Rangers FC has made the significant decision to part ways with manager Philippe Clement after 16 months at the helm. This decision follows a disappointing home defeat to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, which leaves the club trailing leaders Celtic by 13 points with just 11 matches remaining in the season.
Clement’s departure comes on the heels of a shocking 1-0 loss to Championship side Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, effectively eliminating Rangers from contention for domestic silverware this season, following their defeat in the League Cup final against Celtic. Despite these setbacks, he managed to guide Rangers through to the last 16 of the Europa League.
Rangers released a statement confirming the sacking, expressing gratitude for Clement’s efforts and contributions during his tenure. A comprehensive update on the situation will be provided soon.
The decision to dismiss Clement arrives just seven months after he received a one-year contract extension, and shortly after the appointment of a new assistant coach. Comments from pundits have suggested that a managerial change was necessary as criticism mounted regarding the team’s performance and lack of cohesive strategy under Clement.
Historical Context: Rangers’ Managerial Challenges
Clement becomes one of the shortest-serving permanent managers in the club’s history, reflecting the ongoing instability at Ibrox. The current management phase is under a “root and branch review” led by independent experts, alongside ongoing discussions with San Francisco 49ers regarding a potential multi-million-pound takeover.
What Led to Clement’s Dismissal?
Upon taking charge last October, Clement initially revitalized the squad, helping the team to impressive scores before results began to dwindle. His leadership led to a League Cup victory—the club’s first since 2011—but inconsistency began to creep in, highlighted by a troubling string of performances that included significant point losses in the Premiership.
Despite some promising moments, including a victory in an old firm match and advancement in European competition, the team’s failures in cup competitions and dismal performance in league play led to mounting pressure and ultimately resulted in his sacking.
Possible Successors for Rangers’ Managerial Role
As Rangers embarks on the search for their fifth manager since November 2021, speculation regarding potential replacements is already rampant. Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, currently without a position after leaving his role at a Saudi club, is a name that frequently arises among supporters who yearn for his return to Ibrox. Others in consideration could include Gennaro Gattuso, Kevin Muscat, and Derek McInnes, who have all garnered significant attention as viable candidates.
Time will tell as Rangers prepares for a critical set of fixtures, beginning with a Scottish Premiership match against Kilmarnock followed by crucial Europa League ties. The club is under pressure to select the right leadership moving forward to restore their competitive edge in Scottish football.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- February 26: Kilmarnock (A) – Scottish Premiership
- March 1: Motherwell (H) – Scottish Premiership
- March 6: Fenerbahce (A) – Europa League last-16
- March 13: Fenerbahce (H) – Europa League last-16
- March 16: Celtic (A) – Scottish Premiership
