Rangers update on Dowell

Fans boo Kieran Dowell again as manager Russell Martin defends the midfielder, intensifying questions about the club's direction at Ibrox.

Rangers Boss Faces Pressure After Dowell Selection Draws Deafening Booing

Rangers were without swift changes to the lineup in the League Cup match against Alloa, with Kieran Dowell starting as Russell Martin backed his return. Dowell's display was again underwhelming, contributing to a goal at a set-piece and facing boos when substituted in the Dundee clash. Critics say the crowd sentiment reflects frustration with Dowell's form and a broader discontent with a perceived lack of adaptation from the manager. Gary Keown, writing in the Scottish Mail on Sunday, argued that fans care about results and consistency far more than Dowell's training-ground reputation. Martin's response to the boos drew more attention than the performance itself, widening the debate over whether Dowell remains a credible option for Rangers next season.

The episode also highlights the pressure on Rangers to show a clear plan. Keeping Dowell in the side could be seen as a test of Martin's authority, but it risks deepening the toxic atmosphere at Ibrox if the results do not follow. A decisive move, whether Dowell's departure or a change in roles, would signal that the club prioritizes performance over sentiment. The balance between loyalty and ruthlessness is the central tension for Rangers as they navigate a season that may hinge on every point gained or dropped.

The episode exposes a clash between a manager who values a player’s skill set and a fanbase eager for tangible progress. If Dowell stays in the lineup, Martin faces the risk of further alienating supporters and magnifying scrutiny of his selection choices. A bold decision could reset the club’s mood, but hesitation could cement a narrative that the Ibrox board tolerates mediocrity for loyalty. The coming weeks will test whether leadership at Rangers prioritizes results or sentiment, and whether the club can keep fans united while pursuing necessary changes.

Highlights

The next weeks will reveal how far the club is willing to push for results over comfort.