Rangers Football Club finds itself at a crossroads following a series of disappointing performances that have left both fans and management questioning the current trajectory. CEO Patrick Stewart has announced a comprehensive "root and branch review" of the football department, signaling a strategic overhaul aimed at addressing the club's recent struggles. This review will be conducted by external experts to ensure an unbiased evaluation of the team's operations.
The decision comes in the wake of a shocking Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Queen's Park, intensifying the pressure on Rangers manager Philippe Clement. Despite being in charge for 16 months, Clement has been unable to secure significant progress for the team, with domestic trophy hopes dwindling as Celtic sits 13 points ahead in the Premiership. The team's recent 1-0 loss at home to Queen's Park exemplified their struggles and prompted criticism from fans and commentators alike.
"When you look at this season, it has been really poor but that loss to Queen's Park tops the lot." – Kris Boyd
The club's performance issues extend beyond domestic competitions. Rangers suffered a defeat to Celtic in the League Cup final and have experienced an inconsistent run in Europe, with their best showing being a top-eight finish in the Europa League. These setbacks have fueled dissatisfaction among supporters, some of whom are calling for Clement to be relieved of his duties.
Compounding these challenges are financial concerns, as attendance at Ibrox has dwindled, impacting the club's revenue stream. The need for financial improvement is pressing, and Stewart is determined to confront these challenges head-on to restore the club's stability. The team's inability to consistently score goals adds to their woes, with Ianis Hagi being informed he is not part of Clement's future plans, further complicating squad dynamics.
Morale within the team is reportedly low. Several players feel undervalued and unappreciated, contributing to an unstable atmosphere that could hinder performance on the field. Kris Boyd, a former player and now commentator, highlighted the lack of trust between players and management as a critical issue.
"I get the fact that it's over to the players as soon as they cross the white line but I think that there's a lack of trust from the players to the manager and vice versa." – Kris Boyd
Clement, however, remains defiant amidst calls for his departure, emphasizing that progress requires time and should not be judged solely based on recent defeats.
"Progression was made, top eight in Europe and more consistency in the league and all these things, they don't change in 90 minutes." – Philippe Clement
He warns against making hasty decisions driven by emotions rather than a thorough evaluation of circumstances.
"If you do that and make decisions in that way, then you make only decisions out of emotions and not out of what's been going on." – Philippe Clement
Rangers have historically faced fierce competition from their rivals Celtic, who have claimed 12 of the last 13 league titles. This dominance has added pressure on Rangers to reclaim their status as Scotland's premier football club. Stewart's decision to initiate a comprehensive review underscores his commitment to rebuilding the team's competitive edge.
As part of this review, external experts will assess all aspects of the football department—from management strategies to player development—with an aim to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes. The club recognizes that restoring fan faith and securing financial stability are paramount to its future success.
The review also seeks to address longstanding issues that have plagued Rangers both on and off the field in recent seasons. By taking a holistic approach, Stewart intends to create a sustainable framework that supports long-term success while navigating immediate challenges.
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