Rangers Football Club has officially parted ways with manager Philippe Clement following a string of disappointing performances. The decision comes after Rangers suffered a 2-0 defeat to St Mirren, leaving them trailing Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic by 13 points. The loss was particularly historic, as it marked Rangers’ first home defeat to St Mirren since 1991.
A Season of Struggles Under Philippe Clement
Clement’s tenure at Rangers was marred by several setbacks, which ultimately led to his dismissal:
- Scottish Cup Exit – Rangers suffered an unexpected defeat against Queen’s Park, a Championship side, ending their cup hopes.
- League Cup Final Defeat – The team fell short against arch-rivals Celtic, missing out on the League Cup trophy.
These results placed immense pressure on Clement and the club’s leadership, leading to a growing demand for change.
Rangers’ Official Statement on Clement’s Departure
The club released an official statement confirming Clement’s dismissal:
“Rangers Football Club can confirm it has tonight parted company with men’s first-team manager, Philippe Clement. The club would like to put on record their sincere thanks to Philippe for his hard work and dedication during his spell in charge.”
This decision means Rangers are now searching for their fifth permanent manager since November 2021.
Will Steven Gerrard Return to Rangers?
One of the biggest talking points following Clement’s departure is the potential return of Steven Gerrard. The former Rangers boss, who led the club to their historic 55th league title, has been linked with a return.
However, reports suggest that due to tax complications related to his recent stint in Saudi Arabia, Gerrard may not be available for a return until April.
What’s Next for Rangers?
Rangers now face a crucial period as they aim to steady the ship. Their upcoming fixtures include:
- Kilmarnock (Scottish Premiership) – A must-win game to regain confidence.
- Motherwell (Scottish Premiership) – Another important league clash.
- Fenerbahce (Europa League) – A crucial European fixture that could define the club’s continental campaign.
The next managerial appointment will be vital in determining Rangers’ future in the Scottish Premiership and Europe. Fans will be eager to see who steps in to revive the club’s fortunes.
Final Thoughts
With Philippe Clement sacked, Rangers must now find the right leader to navigate this challenging period. Whether it’s a Steven Gerrard return or a fresh face taking charge, the club needs a quick turnaround to challenge Celtic and stay competitive on all fronts.
Who do you think should be the next Rangers manager? Let us know in the comments!