Has Derek McInnes Already Got a Rangers Problem?
Derek McInnes was brought in as the steady hand Rangers needed.
Three competitive games into his reign, though, steady is hardly the word being used.
A draw at Dundee United, Europa League defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok and Sunday's home loss to Hibernian leave McInnes without a win, with familiar concerns already creeping back into the conversation.
It is far too early to write off a new manager, but Rangers fans are entitled to ask whether history is beginning to repeat itself.
A Result That Should Concern Rangers Fans
A 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian on Sunday was concerning, particularly given how the game unfolded.
Martin Boyle gave Hibs an early lead and, although Rangers enjoyed plenty of possession, they struggled to turn that pressure into clear-cut chances.
Miguel Chaiwa's own goal appeared to rescue a point with five minutes remaining, only for Hibernian to immediately hit back and snatch victory in stoppage time.
It means Hibs have now won at Ibrox in consecutive league seasons, while Rangers remain without a league victory under McInnes.
Coming just three days after their Europa League defeat to Jagiellonia Białystok, the result has ensured the new manager's start is already under serious scrutiny.
Celtic, meanwhile, began the weekend with a comfortable 5-1 victory at Rugby Park, making Rangers' slow start look even more frustrating.
The Russell Martin Comparisons Are Already Here
Nobody expected the Russell Martin comparisons to disappear overnight, particularly after Rangers' previous managerial disaster.
Martin's spell at Ibrox lasted just 123 days, during which he produced one of the club's lowest win rates.
McInnes was appointed to provide stability, bringing extensive Scottish football experience and a reputation for getting teams organised and competitive.
Three games is nowhere near enough evidence to judge whether he can succeed at Rangers, but the results have inevitably invited comparisons.
McInnes is still searching for his first win, Rangers have already lost at home, and there have been signs of uncertainty in his team selections.
The circumstances are completely different from Martin's tenure, but Rangers supporters have seen enough managerial false starts to understand why patience is already being tested.
Why It Isn't a Crisis...Yet
There are plenty of reasons for Rangers to remain patient.
McInnes inherited a squad undergoing significant change, with several new arrivals still adapting and long-serving captain James Tavernier departing during the summer.
Injuries have also limited his options, while European qualification has added extra pressure to an already busy opening schedule.
Most importantly, he has only managed three competitive games.
The Europa League tie against Jagiellonia is still alive heading into the second leg, and Rangers have plenty of domestic football ahead of them before their Old Firm meeting with Celtic at Parkhead on 20 September.
That gives McInnes time to find his best team and, crucially, start winning games.
However, Rangers are not renowned for giving managers unlimited time.
If the winless run continues through the coming weeks, the pressure will increase quickly.
McInnes was brought in to restore stability at Ibrox – and while three games cannot define his tenure, the next few could prove important in deciding how much patience he is afforded.
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