benefiting nearly 4,000 children in through initiatives emphasizing health, wellbeing, and diversity education. efforts target young people facing barriers, including the Ready For Employment program for ages 18-24 who are unemployed, and the CashBack for Communities scheme, which supports those leaving custody or at risk of offending with mentoring, skills workshops, and re-engagement opportunities; the latter exceeded targets by reaching 53% more vulnerable participants and issued its 1,000th Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) award in 2023/24. Health and wellbeing programs include Football Fans in Training, where 123 adults collectively lost over 519 kg through weight management sessions in 2023/24, and Team Talk, a mental health initiative aiding 127 men via peer support and counseling. Additional work addresses addictions among adults and provides respite for carers, highlighted by a 2025 partnership with Carers Trust Scotland for the Young Carers Scholarship—the first such program in Scotland—allocating £15,000 for 15 educational scholarships with tuition, mentoring, and wellbeing support, plus £5,000 for a football zone at the 2026 Scottish Young Carers Festival. The Dream Fund offers experiences and aid to fans dealing with illness, bereavement, or , while infrastructure upgrades, such as a new pitch at the Ibrox Community Complex, enhance local access to facilities. Fundraising events like Big Ibrox Sleep Outs and the Blue Moon Ball sustain these efforts alongside in-kind donations to food banks and other community aid.

Influence on Scottish football structure and economics

Rangers Football Club, alongside Celtic, has perpetuated a duopoly in Scottish football that concentrates the majority of league revenues within two Glasgow-based entities, accounting for approximately two-thirds of financial resources in the as of analyses in the early . This skew arises from superior commercial revenues, sponsorship deals, and European earnings, which enable sustained squad investments unattainable by other clubs, thereby entrenching competitive imbalance and limiting broader league growth. The Old Firm's dominance drives significant economic activity, including from match spectators, with expenditures from regular-season games contributing to Glasgow's local economy through visitor spending on accommodations, transport, and hospitality estimated in input-output models. The club's 2012 liquidation and subsequent demotion to the lower divisions disrupted this structure temporarily, reducing overall revenues due to diminished competitiveness, lower attendances, and strained television deals, as Rangers' absence left Celtic unchallenged domestically. Post-reformation, Rangers' return reinforced the duopoly, with their 2020–21 unbeaten Premiership title restoring dual-club revenue streams that comprise around 70% of SPFL turnover, sustaining high-value derbies central to broadcasting agreements but hindering incentives for structural reforms like expanded leagues or merit-based European qualifiers for non-Old Firm sides. This economic concentration has fueled debates on governance logics, where short-term financial imperatives of dominant clubs override long-term sustainability, as evidenced by resistance to proposals diluting Old Firm influence despite calls for diversified competition to bolster national team performance and club exports. Rangers' historical success, including 55 league titles prior to 2012, has shaped revenue distribution models, such as the league's split system, which, while designed to maximize end-of-season stakes, shows limited impact on equalizing finances and primarily benefits top earners through amplified media exposure. Their periodic European campaigns, like the and 2022 Europa League final run, elevate Scotland's , indirectly securing more group-stage spots and for the league, though benefits accrue disproportionately to the participants amid persistent domestic stagnation compared to larger European markets. Overall, Rangers' influence underscores a causal link between club-level financial overreach and league-wide vulnerabilities, exemplified by post-liquidation losses exceeding £10 million in projected season-ticket alone, highlighting the risks of dependency on a few high-profile entities. Rangers F.C. has been depicted in Scottish television documentaries focusing on its history, matches, and internal affairs, such as the 2024 BBC Scotland Investigates program "Rangers FC: The Men Who Sold the Jerseys," which examined the club's financial scandals leading to its 2012 administration. Similarly, the 2025 documentary "Keep Believing: The Story of Helicopter Sunday" detailed the dramatic 2003 title-clinching matchday events involving Rangers' victory over Hibernian F.C. on May 18, 2003. These productions often highlight the club's competitive achievements alongside governance challenges, drawing on archival footage and interviews with players and officials. In fictional media, Rangers appears in scenes reflecting Glasgow's working-class culture and rivalry, as in T2 Trainspotting (2017), where a sequence features the Rangers anthem "" sung by characters amid discussions evoking sectarian tensions, with songwriter Sammy King crediting the film's for boosting the song's fame alongside fan usage. The 2003 TV film The Planman, starring , includes appearances by then-Rangers players, portraying the club as embedded in local elite circles. The club's supporters' songs and anthems form a significant aspect of its cultural representation, with Tina Turner's "The Best" (commonly chanted as "Simply the Best") adopted as the pre-match anthem at since the late 1980s, played to rally crowds before kickoffs. Traditional chants like "," originating from 19th-century supporters, and "The Blue Sea of Ibrox" celebrate the stadium's atmosphere, with emphasizing and visual : "It's the sea of Ibrox / It's the greatest sight that I've ever seen." However, media coverage frequently spotlights controversial fan songs such as "," a march referencing figures and anti-Catholic sentiments, which has led to fines, club statements urging restraint, and bans under Scottish legislation like the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act 2012. Similarly, the "" mocking the 19th-century Irish Potato Famine has drawn accusations and regulatory action, portraying Rangers in outlets as tied to Protestant identity and historical grievances, though club officials have distanced themselves from such repertoires.

References

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