Rangers need to put money where their mouth is and 6ft ex-Partizan captain ticks boxes: view
Today at 08:05 AM
Rangers are backing Philippe Clement on the pitch – and now it's time to back the Belgian in the transfer market too.
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has defended Clement's position as the former Manchester United exec commissions a root and branch review into recent failings at Ibrox.
With Rangers now on their fourth manager in as many years, sacking Philippe Clement amid fan protests and an abysmal run of away form is viewed as counterproductive.
But with shoots of progress evident in every department of unstable Rangers, there are still gaping holes in the Ibrox squad that are hamstringing Clement's ability to do the job effectively.
If Rangers are backing the ex-Club Brugge manager, then they need to put their money where their mouth is with a glaring lack of experience hurting the club's progress.
Patrick Stewart and Rangers backing Philippe Clement
Patrick Stewart has confirmed that there are currently no plans for Rangers to sack manager Philippe Clement despite a run of three away wins in 11 matches this season.
Rangers fans were furious after the 1-1 draw with Dundee in midweek which makes it four matches on the road without a win in the Scottish Premiership.
With Rangers' faint hopes of a title challenge evaporating even before the bells, fans groups such as the Union Bears have organised a walkout protest in the 55th minute of the clash with St Johnstone.
The pressure is rising on the Rangers hierarchy to make the right call and given the context of recent seasons, expensive hiring and firing and the nature of this young squad, Stewart believes there is only one course of action to take.
"There's been a lot of talk about results, and there's been a lot of talk about the manager, and I know that the spotlight is on Fraser [Thornton] and myself, but particularly on me," Stewart said.
"That's the job, I'm okay with that.
"I need to make some tough decisions. It comes with the role, but I am committed to making the right ones for Rangers, not just the popular ones. So cutting to the chase, we are backing Philippe at this time as a board."
Serbian destroyer ticks Rangers boxes
If Rangers are serious about backing Philippe Clement, then they need to also back the manager on the pitch.
Rangers have a glaring lack of experience in their ranks, something evidenced by heavily-criticised Dutch defender Robin Propper captaining the team against Dundee.
Patrick Stewart has hinted that Rangers will make two signings this January, profiles which fit one of the three the club now hopes to recruit.
These are young talents with big potential who can develop at Rangers whilst contributing right away, homegrown Scottish players, and players with the necessary experience to get things over the line.
It's the latter which we believe Rangers sorely lack.
"I think every successful squad has a good balance of youth and experience," said Stewart.
"So we also look at a profile of player that will bring that experience to the squad and be there as role models to help the development of players."
Rangers could use the influence and composure of an experienced midfielder and the links to Serbian defensive midfielder Sasa Zdjelar show real promise.
Whilst the conditions of the January window might make a move for the CSKA midfielder impossible, the 6ft former Partizan Belgrade captain is exactly the kind of profile that would boost the squad.
It might be Sasa Zdjelar, it might be someone else, but it's clear Rangers need more experience, guts and composure in the middle of the pitch.
Philippe Clement believes in the potential of his young Rangers team.
If the board believe in the Belgian, they need to give him the experience that will help the Rangers manager access it.
