Philippe Clement Retains Rangers Job as Club Eye Long-Term Stability | OneFootball

Rangers Stand by Philippe Clement Amidst Scottish Cup Fallout

Rangers’ decision to retain Philippe Clement following their shocking Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Queen’s Park has sparked debate among supporters. Despite the painful defeat to Championship opposition and a significant gap behind Celtic in the Premiership, the club insists that stability, rather than short-term reaction, is the priority.

Long-Term Vision Over Quick Fixes

Chief executive Patrick Stewart has defended the decision to keep Clement, citing a long-term approach rather than an attempt to avoid financial implications.

“We have been underperforming for several seasons now and that’s not down to a manager. We have changed the manager and it has not made a difference,” Stewart said.

“Until we sort the root causes, then it’s akin to trying to fix a broken house and starting with the ceiling instead of starting with the foundations.”

While the Scottish Cup defeat was a major setback, Stewart highlighted Rangers’ progress in Europe as a key reason for maintaining faith in Clement. The club has reached the last 16 of the Europa League, an achievement that could yet shape their season positively.

“For all that the Queen’s Park result was disastrous, we do also have to give credit to Philippe and the team for the Europa League run. I don’t want to take a step that would put further progress in the Europa League at risk.”

Club Finances and Managerial Stability

Speculation had arisen over whether Rangers’ financial position played a role in Clement’s continued tenure, but Stewart firmly dismissed those claims.

“I’ve said consistently that we are not refusing to make changes because of finances,” he asserted. “To keep somebody in a position to avoid a termination payment is a false economy. That’s not a way to run a club.

Photo: IMAGO

“Decisions have been made for the long-term interests of the club, not to save money. We’ve got to stick to the plan, but there are no free passes. We are all judged on results.”

Stewart’s words reaffirm Rangers’ stance that their struggles will not be solved with managerial changes alone. Instead, the club aims to build a sustainable football operation that avoids the mistakes of the past.

Recruitment Drive for Sporting Director

As part of a broader structural review, Rangers are actively seeking a sporting director to oversee the club’s footballing strategy. Stewart confirmed that the role will cover men’s, women’s, academy, medical, and performance departments, as well as recruitment.

“That role will put somebody right at the top of the football tree,” Stewart explained. “They will be responsible for the men, women, academy, medical and performance and recruitment.”

The club’s technical director, Nils Koppen, has been instrumental in player recruitment and will continue to focus on squad planning. However, Rangers recognise the need for a broader strategic figure to oversee all footballing operations at Ibrox.

Aiming for Success, Not Second Place

Stewart’s review of the club’s operations is centred on long-term success, with a clear ambition to reclaim dominance in Scottish football.

“It’s going to be tough, but, if we do the right things in the right order, I’m confident we will get there,” he stated. “Just to be clear, I mean winning, not coming second.”

His words send a strong message to both players and fans. While setbacks such as the Scottish Cup exit sting, the club believes that sticking to a structured, well-planned vision will be key to long-term success under Clement.