Only around 25 % of supporters clicked happy in a recent fan poll – the other 75 % either sat on the fence or said no outright. That means three in four fans aren’t sold on the idea of Davide Ancelotti stepping up to the hot seat at Ibrox, leaving him as popular a potential appointment as Michael Beale was when his name first surfaced.

It’s a brilliant illustration of divided opinion – some are desperate for fresh ideas, while plenty worry a rookie boss can’t handle Old Firm pressure. You only have to look back at our management shortlist deep-dive to see how Ancelotti went from dark horse to mainstream contender alongside Steven Gerrard and Russell Martin. Yet the poll suggests fans are still leaning toward experience over experimentation.

Part of the scepticism comes down to raw data – 75 % unconvinced by a coach with no senior role to his name. Fair enough, given Rangers demand instant success. Even a respected voice in European football pointed out that Davide’s rise has been under Carlo’s wing at Madrid, Bayern and Everton, rather than in a dugout alone – major update here if you missed it. Fans know pedigree matters, but pedigree alone doesn’t always win trophies.

From an outside perspective, this divide is only natural. A recent analysis argued that a complete lack of head-coach experience might actually pose less risk than hiring someone who cut their teeth in youth football – a direct comparison between Ancelotti and Gerrard’s early careers  . But here at Ibrox Noise we know our crowd: half will back potential, half will back a proven winner – and only a quarter are willing to gamble on a name alone.

In the end, the board will have to weigh up that 25 % goodwill against the 75 % caution. And if you’re yet to vote, you know where to find the poll. After all, Rangers fans never do anything by halves – whether that’s backing an icon or demanding someone who’s cut their teeth in fire.