Philippe Clement: Sack decision confirmed as Rangers CEO issues update on under-fire manager
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has confirmed that under-pressure manager Philippe Clement has the board’s backing for now, but emphasized that results must improve, with no “cast-iron guarantees” regarding his future.
Clement has faced mounting pressure following a disappointing run of results, with Rangers winning just two of their last eight matches across all competitions. Despite a 3-0 victory over Old Firm rivals Celtic at Ibrox on January 2, the team has since drawn with Hibernian and Dundee, leaving them 18 points adrift of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Although Clement extended his contract until 2028 last summer, there have been growing calls from supporters for the club to part ways with the 50-year-old. However, Stewart, who became CEO less than a month ago after leaving Manchester United, reassured Clement that his job is safe for now. He insisted that replacing the manager isn’t a simple solution to the club’s problems.
Speaking at a media briefing, Stewart said: “There’s been a lot of talk about results and the manager, and I know the spotlight is on me and chairman Fraser Thornton. I need to make tough decisions, but I’m committed to making the right ones for Rangers, not just the popular ones. Right now, we’re backing Philippe, but we must take a deeper look at the issues and focus on building a stronger future. Changing a manager isn’t a quick fix.”
Stewart added that he spoke with Clement on Friday and confirmed that an external review of the football department will begin on Monday. This review will last between six to 12 weeks and involve football experts to address the club’s challenges both on and off the field.
“If we react too quickly after every poor result, we risk being in the same position in a year or 18 months,” Stewart explained. “I understand the fans’ frustration, and we share that frustration. The away results are not up to standard for Rangers. We’re working with Philippe to address consistency, but I can’t speculate on what will happen if results don’t improve.”
Stewart reiterated that no guarantees can be made about Clement’s tenure. “Football is results-based,” he said. “If results don’t improve, it’s unrealistic to guarantee Philippe’s job. We’ve had that discussion, and we’re focused on working together to improve the situation. Changing a manager would be the easy option, but results have to improve.”
Despite Rangers’ financial loss of £17.2 million in the past year, Stewart made it clear that financial constraints are not influencing the decision to keep Clement. “We wouldn’t make a decision based on financial reasons,” he insisted.
When asked if Rangers have a contingency plan for replacing Clement, Stewart affirmed, “Every well-run club should have a succession plan for key positions, and that’s something I’m looking at introducing across the board.”
Since joining Rangers in October 2023, Clement has overseen 48 wins, 16 draws, and 12 losses in 76 games, winning the Scottish League Cup in his first season.
