Nigel Spackman calls for Rangers to hire senior man as support for Philippe Clement
Nigel Spackman has told the Rangers board they should recruit Graeme Souness in a supportive role to Philippe Clement, with his experience and knowledge of the club a possible boost.
The former Gers midfielder has claimed Clement could benefit from Souness’ stewardship, and that the Scot wouldn’t be a threat to his position but a supportive influence.
Spackman went on to say that Souness’ presence would be a help to everybody at the club, including the behind-the-scenes staff as well as the boss and players.
Speaking to the Daily Record [23 October], Spackman suggested: “When you look at the knowledge and the respect he [Souness] commands in world football, I think it would be a great move to have him back at the club in any capacity.
“When it comes to the owners, I would be saying, ‘Whatever Graeme wants us to do, let’s do it’. Graeme has a wealth of experience in football. He’s obviously been involved in football for his entire life at every single level.
“It would be hugely beneficial to Philippe. Graeme would not be there as a threat. He’s not looking to get back into management – his sole motivation is helping Rangers. He had a part in appointing Philippe and he will be determined to help him be successful.
“The new manager has a lot of experience in the game and he’ll have his own ideas. But to have a soundboard in someone like Graeme would be beneficial to any manager.
“No one knows Rangers more than him. It’s not just for the manager and coaching staff. It will be a huge help for the people who are running the club.”
Taking things too far
There’s no doubt that Souness’ wealth of knowledge and experience in football would have a beneficial impact on anybody within the game, but to suggest he should play some sort of advisory role for the new boss is a bit of an outlandish suggestion.
After all, Clement is experienced in his own right. He’s managed at the top level in European football and, while a bit of support can always be helpful, he knows what he’s doing.
People may have been brainwashed by the struggles of the inexperienced Michael Beale, who probably could have done with the guidance and advice of his seniors, into thinking all new bosses need extra help.
And nothing would say ‘backing the manager’ quite like bringing in a senior advisor to oversee his decisions, would it?
People need to trust that the new boss will be able to deliver his vision and fall in line with the expectations of the club without any external influence pressuring him to do so.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton hit back at the Daily Record after what they said.