Clement gets stay of execution at Rangers despite 'disastrous' cup exit

The National Times - Clement gets stay of execution at Rangers despite 'disastrous' cup exit

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Clement gets stay of execution at Rangers despite 'disastrous' cup exit

SPORTS 19.02.2025

Clement gets stay of execution at Rangers despite 'disastrous' cup exit / Photo: © AFP

Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart said Philippe Clement will remain in charge of Rangers on Wednesday despite what he described as a shameful and "disastrous" Scottish Cup exit to second-tier Queen's Park.

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The Spiders' stunning 1-0 win at Ibrox on February 9 was the first time in Scottish Cup history that Rangers had lost on home soil to lower league opposition.

Defeat realistically ended hopes of a domestic trophy this season with Clement's men 13 points adrift of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic.

However, they have progressed to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to finishing in the top eight of the new league phase.

Had Clement been dismissed it would have been the fourth consecutive season that Rangers have changed manager mid-season.

Steven Gerrard departed for Aston Villa in 2021, while Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Michael Beale were sacked before Christmas in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

"I'm not here to make popular decisions and get quick wins. I do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past," former Manchester United CEO Stewart, who only took over his role in December, told Rangers' official YouTube channel.

"I'm not going to do that. I've got to keep real discipline and focus on making sure that we are making the right decisions in the right order for the long term benefit of the club, and not knee-jerk reacting to what was, frankly, a disastrous result.

"I'm not trying to duck from that, but we've got to stick to the plan."

Clement, who took charge in October 2023, has been under increasing pressure as Celtic pulled away at the top of the table this season.

The shocking defeat to Queen's Park marked a new low in what Stewart recognised was a historic result.

"I don't want anyone to doubt the gravity of the result and how I view the result," he added. "You can't sugarcoat it - it was disastrous.

"Historically it is obviously a significant moment. It is the first time we have gone out to lower-league opposition in the Scottish Cup (at home).

"That's a source of shame for the club. It was a really good opportunity to win a trophy and that is now gone."

T.Hancock--TNT

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