'They want a change' - Scott Allan makes Clement sack claim as Rangers fans stay away already

Philippe Clement could lose his job at Rangers sooner than expected despite backing from the Ibrox board, according to Scott Allan and Tam McManus.

The pundits reacted to the controversial loss to Dynamo Kyiv on The Football Show for PLZ Soccer on 14 August, as former Hibs striker McManus suggested the manager’s recent contract extension made no sense based on what he is producing and fans “scunnered” with the team already.

And ex-Celtic midfielder Allan questioned whether the Gers hierarchy might decide to sack Clement down the line to try to win over supporters, with discontent evidenced by the swathes of empty seats at Hampden the previous night.

McManus said (12m 35s): “I don’t think he’s going to get a much time as people think. The board are going to back him in the rest of the transfer window with the money that they’ve got, but are the Rangers supporters going to accept Celtic winning another treble again? Finishing 15 points behind Celtic?

“Or are they going to vote with their feet like they’ve done last night? I’m not so sure that he’s going to get the time the board seem to indicate that he is.”

Allan added: “If you don’t have the performances on the pitch and the fans aren’t turning up there’s always going to be questions asked. Do you try to get the fans back by listening to them if they want a change maybe further down the line? Because from here on out it looks like it’s going to be a long season for Rangers.”

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Every Light Blues boss in recent memory has been fighting an uphill battle so all can point to mitigating circumstances.

Clement has got more than most, with the Ibrox building-work debacle and the struggles in the transfer window making his job next to impossible.

But the Belgian’s own decisions are also drawing scrutiny, as his team selections, the tactics during games, and the freezing out of players such as Ianis Hagi whom he has no place for [Sky Sports, 12 August] are coming in for criticism.

Ibrox News pundit Derek Ferguson wouldn’t be surprised if the manager walked of his own volition should rumoured links to the Belgium job [Daily Record, 22 July] see the opportunity arise.

For all the board have finally recognised the damage that the hiring and firing cycle has caused in recent seasons, their plan to ride out the turmoil of a poor season without sacking Clement [The Herald, 27 July] will be put to the test if things don’t improve.

On paper they are right to aim for continuity as a long-term approach is the only way out of the current mess, and there is an argument that nobody could succeed in Clement’s position right now.

But after looking such a strong appointment for much of last season the wheels are starting to come off for the manager now and doubts are being voiced.

In other Rangers news, the club have sparked renewed outrage by appointing a former Celtic man behind the scenes.

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