‘Wow’ – Stuart Dallas blown away by player who’s just signed for Rangers
Joe Rothwell’s competitive Rangers debut ended in a victory as Russell Martin’s side took control of their Champions League qualifier.
Rangers’ new era under the stewardship of 49ers Enterprises officially got underway on 22 July in their first competitive match of the 2025–26 season, against Panathinaikos in the second qualifying round.
Pre-season got off to a shaky start as Rangers failed to beat The New Saints, Club Brugge and Barnsley before wins over Dunfermline and Hamilton, but Martin’s side stood up when needed on Tuesday.
Ibrox played host to a relatively comfortable 2-0 win as second-half strikes from youngster Findlay Curtis and new signing Djeidi Gassama put Rangers in control, ahead of the second leg in Greece on 30 July.
Rothwell rock-solid as new-look Rangers make winning start
Gassama is one of eight new arrivals at Ibrox so far this summer after his £2.2million move from Sheffield Wednesday, and was one of four Gers players to make their competitive debuts against Panathinaikos.
The other three all started the match as loanees Max Aarons and Nasser Djiga saw out the full 90 at the back, while 85 minutes were completed in midfield by Joe Rothwell after his switch from Bournemouth.
Rothwell won promotion to the Premier League while on loan at 49ers-owned Leeds United last season, and Elland Road legend (and Gers fan) Stuart Dallas sat in the Broomloan Road Stand to cheer him on.
Dallas never played with Rothwell at Leeds after retiring in 2024, but was wowed by the midfielder’s display against Panathinaikos with a post on his Instagram story (22 July) including three ‘applause’ emojis.
Rangers ready to kick on after Panathinaikos victory
Football Insider Verdict
Further changes to the makeup of Martin‘s side are expected before Rangers head to Athens for the second leg of their qualifying tie, especially after three of his new signings didn’t even get off the bench.
Rangers look set to miss out on the signatures of both Josh Windass and Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to rival clubs this summer, as Martin targets the EFL Championship for players to take the leap.
Solid enough starts from Djiga, Aarons, Rothwell and particularly Gassama are positives, but Martin and 49ers Enterprises will be aware that improvements are needed across the pitch in order to both qualify and make a dent in the Champions League.