John Hartson tells Rangers fans to ditch Gio van Bronckhorst 'easy ride' as he dismantles recruitment shield

Celtic legend John Hartson insists Gio van Bronckhorst can't hide behind his mixed summer in the transfer market as an excuse for Rangers form this term.

The Dutchman has come under some pressure from sections of the ibrox support after a disappointing return to the Champions League group stage with a series of heavy defeats to Europe's elite clubs, while domestic performances have been up and down, including the narrow win over Motherwell on Saturday. However, he has been defended from some of his critics due to summer signings like Tom Lawrence and John Souttar picking up long-term injuries.

Van Bronckhorst has also had to deal with the loss of Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo from the side that reached the Europa League final and lifted the Scottish Cup last term. Hartson was quick to point out that the squad he took over had only lifted the Scottish Premiership the previous season, as he admitted he could understand complaints from the Rangers support.

Hartson told The Go Radio Football Show: "People talk about his recruitment and the player's he's brought in, but let's not forget Giovanni van Bronckhorst was left with a championship winning team. He was left with McGregor, he was left Tavernier, he was left with Kent and was allowed to sign Goldson when his contract was up.

"He was left with Ryan Jack, Arfield, an extremely talented group of players and a championship winning team that Steven Gerrard had built and stopped Celtic winning the 10. So you can go through his new signings.

"A couple have done well and he has been unlucky with one or two others, but Rangers fans are probably thinking we are not going to give this guy an absolutely easy ride. He was left with a championship winning team."

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