Rangers claim emerges on Derek McInnes replacing Philippe Clement

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes’ audition to be the next Rangers manager could not have been any worse, believes Andy Newport.

The Daily Record journalist wrote on 4 December after Kilmarnock lost 6-0 to Philippe Clement’s side at Ibrox that McInnes’ side are struggling and it may not be the time for him to take the step up in his career.

Despite the win, the Ibrox outfit find themselves 11 points behind Celtic who beat Aberdeen 1-0 on Wednesday.

Newport wrote: “McInnes has been tipped as the man to pick up the pieces should Clement fail to provide the answers shareholders are looking for on Thursday.

“But this audition couldn’t have gone any worse, with his side stuck just a point above the relegation spots have now gone five without a win.”

Rangers fans are now unlikely to consider Derek McInnes as a viable candidate

McInnes’ side’s performance at Ibrox, resulting in a 6-0 defeat, would indeed be a hard sell to Gers fans if he were considered for the managerial position.

Clement, already under scrutiny from some sections of the support, has had his team perform convincingly against McInnes’ side that’s struggling in the league.

For the Kilmarnock boss to be taken seriously by the Rangers board and fanbase, he would need to demonstrate a significant turnaround at Rugby Park or show a different calibre of management.

His current situation at Kilmarnock, where they are barely above the relegation zone, does not inspire confidence in his readiness for the job at Ibrox.

Also, with an impressive win like this, Clement will perhaps be given some more leeway and is likely to be in his position until the end of the year.

Philippe Clement
Credit: Imago

However, the game is pretty fluid and back-to-back losses would once again see the pressure ramping up on him.

In other Rangers news, a first-team player is in his last season at Ibrox and not in Philippe Clement’s long-term plans.

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