Billy Dodds uses one word to describe Rangers v St Johnstone and discusses Ibrox 'walkout'
01/12/2025 12:45 PM
Billy Dodds was at Ibrox as Rangers overcame St Johnstone and a controversial protest to record a crucial victory in the Scottish Premiership.
The former Rangers striker now works as a BBC Sport pundit and was behind the mic for the broadcaster as the Light Blues welcomed the Saints to Ibrox.
Scotland international striker Billy Dodds won three major trophies during his time at Rangers and has had his say on the team's performance in Govan and the Union Bears walk-out which has overshadowed the match.
Billy Dodds hails 'ruthless' Rangers first half
Rangers started the Scottish Premiership clash with St Johnstone on explosive form and were 3-0 up in the match within 25 minutes.
Billy Dodds hailed the Rangers side for their 'ruthless' performance and claims that against a backdrop of controversy, three points is all that matters for Philippe Clement.
"St Johnstone led to their own troubles in the first half, but Rangers were absolutely ruthless," Boyd told BBC Sport.
"St Johnstone have been a lot better second half and made it a competitive event.
"Rangers, it’s all about getting the three points today with the situation they’re in and they’ve deserved that."
Rangers threatened to overcomplicate proceedings when they conceded from yet another set play to hand St Johnstone a lifeline in the second half.
Whilst the Saints' endeavour eventually wilted, Rangers were slack in their passing and had their rhythm disrupted by a number of substitutions.
Dodds reckons that as the clock ticked down at a frosty Ibrox, Philippe Clement would've just wanted to get his charges back in the dressing room.
It comes with Rangers facing a must-win clash against stumbling Aberdeen, whose charge to finish second never mind first has fallen apart since November.
"I think Philippe Clement is just counting the minutes now," said Dodds as the game teetered to completion.
"Not because they are under huge pressure, but if St Johnstone get a second goal, it would be a nervous ending.
"I think that’s where the Rangers manager is at. He just wants to put this game to bed and prepare for Wednesday against Aberdeen."
Ex-Rangers striker on 'mixed reaction' to Ibrox protest
Billy Dodds has also been commenting on the controversial Union Bears protest that saw several supporters clash on 55 minutes.
The Rangers Ultras group had displayed a number of banners throughout the match demanding change at every level of the club.
But in the run-up to the match the Rangers fans group also demanded that Philippe Clement is sacked with the club 15 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Reflecting on the protests at Ibrox, Dodds claims that the Union Bears walkout received a 'mixed reaction' and offered a piece of advice to St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari.
"Rangers deserved to win the game, but that was all it was about after that ruthless first half performance," Dodds said.
"But then came that change of shape by St Johnstone at half time and they got their goal.
"Then the walkout came. The ultras all went and a few others did too, but others booed it in a mixed reception.
"Simo Valakari will learn from this that you can’t come to places like this and play open, attacking football."
