Philippe Clement sack: Alex Rae tipped to be in charge of Rangers v Celtic
Rangers should place Alex Rae in charge over Philippe Clement against Celtic on Thursday, Bill Leckie has suggested.
Writing in the Scottish Sun (30 December), Leckie said the 2-2 draw at Motherwell on 29 December was an “insult” to their fans, and said that Clement cannot be in the job to face Celtic.
Arguing that anyone, most likely Rae, would be a better option in the dugout than Clement for the Old Firm on 2 January, Leckie suggested the atmosphere would be toxic if he remained in charge.
He said: “If (Clement) is in the dugout for the Old Firm game on Thursday after this insult to every Gers supporter, and to every player who ever ran through the pain barrier for the club’s badge, that stadium will be so toxic.
“That’s why they should do themselves a favour and bin him now.
“Stick wee Alex Rae in charge for the day. Or the kitman. Or the tea lady. Or some random punter picked out of a hat.
“Or better still, cut out the middleman and hand the reins to the sports science department.”
Philippe Clement on thin ice ahead of Rangers v Celtic
After failing to build on the strong form in recent weeks with two dismal displays against St. Mirren and Motherwell, there is no side Clement would rather be facing less than Celtic.
The Belgian has never beaten the Light Blues’ arch-rivals in six attempts since taking charge, and though they were pushed all the way in the League Cup Final, Celtic still came away as winners on penalties.
Clement will have been encouraged by the recent 3-3 draw at Hampden Park, but he may never get the chance to face them again if the trigger is pulled before Thursday’s clash.
That would be hardly surprising given the massive drop-off in intensity, fight and quality in the Bears’ last two games, which have seen them fall 14 points behind in what is no longer a Scottish Premiership ‘title race’.
Rae taking the reins for an Old Firm derby would be a huge baptism of fire for the former Gers midfielder, but fed-up fans first face a waiting game when it comes to Clement’s position at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, the club have agreed another off-field appointment with a four-month wait until they take charge at Ibrox.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.