Patrick Stewart torn to shreds after what he said about Rangers – ‘Absolute state’
Rangers have been in a constant carousel of crashes back down to earth in recent months and years, not helped by a fragmented board.
Key figures both on and off the pitch have been slammed by pundits and journalists alike, with a reality check appearing to hit supporters in the form of a dose of club incompetence every time matters look like they have improved.
Patrick Stewart has attracted his share of criticism since arriving, while Philippe Clement’s job has been regularly declared untenable – the latest of these shouts coming following an abysmal Ibrox defeat at the hands of Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup (9 February).
Stewart hammered in Rangers rant from Keown
Stewart only arrived at Rangers as CEO in December, but his matter of weeks in charge have been littered with criticism.
Many Gers fans are far from convinced the former Manchester United director has shown anything to indicate he will turn the tide at Ibrox and help make their beloved side competitive again.
Gary Keown took to his column on page 95 of Sunday’s Scottish Mail (16 February) to lay into Stewart for his performance in the role thus far.
“Of Stewart, the minutes of the FAB (Fan Advisory Board) meeting stated: ‘It is a priority for him and the leadership team to set a clear strategy for the club before the end of the season.’ Before the end of the season? He’s already been in the building two months. Glaciers move faster than this,” Keown ranted.
“In truth, the whole thing about bringing in external consultants felt, from the off, like Stewart kicking the can down the road and buying himself time. Since then, there has been little to suggest he is going to go through the place like a dose of the salts. No sign of any dynamism from leadership positions that Rangers so desperately need.
“Conspicuous by his absence post-Queen’s Park, Stewart has certainly done himself few favours. When he first arrived, Rangers fans hoped he would be the breath of fresh air needed to get the club back on the straight and narrow. The fear now is that he’s just a ‘yes’ man for those responsible for the absolute state the place is in.”
Fans at Ibrox have had enough this season
With all the disjointedness, disorganisation and lack of accountability for mistakes taking place across the whole issue at Ibrox last summer, Rangers fans could have told anyone what would happen this season.
A sprinkling of miniature runs of form, attempting to polish the dirt with the complete and utter fragmentation behind the scenes.
Clement bears the brunt for a lot of it, given the inconsistencies on the field, but the managerial situation is merely the tip of the iceberg and little will change until the system is altered at the top.
Stewart for now remains unconvincing in his approach, but must be given the benefit of the doubt until the summer – after all, bar another Europa League run, there is nothing left other than pride and youth talent development to achieve this season.
If this summer is anything like the last and nothing looks remotely like heading in the direction it desperately needs, the message from the Rangers support will only become louder and clearer.