Philippe Clement sack latest: Rangers forced into action by the fans
Philippe Clement is once again under pressure from both the Rangers hierarchy and supporters following a shock Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park, adding to their poor league form.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on Monday (10 February) that Clement is at serious risk of being sacked after the club’s humiliating defeat to Scottish Championship side Queen’s Park.
Rangers supporters have previously criticised Clement, with many calling for him to resign despite signing a new extension just last summer.
Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke believes “the club will have to do something” if fan attendance declines due to their current financial situation.
The Rangers faithful believe that Clement is “waiting for a payoff” from the club instead of resigning, after he denied any intention to step down in a recent post-match press conference.
Rangers hierarchy under pressure to pull the plug on Philippe Clement
However, speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke believes the club simply “can’t afford” for fans to stop attending matches, which could be a “key factor” for the hierarchy.
O’Rourke told Football Insider: “I think that’s key. There are fewer and fewer people going to Ibrox to watch the games, and once you lose the fans, there’s no way back.
“So if the crowd starts diminishing and you see those empty spaces around Ibrox, I think the writing is very much on the wall for Philippe Clement, and the club will have to do something then.
“Because with their financial situation, they can’t afford fans not turning up and paying their money to go and watch Rangers at Ibrox, so I think that’ll be another key factor in deciding Clement’s future.”
Philippe Clement replacements named by Rangers
Football Insider revealed that replacements have already been lined up in case the club decides to sack the Belgian coach, with Steve Cooper among four managers in the running for the Rangers job.
Clement has faced criticism from pundits and fans previously this season, as the Gers sit 13 points behind bitter rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
The early cup exit to Queen’s Park leaves the club in a difficult position, with silverware now looking unlikely this season.
Meanwhile, their Glasgow rivals will certainly be favourites to win the Scottish Cup, with the potential to complete a domestic treble.