ACCORDING to a local Brummie legend, a curse has hung over St Andrew's for well over a century.
But while Philippe Clement is only nine months into his Rangers reign, the big Belgian must be starting to wonder just who it is that he has upset.
The truth is it's not bad luck but a long list of bad decisions that have left the Light Blues in their current wretched state with barely a week to go until the start of the Premiership campaign.
If losing warm-up clashes against Ajax and Manchester United was enough to set alarm bells ringing, then going down so feebly to a team languishing in England's third tier will have those chimes rattling off the walls.
The recruitment wheels are finally starting to turn with Connor Goldson and Todd Cantwell heading out and Vaclav Cerny arriving.
But there's more, much more than that required if Rangers are to avoid spending another year watching Celtic disappear over the horizon.
Skipper James Tavernier may be among the next to depart. If so, his final act was to hand Birmingham the opener as he headed past Liam Kelly early doors.
The OG was followed up by Alfie May's strike as Scott Wright's slick second-half finish wasn't enough to stop Gers slumping to their third straight pre-season loss.
This story is from the July 25, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 25, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PLAYING THROUGH THE PAIN
Hastings set to line up for Warriors amid family anguish
SERVE & LOLLY
No butlers, no chauffeurs - just grit and determination as rich kid Pegula chases first Slam
RIP JENNY.FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
Floral tributes laid as Scott Hastings' family mourn missing mum of two
Munroes challenge in name of tragic Claire
Viv is scaling 16 peaks in 16-day campaign against violence
AVALANCHE IN ANDES KILLS SCOTS SKIER ANDREA, 27
Adventurer in three-strong party when tragedy struck
EARTH'S HOTTEST SUMMER
Europe cools but world is heating up
KIDS FACING SURGE IN ONLINE 'SEXTORTION'
More victimised than ever
20-A-DAY MARY HITS THE CENTURY
Doctors say 100-year-old has clear lungs and sound heart
SNIDE AWAY
Smug' Liam tells fan complaining about ticket 'rip off to SHUTUP
BADGE OF DISHONOUR
Thug convicted of attacking wife lands job in US as a deputy sheriff looking after prisoners