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Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Danilo blowing out his backside for Rangers proves exactly who he is as he breathes new life into career
These are not the images of a player downing tools and now he is getting his rewards Should the Rangers support need any convincing of forgotten frontman Danilo's determination to breathe fresh life into his Ibrox career, they should check out the pre-season pics of him blowing out his backside. Day after day, the Brazilian striker has been snapped gasping for air after pushing himself to the limit during Gers' gruelling workouts ahead of the new campaign. These are not the images of a player downing tools. Far from it, it looks very much like Danilo is trying to hammer home a message to his new boss. His lung-bursting efforts certainly can't have been missed by Russell Martin. But what is likely to have really made the Ibrox gaffer sit up and take notice is the impact the former Feyenoord ace is having on his team this summer. He grabbed himself a goal in Saturday's closed-door friendly against Barnsley at St George's Park. And the training ground whispers yesterday was that Danilo helped himself to another goal as well as three assists in an impressive show during another private Auchenhowie bounce game against Neil Lennon's Dunfermline. The question now for a striker who has had more than enough chances to show he can be a proper Rangers No9, does he deserve another? With Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers both behind the Sao Paulo-born forward in their fitness chase due to a visa hold up and ankle knock, the door has been left open for Danilo to snatch a surprise slot ahead of next week's crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos. But Danilo will know he can't afford to let this opportunity slip by. Dessers remains the most enigmatic of all the flakey frontmen at Ibrox. A 29-goal hitman who's as likely to miss the target as he is to bury a bullet into the bullseye. But when it comes to erratic finishing, there's been spells when Danilo has been just as frustrating for the Gers support in front of goal. Most of those occasions, however, have come when the 26-year-old is trying to get himself into a rhythm. The trouble for Danilo is that every time he looks to be hitting a consistent flow of performances and goals, he gets knocked off beat by injury. He looked very much to have established himself as the main man up top at Ibrox a couple of months after completing his £3.5million move from Rotterdam in the summer of 2023. His ability to link up was in stark contrast to Dessers' stumbling, flat-footed efforts outside the box. A brave header against St Johnstone demonstrated a willingness to put his head where it hurt too. Unfortunately, a clash of skulls with Perth defender Liam Gordon left him smarting with a broken cheekbone and a five-week lay-off. By the time he returned, Michael Beale - the man who signed him - had been binned and replaced by Philippe Clement. Fired back to square one, the masked man had to impress the new boss all over again - but appeared to be doing just that as he established himself once more as the first-choice option up front. Three goals in four games was a promising sign - only for his resurgence to be halted yet again by a devastating knee injury at Tynecastle at a time when Gers were mounting a title comeback of their own. By the time he returned the following summer, Dessers - for all of his erraticisms - was firmly cemented as the club's leading striker. Danilo was hoping to get back into his stride, but a social media clip showing him walking with a noticeable limp suggested he was barely ready to walk, never mind run. In fact, he spent most of the year sitting down … on the bench. Of his 28 appearances last year, only 10 were starts as he completed 90 minutes just twice. Clement felt unable to rely on a striker that needed time and games to find a sharpness, while caretaker gaffer Barry Ferguson simply didn't fancy a player he claimed 'needs to do more' on the training pitch to earn a spot. It looks like Danilo is now giving every last drop of sweat he has to win over Danilo. But he'll have to continue marrying up perspiration with performances if he's to stay on his feet - and avoid another campaign plonked on his backside.
The Herald Scotland
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Lille chief quizzed on interest in Rangers' Hamza Igamane
Reports this week, however, suggested their interest had cooled and they would look at other targets. Gers' £15million valuation was cited as a possible reason. Letang has now been quizzed about the situation and was open about the fact the Ligue 1 side are monitoring the Moroccan, 22. He told La Voix Des Sports: "He is indeed a player we are following, but we have not yet made any offers to his club." Igamane missed the friendly draw with Club Brugge at the weekend, completely absent from the squad and raising eyebrows given all the transfer speculation. Read more: However, Russell Martin revealed this was purely down to a visa issue. He explained: "Hamza's (absence) has just been a bit of a red tape. He was due back this week with the other international players. 'He was at the airport and they just didn't have the right visa. I don't think it's anyone's fault. "Things have changed since he last got his visa. So, we had to wait for him to get a new one, which he should have tomorrow and he will be with us this week. I haven't heard of any bid, not that I know of.'
