'Anger levels will soar' - Rangers hero fears Celtic loss, 'Never Seen' it this bad with fans after transfer window

Barry Ferguson has “never seen” Rangers fans at such a low ebb after the transfer window and fears what a heavy loss to Celtic could cause.

The former Gers captain wrote in his Daily Record column on 31 August that “anger levels will sour” among supporters if Philippe Clement’s side fall apart at Parkhead in the first Old Firm derby of the season the following day.

The Belgian went without a victory against Brendan Rodgers in his first season at the club, then went through a frustrating transfer window where he was financially restricted in attempts to overhaul the squad and Ferguson fears the effects of another blow.

He wrote: “A heavy defeat could only add to the feeling of doom around the Ibrox club. A trouncing would make the pressure unbearable for the Rangers board and manager.

“Clement is already up against it. He’s failed to beat Celtic in five attempts and there won’t be much patience from supporters if he comes a cropper again, regardless of whether his hands have been tied or not.

“I’ve never seen Gers fans so low and if it goes belly up again the anger levels will soar, given the carry on with Ibrox and the transfer window.”

Philippe Clement needs first Rangers win over Brendan Rodgers

Even after a Transfer Deadline Day which saw a final pair of signings come in with Nedim Bajrami on a permanent deal and a Neraysho Kasanwirjo loan the squad looks half-finished.

There would have been more optimism heading to Parkhead if a late deal for Southampton’s Samuel Udozie had got over the line but talks broke down despite the winger being keen to join [Scottish Sun, 30 August].

Despite the exit of Matt O’Riley from the Hoops side there is a general acceptance that the Light Blues have come out of the window weaker than their rivals, which is a massive disappointment to fans who were expecting a full-scale restock once last season’s title was thrown away.

The mess that forced the team to play at away from Hampden Park from Ibrox and Todd Cantwell’s transfer request has only increased the upset among supporters.

A defeat on the other side of the city would unfortunately be no shock as things stand, but a capitulation in the style of recent seasons still won’t be tolerated.

Clement has been tipped to face questions over his job already if he goes another derby with a poor result [Hotline Live, 4 August], but a realist might expect one.

However, even a weakened Gers side should be able to give Celtic problems if they put together a decent performance for 90 minutes, and on any given Sunday there is always scope for a surprise.

In other Rangers news, Todd Cantwell has denied accusations at Ibrox after leaving the club.

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