Soccer news: San Francisco 49ers ownership group to blame for Leeds Utd, Rangers struggles

This summer brought renewed optimism for Leeds United and Rangers fans, with both clubs promised big funds and even bigger aims by their shared owners.

Leeds were assured of a £150 million budget in order to equip boss Daniel Farke with the necessary signings to avoid a Premier League relegation battle.

Rangers, for their part, spent a large portion of the summer eagerly awaiting the appointment of a new manager that could build off the strong foundations left by Barry Ferguson following a disappointing spell under Philippe Clement.

However, the two clubs are now enduring difficulties, with fingers being pointed at ownership decisions in terms of actions taken and actions not taken.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Samuel Leasley takes a look at the parallel misery of the Whites and the Gers.

Farke’s toothless attack remains an issue

Aside from the 5-0 drubbing at Arsenal, it is clear that Leeds have tightened up in defence, with only a fluke own goal at Fulham on the weekend preventing the Whites from gaining a third clean sheet in four.

Yet, Farke continues to emphasise the lack of firepower he has been granted in his attack as Lukas Nmecha’s opening-day penalty against Everton remains the only goal Leeds have scored this season.

It is still too early to see if the signings of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor will prove quality buys, but it is already clear there is a lack of firepower up front.

The departed Manor Solomon has not been successfully replaced and a last-ditch attempt to sign Harry Wilson fell through due to Fulham pulling the plug.

With roughly £50 million still available from that reported transfer budget granted by the 49ers, Leeds will hope action is taken in January to aid their survival hopes while also holding thumbs that Farke can squeeze as much out of his existing squad as possible.

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Martin’s leaking ship continues to sink

Over in Scotland, Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland scored a double on Saturday that silenced the home support at Ibrox, as if Rangers fans simply could not believe that Russell Martin’s tenure was getting worse.

Under Martin’s management, Rangers have been embarrassed by Club Brugge in the Champions League play-offs, not won a single league game in five, and scraped past Alloa Athletic in the Scottish League Cup.

The Gers now sit 10th in the Scottish Premier League – a massive nine points behind Celtic and Hearts, and they look completely disjointed as a squad.

While it understandably looks to be the end of the road for Martin, the board have to be held responsible for his appointment and face the scrutiny of fans who were opposed to his appointment.

Although Ferguson didn’t hold the same credentials as many of the candidates Rangers had on offer, he instilled a sense of passion and pride for the club and its players that had been sorely lacking in recent seasons, and the interim manager arguably should have been given the job permanently for this season.

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What comes next for both clubs?

At Leeds, it’s clear that action will need to be taken in January regardless of the Whites’ league position, whether that be continuing the interest in Wilson or spending big on another centre forward.

The rewards of Premier League survival far exceed the risks of a single signing and Farke has to be backed to fire his squad to a minimum of 17th place.

Rangers, on the other hand, are likely in the market for a new manager despite Martin holding onto the role for the moment.

Many have called for the return of Steven Gerrard to Ibrox, with others pushing for the recently unemployed Nuno Espirito Santo.

Whoever eventually takes over at Rangers will have a huge job on their hands, though, and could see any potential title charge postponed until at least the 2026/27 season.

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