Rangers fan hysteria reaches Hotline fever pitch as Philippe Clement's rebuild sparks fears of THIRD place finish

We're less than a fortnight out from the big Premiership kick-off but already the Ibrox faithful are worrying that Philippe Clement’s Rangers rebuild is creaking.

Five signings have come in so far but only Connor Barron appears to be a stick-on to start at Tynecastle on August 3. As for any further reinforcements, well those depend on Clement clearing out the deadwood clogging up his squad. Gavin MacLeod, Bearsden, said: “We were told at the end of last season that we needed a rebuild - something the fans have said for years. The same faces, with the same complaints. Now, we’ve shipped out a couple but the squad remains full of deadwood that, unsurprisingly, we can’t shift. But the manager’s comments that our whole ‘rebuild’ plan hinges on these guys shipping out is even more baffling. Surely the board gave him some indication that money was available?"

Kevin Kean, Inchinnan, added: “Already this early it’s looking like Rangers are in a bit of a mess. The squad is totally undefined, there’s no money and guys like Sam Lammers, Ianis Hagi and others are not wanted. If things continue like this, Rangers might struggle to get third!”

Skipper James Tavernier is being lined up for a move to Turkey. But Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, said: “Would anyone at Rangers care to inform us, the supporters, the life blood of the club, where they will get a 20+ goals per season if they sell Tavernier? We don’t even have a proper striker. What we have witnessed during preseason in attack is diabolical to say the least! We must keep Tavernier and give him his well earned testimonial next season.”

David Gray suffered the first bump in the road as Hibs boss as his Leith outfit crashed against Kelty Hearts. And Willie Wood, Penicuik, raged: “That result