Mustapha SheiduDanny Röhl Does the Unthinkable: Recalls ‘Bomb Squad’ Rangers Player in Shock Move
In a move that’s sent shockwaves through Scottish football, Rangers head coach Danny Röhl has pulled off the unthinkable. Just weeks into his tenure at Ibrox, the German tactician has recalled exiled defender Clinton Nsiala from the so-called “bomb squad”—a group of fringe players frozen out under predecessor Russell Martin’s disastrous reign. The 21-year-old French youth international, who joined Rangers on a free transfer from AC Milan last summer, could feature after international break.
Nsiala’s fall from grace was swift and brutal. After impressing in 13 appearances last season under Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson— including a standout midfield role in a 3-2 Europa League win over Real Betis—Martin deemed him surplus to requirements just 18 games into his ill-fated spell. Banished to train alone, Nsiala vented frustration through cryptic social media posts, openly celebrating Martin’s sacking in October. With Rangers hemorrhaging goals—conceding over two per game in recent Europa League ties—the timing couldn’t be more poignant.
Röhl, appointed on a two-and-a-half-year deal after a protracted search that saw Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat turn down the hot seat, wasted no time reshaping the squad. His astute assessment has already yielded three straight league wins, with seven goals scored and just one conceded. Nsiala’s reintegration offers defensive depth amid injuries and inconsistencies from the likes of Nasser Djiga and John Souttar, who drew heavy criticism after a 3-0 loss to Brann. At 6’3″ with pace and versatility, the ex-Milan academy product fits Röhl’s high-pressing, adaptable system like a glove.
Fans, weary from Martin’s £40m spending spree that weakened an already threadbare squad, are buzzing. “From bomb squad to starting XI? Röhl’s got balls,” tweeted one supporter. Yet questions linger: Will Nsiala deliver, or is this a desperate gamble in a title race Rangers trail Celtic by nine points? As Ibrox faithful chant for unity, Röhl’s bold stroke signals a new era—one built on redemption, not recriminations. If it pays off, the German could roar Rangers back to glory.
Nafisa