Rangers Fans React Strongly to Missing Out on Lawrence Shankland | OneFootball

A closer look at the Ibrox Noise poll on Lawrence Shankland’s move to West Brom reveals a very clear verdict from the Rangers support – he simply was not good enough. The option “Nah, not good enough” has overwhelmingly outpolled “Slipped through our fingers” by a wide margin based on the visual poll bar. This result firmly shuts the door on any lingering sentiment that Shankland was a missed opportunity for Rangers.

This is significant. For years, fans have been split on whether Shankland had what it took to lead the line at Ibrox. Despite consistent scoring at domestic level and for the national team, doubts persisted over his physicality, pace and ability to handle the unique pressure of playing for Rangers. This poll confirms that a large majority of the support never truly saw him as the answer up front—despite reports like this one which argued for his signing amid striker shortages and goal droughts.

The implication is twofold. Firstly, it gives a degree of vindication to the Rangers board and successive managers who repeatedly opted not to pursue the Hearts striker, even when the squad was crying out for a proven domestic scorer. While many pundits and journalists insisted Shankland was an obvious fit, the supporters have delivered a loud and clear message—he was never Rangers class. As another analysis showed earlier in the season, even the media seemed to believe the deal was inevitable.

Secondly, it reflects an evolving standard within the fanbase. Rangers supporters are no longer satisfied with players who can just perform well in the SPFL. They are demanding a higher calibre of talent—players who can compete in Europe, deliver in big matches and carry the burden of the shirt. Shankland, rightly or wrongly, did not tick enough of those boxes for most fans.

This result also puts an end to the endless Shankland speculation that has resurfaced every transfer window. With the move to West Brom now complete and fan approval for his exclusion so strong, there is a sense of finality. The Shankland chapter is closed as far as Rangers are concerned and few appear to be mourning it.

If he succeeds in the Championship it might prompt some reflection, but right now the support has spoken. For all his goals in maroon, Lawrence Shankland was not the man to wear blue—and Rangers fans know it.