Van Bronckhorst put on final warning

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is safe for now but any points dropped tomorrow against Hearts will bring his time in charge to an end, just short of one year at the club.

A record breaking Champions League performance followed by falling seven points behind Celtic at the weekend turned the tide firmly against the former Dutch internationalist.

Loyal bears flooded social media demanding sackings while a few gullible fans asked James Tavernier why the players hadn’t waved to the Union Bears after the defeat from St Johnstone.

On Monday morning the ever reliable Jim White informed TalkSPORT listeners that there were no plans for change inside the club with Jordan Campbell of The Athletic similarly briefed.

Despite growing backing for David Martindale to take charge no serious alternative has been suggested but late on Monday night The Sun added to the Stand By Gio message- with a Wednesday Night Warning

Gio’s Gers have fallen seven points adrift of league leaders Celtic. but SunSport understands there is an appreciation within the club’s hierarchy that results and performances have suffered because of injuries to a number of key players including big signings John Souttar, Tom Lawrence and Ridvan Yilmaz.

Van Bronckhorst accepts he is still fighting for his future ahead of tomorrow night’s vital league cinch Premiership clash with Hearts at Ibrox. Anything other than a Gers victory could see his position become untenable.

But club bosses are planning for the 47-year-old being in charge throughout the World Cup break when star names should return to fitness.

An announcement is expected on Tuesday morning to confirm a friendly clash with German outfit Bayer Leverkusen at Ibrox on December 10.

With a contract running until May 2025 it would be very convenient for the Ibrox board if van Bronckhorst was to resign, walking away from two and a half years of salary.