Pundit View: Rangers duo's 'Relationship' to be tested amid new title race verdict

John Gilligan and Philippe Clement’s relationship at Ibrox will be tested if Rangers drop more points in the Scottish Premiership title race, according to Andy Walker.

The stand-in chairman has been quick to heap praise on Clement, admitting he has been left impressed by the Belgian despite the mixed start to the campaign on the blue half of Glasgow [Heart and Hand, 23 September].

Although Go Radio pundit Walker believes it is good the pair get on with one another, he believes tension may be raised between the manager and chairman if the gap to Celtic at the top of the table extends.

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (23 September, 1:07:25) he said: “The strength of their relationship will really be tested if Rangers were to drop any more points in the league.

“It’s already a bit of a gap and we saw it on the field of play when Celtic won 3-0 just a couple of weeks ago. If that gap were to extend to eight points over the next, I don’t know, month or so, you’ll certainly see the strength of their relationship then.

“Because the noise from the Rangers support and the anger will be very evident.”

Will Rangers sack Philippe Clement at Ibrox after Celtic developments?

As Walker suggests, it is very easy for Clement and Gilligan to get on when the Gers have won both of their matches after the international break and have a Europa League clash waiting around the corner.

But questions will be asked about the Belgian’s position if the Light Blues start poorly in Europe and fall further behind Celtic in the title race, especially after their dismal display at Parkhead in the first Old Firm derby of the season.

Yes, the Rangers board made the bold decision to hand Clement a new deal before the season got underway, but that contract isn’t really worth the paper that it is written on.

If the supporters turn on their manager and begin voting with their feet, the Belgian will be the man to make way, not the players and not the chairman.

Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that as sacking yet another manager would be a massive step backwards for the Gers, particularly after Clement’s hard work over the last year or so to mop up the mess left behind by Micheal Beale.

In other Rangers news, Clement has been lauded for a recent James Tavernier decision at Ibrox this season

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