Michael Stewart admits Rangers 'fear' for Philippe Clement but why sacking him would be 'unwise'
Michael Stewart admits he fears for the future of Philippe Clement as pressure grows on the Rangers manager.
After coming in and appearing to be a fresh air at Ibrox last season, things have stalled somewhat for the Belgian and progress has stalled. Gers find themselves five points behind Celtic already at this early stage and lost 3-0 comfortably to them in the Glasgow derby two weeks ago.
Fans were lapping it up last season as he dragged them back into a title race which had seemed impossible, even though it eventually dissipated. But now the manager is being questioned as it's felt no progress has been made since he came in - and the recruitment is being queried too.
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Stewart feels patience should be afforded but he does fear that the growing pressure will prove too much for the board.
He told The Scottish Football Social Club: “They started the game brightly (against Dundee United) but I think over the course of the full 90 minutes there isn't anybody who comes out of it thinking it’s a stellar performance - but it’s a win. It gives them something to build from. But, in reality, what do Rangers do here? I fear for the manager. There is a real pressure that is building and the pressure from the supporters is, of course, huge.
"Does the pressure become too much and the board capitulate and get rid of another manager, and start all over again? Or is there going to be an acceptance and an understanding that they have got to give somebody a bit of time. They gave Steven Gerrard time and eventually he was able to win the title. This is a difficult position for Rangers. Turnover is massively lower than Celtic when you add in the Champions League money as well, how do you bridge that gap?
"You are having to turn over a squad, turn over a board, trying to find executives - I just don’t think the wise thing to do would be to try and find a new manager as well. I know there are some serious questions being asked of him, but his hands are tied to a great extent at the moment.”