It was Rangers big chance to close the gap on the top of the table – but it was a major flop at a Rugby Park.
Celtic and Aberdeen cancelled each other out on Saturday leaving the door open for Philippe Clement to mark a year in charge of the club with a win – and getting his side back into the Scottish Premiership title face. But, Kilmarnock had other ideas leaving the Belgian facing the firing line on the Hotline.
Joe Graham, Garrowhill said:”It pains me to say that Rangers need a clearing out from top to bottom. The banners showing at the Kilmarnock game says it all or nearly all. We are needing more than the banners saying mismanagement. The head coach and his staff need a change as well. No plan A no plan B or even no plan C. It’s not good enough. On the playing side we lack a true No 9 and also a No 10.
“Unless we do something we will be fighting for third place the way things are going and not the top. Start with getting Dave King back and Graeme Souness with an invite to Alex Ferguson who has come available. Bring back the tradition to Ibrox then the rest will follow.”
Arrin Geddes, Irvine reckons the fear factor will be kicking in at Ibrox after Gers fluffed their lines in Ayrshire: “The Rangers fans thought Celtic and Aberdeen dropping points was the best possible scenario but it turns out to be the worst, both teams are now further ahead. A trip to Pittodrie looming for Rangers must be scarier than Halloween for the Ibrox faithful!”
Jim McClean, Rothesay called for the manager to be shown the door: “Killie well deserved their win on Sunday. In a few words – goodbye Mr Clement and well done Killie.”
Jamie Thompson, Yoker also had a blunt message for the boss: “Sack this loser now. Support are sick of this utter rubbish from these Rangers duds.”
Willie Mercer, Dumfries said: “This Rangers team are a team that lacks drive, dynamism and desire, not to mention direction or leadership on the park, as clearly seen with the Kilmarnock performance. There was no desire to go forward in any dynamic or cohesive way other than to lump the ball up the park.
“There is no style or pattern to our play. Even this early in the season, second place seems a big ask never mind challenging for the title. Goodwill for Clement is fast draining away.”
With a Europa League clash against FCSB just around the corner, concerned Alfie Mullin, London, said:”If Rangers play as poorly on Thursday night as we did against Kilmarnock, we’d be as well not turning up. That was dross.”
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh wasn’t ready to press the panic button just yet: “Congratulations to Kilmarnock, they deserved the three points. Rangers are simply not good enough. Having said that, six points is still manageable. Rangers must waken up.”
It’s not all sunshine for Celtic with eyebrows raised after Brendan Rodgers’ side threw away a two-goal lead in their top of the table clash. Nervous David Bryce, Troon added: “Celtic have been absolutely woeful for three games on the trot now. I thought Dons were the better side! McGregor is never a leader and gets worse by the game and trusty is a poor player. Why did Rodgers start Maeda when he flew round the world and is obviously shattered? The manager’s tactics are dire and I expect a hammering in Italy on Wednesday!”
James Robertson was more positive about the Hoops despite Brendan Rodgers’ side throwing away a two-goal lead in their top of the table clash with Aberdeen: “What a game! A game we should have won, and a game we could have lost. All-in-all, a most entertaining contest. Aberdeen may be better that the Rangers, but they are not better than Celtic.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr reckons that Jimmy Thelin’s men have now proven they are the Hoops’ real challengers: “Hats off to Aberdeen who have rubbed rangers supporters noses in it by proving they are our main challengers just like I said they would be at the season start. It was a classic at Parkhead between the big two and what a league we have with the battle for first, and another great battle for third and fourth place between Dundee United and rangers. Just like the old days.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, had a gag ready for the next Champions League adventure. He said: “European Big Hitters Atalanta have been ordered to make some ground improvements before their match with Celtic. Apparently their scoreboard could only go up to ninbe.”
There was also a nod to Inverness Caley Thistle boss Duncan Ferguson. The Everton legend picked up the petrol bill for his stars with administration at the League One club now imminent.
Harry Fitzpatrick, Ontario wrote in: “This week kudos have to go out to Duncan Ferguson for his compassion and helping the club and staff in this time of need. Yes, he has had his difficulties in his time but again let’s give credit when it is due, well done Duncan.”