The National
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
Lille chief quizzed on interest in Rangers' Hamza Igamane
The French giants have been strongly linked with the Rangers forward and it appeared as if there may be movement on a switch which would see him team up with Olivier Giroud. Reports this week, however, suggested their interest had cooled and they would look at other targets. Gers' £15million valuation was cited as a possible reason. Letang has now been quizzed about the situation and was open about the fact the Ligue 1 side are monitoring the Moroccan, 22. He told La Voix Des Sports: "He is indeed a player we are following, but we have not yet made any offers to his club." Igamane missed the friendly draw with Club Brugge at the weekend, completely absent from the squad and raising eyebrows given all the transfer speculation. Read more: However, Russell Martin revealed this was purely down to a visa issue. He explained: "Hamza's (absence) has just been a bit of a red tape. He was due back this week with the other international players. 'He was at the airport and they just didn't have the right visa. I don't think it's anyone's fault. "Things have changed since he last got his visa. So, we had to wait for him to get a new one, which he should have tomorrow and he will be with us this week. I haven't heard of any bid, not that I know of.'
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Kemar Roofe couldn't take constant Rangers questions anymore as he reveals the story of woe fans don't know
The Jamaica international had been playing through the pain barrier for the Ibrox cause. It got to the point where Kemar Roofe just couldn't take it any more. The questions were constant and it was the same one over and over again. 'When will you be back fit?' That's all the Rangers fans - and staff - wanted to know. It was his third season at the club, working firstly under Gio van Bronckhorst and then Michael Beale. Previously, the striker had been Gers' top scorer in their 2021 title triumph. The following year, he'd scored another 16 goals in 40 appearances - and helped them get to the Europa League Final in Seville. But the truth is, the Jamaica international had been playing through the pain barrier for the Ibrox cause. Roofe was taking injections and disguising injuries in a desperate bid to win silverware for the club. Even in that Europa Final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, he was in AGONY while scoring Gers' fifth penalty in the shoot-out. So it's no wonder the 2022/23 campaign was a miserable one when, at times, he couldn't even bear to watch games at Ibrox for fear of being bombarded with queries on his fitness. He managed just six games for Rangers that year, scoring twice. One of those goals was a vital winner against Aberdeen in the League Cup semi-final - only for Roofe to then damage his shoulder and spend more time on the sidelines. Roofe endured tough times at Rangers through injury. But he insists it was largely due to him putting his body on the line for the club - and says he has no regrets. In the second part of Record Sport's exclusive interview with the former Rangers front-man, he said: 'That 2022/23 season was annoying. 'Because I had kept playing through injuries, I never had a period of time where I could just strip it back to basics. 'I didn't get the chance to go through all the steps and stages of rehab to get 100 percent fit. 'I was coming back sooner than I should have - just because I didn't want to miss any more games. 'I played games for Rangers when I had injury issues. And it was only a matter of time before my body couldn't take it any more. 'I got silly injuries. I came off the bench against Aberdeen in that semi-final to score the winner. 'But then I fell on my shoulder and tore the ligaments. How can you predict those things? 'I should have had an operation which would have been three or four months out. 'Instead, I just strapped it up, took injections and played with it. I was effectively playing with one shoulder. 'These little things have a knock-on effect on the rest of your body. 'The amount of times I got injured just to play and win - I sacrificed myself to win games and I'd never change that. 'If I took the correct time out, I wouldn't have achieved certain things or scored certain goals for Rangers. 'I wouldn't have made certain finals. 'When I eventually did it and had my hip operation, I hardly played any games. 'So it's a Catch 22. Do you take the time out and miss games or keep trying to go through it? 