Dodds Reflects on Rangers Stint and Offers Insight on Club’s Future.
Billy Dodds has offered a candid reflection on his short stint at Rangers, where he served as assistant to Barry Ferguson during a turbulent second half of the 2024-25 season.
Despite being part of a high-profile interim coaching team alongside Neil McCann, their time at Ibrox ultimately ended without reward after the team finished 17 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Dodds believes Fergusonโs team had made real progress, improving morale and performance after Philippe Clementโs departure. โThe big tanker was slowly turning,โ he said, recalling how a flat atmosphere had begun to lift soon after their arrival. Training sessions may have been basic, but the staffโs energy began to change the dynamic.
Despite encouraging signs, the new US-based ownership group opted not to extend their stay. Dodds suggested their only hope of staying on was a flawless run of results โ an unrealistic target given the fragile mindset within the squad.
He was critical of the mentality of several Rangers players, suggesting that too many were unable to handle pressure. โSome probably shouldnโt have been at the club,โ Dodds stated bluntly, pointing to a lack of mental strength as a key flaw that undermined their domestic campaign.
Dodds also gave his thoughts on individual players. While he praised midfielder Mohamed Diomande as a โdog of warโ and highlighted improvements in Connor Barron and Nico Raskin, he expressed doubts over striker Hamza Igamane, who has been linked with a ยฃ15m move to Lille.
โThatโs good money,โ Dodds admitted, while questioning whether the Moroccan had done enough to merit such a valuation.
On Cyriel Dessers, he was more positive, describing the Nigerian forward as a โspongeโ eager to learn, though he noted his style didnโt match his physique, preferring to run in behind rather than hold up play.
Captain James Tavernier also earned praise for his adaptability and willingness to improve defensively, even at the age of 33. Max Aarons’ arrival will provide added competition at right-back, though Dodds was impressed by Tavernierโs versatility.
With Russell Martin now at the helm, Dodds believes the recruitment of defenders and midfielders signals key departures ahead. He stressed that creativity and resilience will be crucial if Rangers are to challenge Celtic, especially in domestic fixtures where opponents sit deep.
โIf Russell Martin gets it right and the team starts winning games, what a place this could be,โ Dodds concluded, calling for stability and better recruitment as the foundations for future success at Ibrox.