Rangers’ chief executive has backed manager Philippe Clement despite the club’s struggles to catch runaway leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Celtic’s victory over Ross County on Saturday extended their lead at the top of Scottish football to 18 points, although Rangers could reduce the gap to 15 points if they beat St Johnstone at Ibrox on Sunday.
Having won just three of their 11 away league games this term, Clement has come under fire from fans, but Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart said the board are sticking with the Belgian.
Clement’s side, however, have fared better in this season’s Europa League, where they sit eighth and the 50-year-old manager secured his first Old Firm derby win on January 2 following a 3-0 win against their bitter rivals. .
Final: Rangers 3-0 Celtic
💙 Victory for the famous Glasgow Rangers pic.twitter.com/vQFVW1tpDS
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
“I have to make some tough decisions, it comes with the role, but I’m committed to making the right ones for Rangers, not just the popular ones,” Stewart said.
“We support Philippe right now as a board. It’s about taking a deeper look at the issues, tackling those problems and staying focused on building a stronger future for the club. Changing a manager is not a good solution.”
Stewart also revealed there will be a “root and branch review of the entire football department” at Rangers.
The former Manchester United chief executive, who took up his role at Ibrox less than a month ago, said the review, which starts on Monday, would be carried out with external help and take between six and 12 weeks.
He also admitted the club will look to add “one or two” players in the January transfer window.
