Philippe Clement to need a ‘Miracle’ as new Rangers sack verdict shared
Keith Jackson says Philippe Clement may need a “miracle” to save his future at Rangers after a poor season.
The Gers find themselves sitting 10 points away from Celtic – who have a game in hand – at the top of the table, reflecting the disappointing campaign they have had under Clement.
This has left the manager’s position under plenty of speculation and, although the Light Blues hierarchy are standing by him for now, there has been vocal disappointment from many supporters.
Writing in the Daily Record (30 January), Jackson admitted he feels the Belgian still has plenty of convincing to do as he wrote: “‘I’m not Harry Potter. I don’t have a magic stick’. That’s how Clement put it in his own words when he was being uncloaked as Michael Beale’s successor. Well, here’s a new flash for the Big Belgian, as if he didn’t realise already.
“He had better start raking around in the attic looking for that missing wand because right now it doesn’t feel like even a magic touch might be enough. He’s more likely to be in need of a miracle if he is not going to be the latest casualty of this never-ending war with the neighbours from across town.”
On the fact Rangers are languishing behind their rivals financially Jackson added: “It would take a cold, dark heart not to at least feel a bit of empathy for Clement even if his own wonky decision making has contributed largely to the situation he now finds himself in. Clinging onto his position, as he is, against the considerable weight of public opinion.
“Of course, at least he’s still in there fighting. You have to hand it to the man for that. There may be an element of sheer stubbornness about his unwillingness to bend and there are some Rangers fans who view his refusal to throw in the towel as another stick to beat him with. Be that a magic one or not.”
Philippe Clement still hanging on at Rangers
Given how poor Rangers have been this season, it is somewhat surprising that Clement still finds himself in a job at Ibrox, especially given how vocal some supporters have been about their unhappiness.
That being said, with the Scottish Premiership title almost certainly out of the picture this term, there has to be questions over what, if any difference, making a change at this point in the campaign would achieve.
Furthermore, with suggestions that the Belgian has been able to stay put in Glasgow for so long due to the Gers being unable to pay him out of his contract, certainly highlights a bigger issue at the club in the way it is run from the top end.
Nevertheless, it does feel like it it just a matter of time with Clement and even if he holds on to the end of the season now, it is unlikely we will see him take the Gers forward in the long run, unless some form of a miracle was to occur.
In other Rangers news, this Gers ace is expected to cost a record sum amid interest from two English clubs.
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