Simon Jordan hits back after what’s said about Rangers and Clement live on air
Philippe Clement cannot be properly judged at Rangers until they are on a level playing field with Celtic financially, Simon Jordan has said.
Speaking with Bill Leckie on talkSPORT (6 January, 12:36pm), Jordan argued that despite failing to capitalise on his side’s Old Firm victory over Celtic, Clement is being met with unfair criticism.
The Gers were twice begged back from 2-0 and 3-2 up to draw with Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday, but Jordan argued that Clement with better financial backing would be a different proposition.
Leckie said: “[Yesterday] was Rangers pretty much reverting to type, and I think it puts Clement back in the position he was in before, where the Rangers fans are just despairing of where they’re going.”
Jordan replied: “Unless you’re going to bridge the gap between the economics of what Celtic spend, then you’re going to struggle.
“Six weeks ago, we were talking about Rangers couldn’t even get into second place – they’re now in a comfortable second place, and still the narrative runs against Clement.
“I think it’s slightly unfair. The bottom line for me is, I think Clement needs to be given a bit more latitude and a bit more financial support before you start really, really judging him.”
Philippe Clement running out of excuses at Rangers
The Light Blues being so consistently inconsistent this term hasn’t helped Clement’s cause when it comes to the line that he’s building a style of play, despite some impressive results along the way.
Thumping their arch-rivals 3-0 at Ibrox on 2 January – Clement’s first ever Old Firm victory – could have been a watershed moment for the Belgian, only for Gers to follow it up with a 3-3 draw at Easter Road.
Clement’s tactical setup away from home being the talking point, rather than Hamza Igamane’s perfect hat-trick, is a great shame for Bears fans, and will only heighten the speculation surrounding his future.
While it’s true that much more money is being spent on transfers on the other side of Glasgow, much less was spent by David Gray at Easter Road in the summer, yet Clement’s side couldn’t get past Hibs.
Joining Celtic at the top of the financial tree looks unlikely at present given the rate at which money has been wasted at Ibrox, though if and when that day comes, don’t expect Clement to be in the dugout.
In other Rangers news, the Bears are already looking at ways to bolster their defensive line amid a spate of injuries this month.
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