Graeme Souness shares Philippe Clement ‘concern’ at Ibrox after interviewing Rangers boss
Graeme Souness has shared some further insight on his decision to back Philippe Clement for the Rangers managerial job.
Former Gers player and manager Souness was part of an advisory board that concluded Clement was the right man to succeed Philippe Clement.
That proved an inspired call as Clement has worked wonders in his three months at Ibrox, but Souness admits he did have one “concern” at the time.
“When I was interviewing him it was clear he had stature,” Souness told the Daily Record [22 January]. “He holds the room when he speaks.
“In these situations I always put myself back in the dressing room as a player – does this guy retain my interest? Does he have a presence about him?
“It was clear to see Philippe has that. He also has a very good CV. The concern I had was the West of Scotland. Would he get what it’s all about?
“I think he did get that very early on. It’s a very different place to work but I got that from him immediately. I’m not surprised by the impact he’s made.”
Inspired choice
The delay in appointing Beale’s successor earlier in the season left many supporters frustrated, with talk dragging on over who would be next in charge.
Kevin Muscat was considered the favourite for a while – a man who very much would know about the “West of Scotland” given his time as a player at Ibrox.
Clement was a more left-field option, and it proved an inspired choice. The Belgian is now 19 games into his tenure and has lost just one of those.
The improvements made by the Gers over these past few months is clear to see, and hopefully it continues on this upward trajectory.
It is exciting to think what is possible when Clement has a full summer to work with this squad and add one or two more players of his own.
For now, though, focus is on catching Celtic in the league and advancing further in Europe.
In other Rangers news, Clement may have an uncomfortable call to make over a player’s future.
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