'It got to the point where I HAD to have surgery. 'Thankfully, my big strength is my mental strength and handling disappointments. 'I use it to fuel me. The only thing I hated and struggled with was when people kept asking me: 'When are you going to back'? 'That's when I started not going to Ibrox and I started just watching the games at home. 'I was trying to avoid people and those questions.' That campaign might have gone better for Roofe if he hadn't been so determined to play in the Europa League Final a few months earlier. He had scored the extra-time winner against Braga in the quarter-final that was vital in getting Rangers to Seville. But an injury against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final win at Hampden meant he was a major doubt. Incredibly, Roofe made it on to the bench against Eintracht and was introduced late on. He set up a golden chance for Ryan Kent to win it but the winger couldn't convert - then he stepped up in pain to score in the spot-kick defeat. Roofe loved the European nights at Ibrox more than anything and he's still devastated he didn't get a winner's medal from that sensational run to the final. He said: 'I was just returning from an LCL knee injury. 'I rushed back to make the final but every time I kicked the ball I was in agony. 'I didn't really train before Seville. I was in a lot of pain. 'My brain knew I was going to be sore before I received the ball. Even taking that penalty was painful. 'I scored but it meant nothing because we didn't win. 'That run in 2022 was special. For me personally, playing in Europe is just the best. 'It's a different feeling to anything else, especially at Ibrox. 'The atmosphere, the buzz, everything about those games - it's hard to explain. 'You can only understand it if you're actually on the pitch playing in it. I'll never forget it. 'We just kept going that year with the fans behind us. 'The only disappointment was getting to Seville, having a really good chance to win - but then losing it. 'We probably won't ever have that chance again. 'I'm just gutted that we couldn't take advantage. 'I was put on for the last few minutes but I felt if I'd been given more time, I could have had a bigger influence on the game.' When Roofe was fit, he thrived in the big games. His Rangers career had got off to a flying start with a league title win under Steven Gerrard - and an Old Firm brace in a 4-1 victory over Celtic at Ibrox. Injuries curtailed him after that but he still relished derbies against Gers' bitter rivals. And even after having played for the likes of Leeds United and Anderlecht, Roofe says no atmosphere comes close to an Old Firm. He said: 'The Old Firm games were even more special than I thought they would be. 'They were just hectic, 100mph, you got no rest. 'There was football being played but it was just so quick and intense. 'Everyone has to be at it in those games. And the noise levels are incredible. 'I like watching games I've played when I get home to listen to what the commentators are saying. 'But I remember putting Sky on after one of the Celtic games and I couldn't hear what they were saying because the fans were so loud - even on TV. 'I've never experienced that before. 'The Old Firm games and European nights were the best atmospheres I've ever played in during my career. 'Leeds was good as well at Elland Road. But the extra 20,000 or so at Ibrox really makes a difference. 'The way I play football is that I'm all in. I was gripped by Rangers from minute one. 'I can never play half-hearted or not try to win every game. 'So for me, that atmosphere and the relationship with the Rangers fans was ideal for me. It was the perfect match. 'They took to me and I'm grateful for that. I think they appreciated the way I played and the effort I put in.' Roofe's Rangers career ended a year ago with a seven-minute cameo from the bench in a game against Dundee last May. It wasn't the trophy-laden farewell he wanted. But the 32-year-old says he's proud of what he achieved in Glasgow, winning all three domestic prizes. Roofe said: 'I had four really good years at Rangers. 'I spent a bit of extra time applauding the fans at the end of my last game. 'I think they understand that I wish I could have played more games and scored more goals. 'I'd rather have said goodbye that way rather than a token gesture as a sub. 'But I take real pride in my time at Rangers. When people ask me about my career and what it was like at Ibrox - when I break it down, I won all three trophies in Scotland and got to a Europa Final. 'So I had a really good time there.'
