The reasons Rangers can't sack Philippe Clement floated – from 'appalling' financial results to succession plan
Under-fire Philippe Clement could survive at Rangers even if he suffers another defeat to Celtic on Thursday.
That is according to Andy Walker - who reckons finances will play a major role in the Belgian's long-term future at Ibrox after the Light Blues announced an operating loss of £17.2million for the the past financial year. Clement is walking a tight-rope with Rangers trailing the Hoops by a whopping 14 points before they welcome Brendan Rodgers' side to Govan for the derby day showdown to kick off 2025.
Clement has yet to win an Old Firm clash in six attempts but with pressure skyrocketing, Thursday's clash with Celtic is rapidly becoming a must-win. However, Walker reckons that there is a host of reasons that the gaffer will keep his place in the Ibrox dugout.
The former Hoops star reckons that the outlay of sacking Clement will put off the Ibrox decision-makers - alongside the spend on showing his coaching team the door. He also notes it will be tough for Rangers to attract a suitor - as they will struggle to pay to bring in a new boss and offer him a transfer kitty.
Walker told the Go Radio Football Show: “What if you get rid of him? What money have you got for someone else to come in? They have squandered so much on players that are no longer there.
"For the new guys that are behind the scenes it’s a really big call. I mean I think Celtic can go to Ibrox and win in a couple of days, they are that good. It’s a big call for Rangers, but it’s an embarrassment.
"I think the 14 point gap will only grow, but it’s an even bigger call to make to pull that trigger on Philippe Clement. The cost to get rid of his coaching staff, the cost of getting someone else in - I don’t know what money they have to give a new manager, if any.
"I know we have a January transfer window, do Rangers start changing things around then? It’s a really big call. I have got no allegiance to Rangers I am just trying to play devil’s advocate here.
"You look at the financial results that were released recently, and they were appalling. I think the only way he can survive is winning games - and winning big games."
