Philippe Clement red flag emerges already after what Rangers did recently

Keith Jackson has questioned the decision to hand Philippe Clement a new contract after Rangers' opening match of the Scottish Premiership on Saturday (3 August).

The Gers travelled to Hearts for a 0-0 draw with Steven Naismith's side while their Old Firm rivals Celtic beat Kilmarnock in a convincing 4-0 victory on Sunday 4 August.

The club announced [3 August], just 24 hours before the Light Blues' match against the Jam Tarts, that Clement had put pen to paper on a new contract at Ibrox, and Jackson is far from convinced by the decision.

Writing for the Daily Record on Monday (5 August), he wrote: "More than 24 hours before a ball had been kicked on Gorgie Road, it did seem like some sort of concession was being made when it was announced that manager Philippe Clement has been handed a new deal, tying him down until 2028.

"It’s difficult to work out if this was a white flag or a red one because it screamed out a message that Rangers supporters are just going to have to like or lump the big Belgian for the foreseeable future, regardless of results."

Philippe Clement must earn new Rangers contract extension

While it is far too early for fans to panic about the Scottish Premiership title race against the Hoops, Clement will already be under immeasurable pressure after the opening match of the season.

The Gers' pre-season preparations were far from ideal, facing three straight defeats against Ajax, Manchester United and Birmingham City, before a 4-4 draw with Union Berlin.

The new manager's rebuild has been continuous throughout the summer transfer window, with centre-back Robin Propper just the latest addition to his squad.

Clearly, chairman John Bennett wants to show his support for the Belgian following a mixed first campaign in Scotland, having been beaten to the league title and Scottish Cup, but lifting the League Cup.

Clement will need more time for his new players to bond at Ibrox, but following Rangers' 0-0 draw against Hearts, he is running out of time for that to happen before games start coming thick and fast.

In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton clashed over a new Lawrence Shankland to Ibrox verdict.

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