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Children of Rangers fan killed in Turkey release Father's Day balloons at Ibrox
Christopher Potter passed on a European away trip before Rangers defeated 3-1 in their Europa League round-of-16 first leg. The children of a Rangers fan who was killed in Istanbul have celebrated their first Father's Day without their dad by releasing balloons inside Ibrox which magically flew to his season ticket seat. Christopher Potter tragically died after he was struck by two cars in Besiktas on Thursday, March 6 prior to the Gers' 3-1 first-leg victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League round-of-16. The 40-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind children Jak, 20, Millie, 13, and Teddy, 6, and wife Holly. For the family, Sunday marked the first Father's Day without Christopher. To mark the occasion, Teddy and Millie released blue and white balloons inside Ibrox to honour their late dad. Upon their release, one of their balloons made its way to Christopher's season ticket seat in section GE2. As the balloons flew across towards the section, his late-wife Holly could be heard saying: "That's where your dad sits." Holly told the Record: "The first Father's Day without Christopher was obviously really hard for us all. "But though he's no longer here with us, his love still echoes in our hearts every single day. "We celebrated him on Father's Day at his favourite place, Ibrox, not with gifts or cards but with memories, tears and gratitude. "He might be out of sight, but he's never out of mind. We miss him more than words can say. "It was a sign, I think, that one of the balloons flew straight up to the sky and the other went over to the area where his seat was. "It shows that he is always looking over us." Since Christopher's untimely passing, Rangers have rallied around the family. His youngest son Teddy was welcomed to Ibrox for the 4-0 victory over Aberdeen on May 11 and met Rangers' Players' Player of the Year Nicolas Raskin - who described the encounter with the youngster as "what football's all about' in his Instagram story. Christopher's wife Holly previously told the Record about how supportive Rangers and its supporters have been throughout the horrific ordeal. She said: 'Since his dad passed, Teddy has really embraced football and Rangers have become a huge passion of his. I know how much that would have meant to Christopher and I like to think that he is looking down with a smile on his face, proud that Teddy is following in his footsteps. 'I have to say a huge thank you to the fans and the Rangers family. They really went above and beyond for him and it meant so much. 'I also have to thank Nico Raskin for taking the time to come over and pose for a pic with Teddy and also posting it on his own social media. Again, the fans were responsible for arranging that and it was just the perfect ending to a perfect day for Teddy." The youngster led the team out with Rangers stopper Jack Butland during their 2-0 defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox on April 5. Butland previously reached out to the family to meet up with him and his mother at Ibrox for the home-leg against Fenerbahce. At the 40th minute of the game, thousands of Rangers supporters paid tribute to Christopher with a roaring applause. Banners were held up in his memory reading: "With the angels you'll be singing, our very special friend. Christopher Potter 1984-2025." Christopher's devastated wife Holly spoke about how her family were overwhelmed. She said at the time: "I was totally overwhelmed at the outpouring of emotion. 'The Rangers family really came together. I know Christopher would have been chuffed to bits to see how they paid their respects and credit to the Fenerbahce fans for joining in too. 'I have to thank all the players from the bottom of my heart. The pain we are all feeling at the moment is indescribable, but there is some comfort knowing how well loved and well-thought of Christopher was.' Christopher, a roofer with SLK Roofing, was hit by a vehicle while crossing a road and was then struck by another car. He was returning to his hotel by taxi after leaving an entertainment venue when he stopped the taxi to withdraw money. According to local reports, one of the motorists was jailed for 'murder by negligence' while the other was released on probation. On March 29, mourners lined the streets of Glasgow to pay their final respects to to the late father-of-three, also known as 'Mr Duke Street', as the Dennistoun Rangers Flute band played Melody as the procession made its way to Daldowie Crematorium. Fans stood on the roof of the Bristol Bar with flags and flares as banners reading "let me tell you that I love you all the time", "simply the best" and "Potter forever" draped from the roof. During the funeral, Christopher was remembered as a "much loved and much respected" son, a doting father and uncle who was "exceptionally hard working" by his loved ones. Following his death, a fundraiser for his family raised over £180,000. Rangers captain James Tavernier, interim manager Barry Ferguson and goalie Jack Butland were amongst those who donated to the appeal. Charity boss Andy Smilie also donated £10,000 to the family. Holly previously said: 'I have been totally overwhelmed by the support I have received from everyone. Of course, no amount of money will bring Christopher back but it will be shared among his children. Fly high Christopher, we loved you so much.' A Rangers spokesperson said: "Christopher will be missed by everyone who knew him and the thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with his family and friends at this time." A spokesperson for the Foreign Office previously told the Record: 'We are aware of the death of a British man in Turkey and are in touch with the local authorities.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
