El- Hadji Diouf: Fans split on player whose reputation precedes him

Rangers fans admit that El- Hadji Diouf's capture is a risk if he exhibits signs of the suspect temperament which has bedevilled his career to date. However, they are prepared to give the player a chance to prove wrong the many doubters included even within the Ibrox club's own support.

John Macmillan, the general secretary of the Rangers Supporters' Association, accepted that "the man comes with a reputation which is hard to admire".

MacMillan said: "His (Diouf's] reputation precedes him. I have not seen much of him as a football player. But the way he seems to have conducted himself does not sound good to me. I have severe reservations about it. I suppose the proof of the pudding is in the eating. If he can come here and help us win the championship and behave himself, that's a different matter.

"I really don't know who else he (Smith] has tried to get. Maybe there was no-one else available at the price Rangers could afford to pay, which doesn't appear to be very much.

"But the jury is not out on this guy (Diouf]. His reputation cannot be hidden. It's not as if he has been unlucky. I don't know whether he is a robust player on the park or not, but anyone who spits at people is despicable.

"It's maybe wrong to pre-judge the guy, but, if he gets up to any of these disgusting things that he has been guilty of in the past, then he is not a player I would like to see in a Rangers jersey. I can only hope he proves us all wrong. If he behaves himself, fine, but if he shows any signs of the temperament he has shown in the past, he will be a liability."

Rangers Supporters' Trust chairman Steven Smith acknowledged a schism within the club's support over whether Diouf's arrival should be welcomed or not. "He is now dealing with a manager who will not tolerate signs of the behaviour he has got away with in the past," said Smith.

"A significant amount of people don't want him anywhere near the club, while others are saying give him a chance. This could be a highly-significant move for him if he learns to toe the line. He has said all the right things so far about wanting to play for Rangers. That's what people want to hear."