Rangers: Barry Ferguson blown away after personal conversation with Philippe Clement

Barry Ferguson is confident Rangers are in good hands for the long term after speaking personally with Philippe Clement in Spain last week.

The former Gers midfielder bumped into Clement while the team were in La Manga as part of their warm-weather training camp.

Clement has worked wonders since succeeding Michael Beale in the Ibrox dugout, suffering just one loss in his 18 matches in charge.

Rangers

Writing in his Daily Record column [19 January], Ferguson said: “Trust me when I say it, this guy really gets what Rangers are all about.

“And I can think of no bigger compliment to pay him. He’s a straight talking man who doesn’t use big words or any fancy dan phrases.

“He’s just a down to earth football man who understands what it means to be in charge of this club and the demands that come with the job.

“Most of all, he realises that the key to life as the Rangers manager is to be a winner. I’ll be honest here, I’m not easily impressed.

“But I walked away thinking to myself, ‘That’s one impressive individual – this guy really does get what it’s all about!’.

“I’ve also met more than a few managers in my time. Some good. Some others not so much. So I know a proper one when I see one.

“He fully understands the club, the demands and the expectations. And I was left with the feeling that my old club is in really good hands.”

Impressive figure

Clement not only talks the talk, he also walks the walk. He was quick to outline his plans for Rangers when taking over and has stuck to his word.

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Rangers have been a completely different side since his arrival in October, but the worry is that the appointment came a tad too late.

As well as the Gers have done in the league, the recent loss to Celtic – the only one of Clement’s reign – means that there is still work to be done.

After a short break for the players and then a bit of training in Spain, let’s just hope they are ready to hit the ground running upon their return.

Not to overstate it, but every game now really is as big as the last one as the Gers look to add more trophies to the one already lifted this term.

In other Rangers news, an exit-linked Gers link has taken to Twitter amid suggestions he is close to departing Ibrox.

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