Philippe Clement ‘unmatched by all-time Rangers bosses’ after what’s happened
Rangers have hung Philippe Clement out to dry in the transfer market compared to how previous managers have been backed, according to Scott McDermott.
Writing in the Daily Record (5 February), McDermott argued Clement has been “unmatched” by previous Gers bosses and is out on his own after his plea for reinforcements on transfer Deadline Day were ignored at Ibrox.
Clement had hoped to potentially make two additions before the window closed [Scottish Daily Mail, 3 February], but other than Lyall Cameron signing a pre-contract to join in the summer, the Belgian has had to go without.
McDermott argued that given the Light Blues’ financial problems, the board’s approach is a sensible one, but expressed sympathy that Clement has been left with a squad “devoid of genuine speed” and quality.
Philippe Clement might just be out there on his own now as a Rangers manager.
“Unmatched, even by the club’s greatest gaffers including Walter Smith, Graeme Souness and Steven Gerrard,” McDermott wrote.
“No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you – you read that right. It’s quite possible the Belgian is now a unique Ibrox boss, different to all the rest.
“Not because of trophies won or honours achieved. Not because of European success or memorable victories. Instead, Clement probably now stands alone as the only manager in Rangers’ history to be told to work with what he’s got.
Philippe Clement footing the blame for Rangers failures
The winter transfer window has come and gone, and despite the Bears being 10 points behind Celtic in the Premiership title race, Clement has been given next to no help in order to close that gap.
Several of those list points fall squarely on Clement’s shoulders, but with a new-look Ibrox boardroom desperately trying to make up for the mistakes of the past, it feels as if the Belgian is paying the price.
Although the Gers’ qualification straight for the Europa League Last 16 brought a windfall few fans would have dreamed of earlier this season, it wasn’t utilised to strengthen the squad as had been hoped.
Numerous players in key positions were linked with late switches to Govan, but Lille loanee Rafael Fernandes remains the Gers’ only new signing this month whom Clement can make immediate use if.
The Gers are in no position to be throwing money around given how unsuccessful that’s proven in recent years, but with Clement needing assistance, it remains to be seen which direction this season takes next.
In other Rangers news, one Ibrox outcast has revealed the “obstacles” he’s faced after making his debut for his new club.
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