“Rangers in Crisis: Ex-Ibrox Star Rips Into Flop Signings in Brutal Rant – ‘I Feel Sorry for Connor Barron!’

Steven Naismith has expressed sympathy for Connor Barron’s situation at Rangers this season while also casting a critical eye over three of the club’s marquee signings.

The former Hearts manager singled out Cyriel Dessers, Danilo, and Nedim Bajrami, suggesting that the trio—signed with high expectations—have failed to live up to their billing.

Naismith used the recent clash with Athletic Bilbao as a prime example, stating that these high-profile players were brought in to make an instant impact and take control of such important matches.

Instead, he claims, they’ve come up short, leaving players like Barron to pick up the slack.

Barron, who arrived from Aberdeen, was expected to be a squad player but has instead become a prominent figure throughout the season.

Naismith believes that the young midfielder is still in the process of learning how to cope with the expectations and pressure that come with playing for Rangers—a huge step up from his time at Pittodrie.

Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, Naismith said:

“Connor Barron was likely brought to Rangers as a depth option, but he’s ended up having to play a much bigger role than anticipated.

Meanwhile, you look at the likes of Dessers, Danilo, and Bajrami—these are your big-money signings, the ones who should be guiding the team through the tough moments, especially in matches like the one against Bilbao. But it just hasn’t worked out that way.”

He added:

“It hasn’t gone to plan at all with those experienced, expensive signings.

They’re supposed to be your go-to guys, but they haven’t delivered. That’s why I’ve found myself feeling for Barron.

He’s been thrown into challenging situations, and when the team hasn’t performed, he’s been one of the ones fans and pundits have looked at.

But this is a young Scottish lad who came through at Aberdeen—coming to Rangers is a completely different environment.

The expectations and intensity are massive. He’s still learning, still figuring out how to become a Rangers player.”

Naismith’s perspective was echoed by fellow pundit Steven Thompson, who believes Barron has actually surpassed expectations during his first season in Glasgow.

Thompson acknowledged that Barron made an immediate impact at the start of the campaign, though his form naturally dipped as the season progressed—a pattern that he says is entirely normal, even for seasoned professionals.

He also suggested that interim manager Barry Ferguson should focus on giving younger players opportunities in the remaining matches, especially with Rangers set to finish second in the league.

Thompson said:

“I think at the start of the season, Barron definitely exceeded expectations.

His performances were really strong early on, even if they did tail off a bit—and that’s just part of a normal season for any player.

He’s played far more than I expected, and maybe that says something about the overall quality—or lack thereof—in the Rangers squad.”

He continued:

“He made his mark early and held onto his place because, frankly, there wasn’t much competition forcing him out of the team.

Now, with five games left and nothing much to play for, I’d be looking at the younger players.

Rangers are finishing second, and while the Old Firm derby still holds importance, by the time it rolls around Celtic will likely have sealed the title.

If Rangers win, Celtic will just brush it off saying they’d already secured the league.”

“That’s why I’d take this opportunity to integrate some of the promising young players into the matchday squad.

It’s a chance for whoever takes charge permanently to evaluate them ahead of the summer—see if they’re ready to step up, join pre-season, and compete for a place.”