Hearts victory was a sideshow in a sorry week for Rangers

This week has been a shambles. Players suspended, apparent infighting and a manager who appears, above all else, to have lost the dressing room. So despite going into this game with a feeling of ‘Oh what’s going to happen next,’ getting the victory was pleasing, especially as Rangers have been so flaky at this season.

On the game itself, the first half would have gotten football stopped. There was nothing there and at times, it was played in the fashion of a pre-season friendly. I thought Hearts would come and have a go given how the match last week went, but they were terrible.

READ MORE: Giroud and Morata book Chelsea an FA Cup final date with Man United

READ MORE: Wenger to reveal all at the end of the season amid reports he was sacked by Arsenal

However, I felt we were much better in the second half. It was nice to see Graham Dorrans dominate the midfield, he was the biggest influence on our play; he dictated everything from the deeper role in the middle and he gave us the platform to go and win the game. We played some nice football and the two goals from Cummings and Candeias were top notch finishes. Let’s not get carried away, though, this win only papers over the cracks and keeps the outside noise to a minimum for a few days.

Next week it’s win or face humiliation again. These players need to stand up and show the bottle, the commitment and the will to win next weekend. Will they? I have my doubts and based on past experiences probably not.

READ MORE: Stoke City edge closer to relegation after being pegged back by Burnley

READ MORE: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reveals demands from owner Sheikh Mansour

It’s up to the players to give the fans a performance and result after last Sunday. They have to press, much like we did at Ibrox and go for them; if we go for the same tactics like last time and stand off them, giving them the freedom of the pitch, we will get another savage beating.

On to the events on earlier in the week. No one really knows what happened in the dressing room in the aftermath of the semi-final. However, I don’t think the two suspended players nor Graeme Murty will come out of the issue with any credit nor will there be a winner in this scenario.

READ MORE: What is Salah worth now? Klopp refuses to put price tag on Liverpool superstar

READ MORE: Manchester United’s chastened stars Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez rise to Jose Mourinho’s challenge

Without knowing went on, from a purely footballing perspective, I believe all three should leave the club at the end of the season. We obviously need to replace the manager. He’s not up to the job and lack’s the required ability to carry on in the role. Furthermore, his temperament and his emotions are in question. On the two players, like the manager, I feel both should be heading for the exit door.

I feel after this scenario it’s best for a clean break for everyone involved. It will allow the next manager to choose his own captain and hopefully help us move forward. No disrespect to Lee Wallace he stayed and all and should be thanked for his service, but everything has to come to an end and I think it’s the right time to cut ties with the three individuals and have a fresh start.