Philippe Clement fired after 16 months in Rangers


The Rangers have fired the manager Philippe Clement after the consecutive defeats in Ibrox.

The Belgian had had extreme pressure from the humiliating departure of the Scottish Cup at the hands of Queen's Park fifteen days ago.

The defeat of Saturday's Premier League 2-0 against St Mirren proved to be the drop that filled the glass for the board of the Rangers that have now decided to balance the ax.

Clement, 50, admitted after his team's performance was 'with much the worst I've seen in all the time I have been here'.

His departure continues to the news that an American consortium is in conversations with the club about a possible acquisition that could take place before the end of the current season.

The former head of the Brugge and Monaco club succeeded Michael Beale in October 2023 and took the team to a triumph of the League Cup two months after their appointment.

Clement reacts during the harmful defeat of the Premier League of his team against St Mirren on Saturday

Clement reacts during the harmful defeat of the Premier League of his team against St Mirren on Saturday

The Belgian protests with an official during the party who has now proven to be the last as boss

The Belgian protests with an official during the party who has now proven to be the last as boss

Executive President Patrick Stewart and President Phrase Thornton during Saturday's defeat

Executive President Patrick Stewart and President Phrase Thornton during Saturday's defeat

He also briefly took them to the dispute for the title last season, but finally finished eight points in the drift of Celtic and could not recover the promising form of his first months at work.

Although he took the Rangers to the last 16 of the Europa League, where they will face Fenerbahce by José Mourinho next month, Clement will leave the position with the Rangers 13 points to drift from the city's rivals at the top of the Liga and will probably end the season without a domestic trophy.

Speaking after Saturday's defeat against Paisley's team, and the Rangers failed to take advantage of Celtic's defeat before Hibs earlier in the afternoon, Clement was not his usual bullish self despite insisting that he would fight.

When asked about his future, he said: 'Those are the things that the Board needs to decide. In the end, I think these players want to do the right thing.

'I think I can get results with these players. But I am also very disappointed with what we show today, and I am responsible for that.

'Today was, with much, not the performance we have seen in the past. It was, with much, the worst performance of my time here.

The decision to fire Clement occurs only seven months after the Ibrox club gave him a new extension of a year contract.

The executive president of the Rangers, Patrick Stewart, publicly supported the manager last month despite the growing pressure of the followers so that he was.

Clement tries to make his players concentrate, but they still fell to the 2-0 defeat against Paisley Side

Clement tries to make his players concentrate, but they still fell to the 2-0 defeat against Paisley Side

Ibrox began to empty local fans, since it was made clear that the rangers crashed to defeat

Ibrox began to empty local fans, since it was made clear that the rangers crashed to defeat

Stewart insisted that his previous role as CEO at Manchester United had shown him that constant management change did not work.

But he also warned the Belgian that the results must improve, without 'molten iron guarantees' offered.

Following the defeat of La Reina Park, Stewart again publicly supported the Belgian last week, saying that the club could endanger his Europa League career if the manager was fired.

Now, however, the club has decided to act and will seek its fifth permanent manager since November 2021.

An interim boss must be found, with a series of names that are already promoted, including Issame Charai, who joined the club as manager assistant last month, and the former Rangers player and caretakers manager Steven Davis.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that the proposed acquisition of the Rangers could depend on Leeds United returning to the English Premier League

Mail Sport reported last week how a group of American investors headed by the president of Leeds, forag Marathhe, had no concern that their plans were diverted by the rules related to dual property.

In fact, there is optimism on both sides that an agreement, which would require the approval of the Scottish FA, will be concluded between April and June.

St Mirren chief Stephen Robinson, and his players celebrate his 2-0 victory in Ibrox

St Mirren chief Stephen Robinson, and his players celebrate his 2-0 victory in Ibrox

Clement's departure follows the news that the rangers are in conversations with an American consortium

Clement's departure follows the news that the rangers are in conversations with an American consortium

His confidence comes from the composition of the consortium, which makes Marath associate with several American business partners who have no participation in the companies of San Francisco 49ers, owners of Leeds.

However, while Leeds remain outside the Premier League, it is likely that such movement also needs the green light of the EFL.

EFL regulations prohibit dual associations or interests with clubs in various competitions, including the Premier League and SPFL.

Those involved have the right to request permission from the EFL Board, which is understood that they are unlikely to grant.

However, clubs must discuss regulations in the EFL division meetings this week, where there may be an appetite for change.

If that is not the case, the blue Glasgow half can have to follow the championship promotion career with interest.



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By Kevin Rogers

Kevin is a seasoned sports journalist with 15 years of experience covering major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. His dynamic commentary and expert game analysis connect with fans across all sports, ensuring reliable and engaging coverage. Phone: +1 (212) 574-9823

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