CEO supports manager Clement despite mounting pressure

The 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 cut that to 15 if they beat St Johnstone at Ibrox on Sunday.

Having won just three of his 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 currently 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.

End: Rangers 3-0 Celtic

💙 Victory of the famous Glasgow Rangers pic.twitter.com/vQFVW1tpDS

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025

“I have to make some tough decisions, that comes with the role, but I’m committed to making the right decisions for Rangers, not just the popular ones,” Stewart said.

“At the moment we support Philippe as a board. It’s about taking a deeper look at the problems, solving those problems and staying focused on building a stronger future for the club. Changing the manager is not the right solution.”

Stewart also revealed that there will be a “review of the whole 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, will be carried out with external help and will last between six and 12 weeks.

He also admitted that the club will look to add “one or two” players in the January transfer window.