Keith Jackson on Michael Beale-like black cloud over Philippe Clement at Rangers

Rangers: Michael Beale-like cloud could hang over Philippe Clement soon at Ibrox

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

22 Apr 2024, 5:40 am

Keith Jackson has insisted that Philippe Clement could finish this season with a Michael Beale-like cloud over his head at Rangers.

The former manager got off to a similar start as Clement, having gone unbeaten in his first 14 matches in charge before tasting defeat at the hands of Celtic.

Despite claiming victory in 31 of his 43 games in charge, two more defeats in the final Old Firm games of the season could leave the Belgian with a Beale-like cloud over him.

Writing for the Daily Record on Monday (22 April), Jackson wrote: "If he [Clement] can find a way to win behind enemy lines in the final league skirmish he may yet win the lot this season, which would represent a truly remarkable return.

"Or he could end up on the end of a couple of beatings then head off on holiday in the kind of situation which Michael Beale dragged onto the beach this time last year. Like a big black cloud."

Philippe Clement facing Michael Beale fate at Rangers?

While the Belgian has provided newly-found confidence at Ibrox since arriving in October, his record against Celtic cannot be ignored if current trends continue.

Beale faced the Hoops on six occasions, claiming just a single victory in the Scottish Premiership, while Clement has yet to do any better than a draw against Brendan Rodgers.

Rangers have been defeated twice by their rivals this season, with a 3-3 draw at Ibrox most recently coming in the Scottish Premiership amid a thrilling title race.

Philippe Clement is hoping his Rangers side can beat Celtic to the title

Clement has done wonders since replacing Beale, closing an incredible gap between the two sides at the top of the table, though his inexperience in Scotland could show in the end-of-season run-in.

Despite this, there are still two clashes to come before the season ends, in the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park and the Scottish Premiership, which Clement could use to smash out any worries about his future.

In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has torn into the Gers players after what they did.

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Michael Beale

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