(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Tue 7 April 2026 19:10, UK

Philippe Clement is thriving as Norwich City boss, and was never given the chance to properly work with the 49ers at Rangers.

The 49ers fully completed their takeover of the Bears in May of 2025, just a couple of months after the club decided to part ways with Clement.

Admittedly, results and faith were slipping at Ibrox, and the Bears have been given a new lease of life under Danny Rohl.

However, given the Bears’ horrid start to the season, many fans have pondered over what would have been possible had Rohl been in Glasgow since the start.

But what if Clement had stayed with Rangers with the 49ers at the helm?

What would have happened between Philippe Clement and 49ers?

The 49ers have already shown through their short time at Ibrox that they are not scared to make big calls.

Andrew Cavenagh and Co. sacked Russell Martin earlier in the season after poor results, and followed that up by parting ways with Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell.

But what the 49ers have also shown is their ability to adapt and work closely with the managers to ensure they get the players they want, as seen with Rohl this winter.

Much has been said about Clement’s tactics and the players that he had, but there’s no doubt things may have panned out differently under the 49ers.

He is now climbing the Championship with Norwich City, who were looking doomed for relegation when he joined the Canaries.

Fast forward a couple of months, and he has them in with a chance of reaching the Championship Play-offs, for a shot at the Premier League.

Danny Rohl going down similar path to Clement

One of the main reasons that Rangers parted ways with Clement was that it was clear he wasn’t going to bring the Gers consistent results in terms of silverware.

Though,albeit he had a ship to turn around when arrived, Rohl has had his crack at winning the Bears silverware, too, with the Scottish Premiership his last hope this campaign.

There have already been early concerns regarding Rohl and his management of big games, which he never really had with Sheffield Wednesday, and that could lead the German to the same fate that Clement had.

One thing is for sure when comparing their time at Rangers in isolation, Rohl’s tactical fluidity is what could keep him in the job longer.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.