Philippe Clement sack date ‘already set’ at Rangers after Ibrox embarrassment
Rangers could already have a date set to sack under-fire boss Philippe Clement.
Rangers crashed out of the Scottish Cup after a 1-0 loss against Queen’s Park on Sunday (9 February) as Clement’s last realistic chance of silverware slipped through his fingers in front of a stunned Ibrox.
Seb Drozd opened the scoring after 69 minutes for the Scottish Championship outfit, and that proved enough to send the Light Blues packing after goalkeeper Calum Ferrie saved James Tavernier’s contentious last-gasp penalty.
Nevertheless, Patrick Stewart and Co. now have a monumental decision to make in Glasgow, as there are no more excuses for Clement retaining his position at Rangers.
A decision could be made on Philippe Clement today
Rangers have six days to reflect on the Scottish Cup defeat before returning to Scottish Premiership action to face Hearts on 16 February.
After the clash at Tynecastle Park, the Light Blues’ SPFL and Europa League schedule will come thick and fast, meaning a decision on Clement ideally must be made on Monday (10 February).
The Belgian’s time at Ibrox is running out, and although he has promised to turn the corner this year, particularly after the 3-0 win against Celtic on 2 January, Rangers are stuck in the same dance.
For everyone involved with the Light Blues, it is clear as day that Clement is not the long-term solution to bridge the ever-growing gap to the Bhoys at the top of the SPFL.
The current 13-point gap is evidence enough, and now the Gers supporters will be forced to sit idly by while their Glaswegian rivals march on to a likely domestic treble, while all the eggs at Ibrox will be naively thrown into the Europa League.
Indeed, the top-eight finish in the league phase is a “huge” achievement for Clement, but when his side fails to get the better of second-tier opposition, it is foolish to suggest they will fare any better against top-level European opposition.
A new manager would help lift the mood at Ibrox and prove to the disgruntled supporters that the new look board is well-tasked with making the best decisions in the long-term interests of the club – the next 24 hours be pivotal for the Gers’ future.
Rangers must sever ties with Philippe Clement
The growing divide between Rangers and the supporters will only begin to heal once Clement is shown the door at Ibrox.
Throughout the campaign, those who pay good money to watch the side week in and week out have called for the Belgian to be dismissed.
Even a series of planned protests aimed at Stewart following his public backing of Clement fell on deaf ears.
The warning signs have been there since the early weeks of the season, yet no one within Ibrox is willing to take control of the situation and make the blatantly obvious decision that is staring them in the face.
When the Light Blues prepare for football every three days, there will be no time left to make a managerial change while the side clings to the slim hope of European success.
Then, the excuses heard all too much before will undoubtedly follow – it is time to break the cycle.