Philippe Clement, Rangers manager. Credit: Imago
Philippe Clement, Rangers manager. Credit: Imago

David Edgar baffled by recent Rangers decision, 'Can't get my head round that'

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on

David Edgar was confused by Philippe Clement's decision not to give Rangers youngsters minutes against St Johnstone.

With the Gers facing an injury crisis in defence in recent weeks - James Tavernier, John Souttar, Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo all sidelined - Robin Propper and Clinton Nsiala teamed up on Sunday 12 January.

After just 25 minutes, Clement's side were three goals ahead, giving Clement the perfect chance to give some youth players minutes, but he had decided not to include them in the matchday squad.

After Clement spoke about the decision not to play Findlay Curtis against the Saints, David Edgar reacted via X [13 January]: "This was very interesting to me. My argument is that we had to play Nsiala through necessity and won in a canter.

"So why would it have been a risk to have [Bailey] Rice or Curtis on the bench and get them 20 minutes? If we can’t play young lads in games versus a doomed side at Ibrox, when can we?"

When one fan pointed out Rice's appearance against Nice in the Europa League, Edgar replied via X: "I can't get my head round that, especially for games at home versus very poor sides."

Philippe Clement being attacked from all angles at Rangers

The Belgian is under immense pressure from the supporters, with many believing he should have been sacked a long time ago, yet he remains at Ibrox.

Attentions have turned to the Ibrox boardroom and Patrick Stewart, which seems to have deflected some of the heat away from the manager, but some of his decisions are still confusing.

Nsiala's promotion to the first team is certainly one of them, given his recent errors at youth level after arriving in the summer as a free transfer, and yet to really impress.

With Leon King sitting on the bench, it seems almost certain that the 21-year-old academy graduate is edging closer and closer to a permanent exit, whether fans like it or not.

Clement has really struggled to bring youngsters through to the first team during his tenure at Ibrox, and that trend is clearly continuing as the likes of Rice and Curtis continue to miss senior chances.

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.

Ibrox News
www.ibroxnews.com