Rangers are more than a spreadsheet: questions surface over 49ers’ early moves at Ibrox | OneFootball

Rangers fans welcomed 49ers Enterprises with open arms. A powerful American consortium taking charge of Rangers felt like a new dawn. The Ibrox faithful believed in bold ambition and genuine investment. However, Ibrox Noise raised concerns early about the true intentions of these new owners. Could this all be about profit?

To begin with, American sports ownership usually revolves around return on investment. Stadium branding naming rights broadcast deals merchandise – that is where American owners focus. As a result, Rangers now feel like a product not a passion. Supporters were excited by the idea of a revolution at Ibrox but have since faced a dose of reality. The new board appointed a cheap manager with no major record.

Furthermore, fans expected someone with stature someone who could take Rangers forward. Instead they got Russell Martin. No trophies no elite experience and no credentials that suggest he belongs in Glasgow. The appointment felt like the easy option. It cost little involved little risk and suited a group trying to protect their bottom line.

In addition, shareholders now sit on the outside. The club no longer offers AGMs in the traditional sense. That removal of voice and transparency bothers many. Rangers as a club belongs to the fans but feels increasingly corporate. Rangers supporters want answers about what the owners intend. The silence makes it worse despite Rangers fans welcoming 49ers Enterprises.

Looking back, the Marlborough and Murray eras felt revolutionary. There was risk but vision. Those owners pushed the boat out for success. By contrast, this group seems careful clinical and cost-efficient. And nothing about Martin’s arrival screams ambition. He was the safe hire not the right one. Rangers deserve more than risk management and middle-table thinking.

Still, many fans hope the Americans have a long-term strategy. Yet early decisions have done little to inspire confidence. From AGMs to the dugout Rangers feel stuck in a holding pattern. The squad needs improvement. The manager needs experience. And the board needs to reassure fans that this isn’t a short-term investment.

Ultimately, Ibrox Noise will continue to ask the questions others avoid. Rangers mean too much to become a spreadsheet even if Rangers fans welcomed 49ers Enterprises.