Tom English Addresses Rangers’ Current State and Clement’s Position

BBC Scotland’s chief sportswriter, Tom English, has responded to questions from readers concerning Rangers. A reader named Jim referred to a previous query sent on 5 September this year, asking if Mr Clement was the appropriate individual for Rangers. Jim noted that English had previously affirmed Clement’s suitability, citing his success in winning “cups and leagues in other parts of Europe,” but now questioned Clement’s job security, suggesting he was “only a defeat or draw away from losing his job.” Tom English countered this perspective, stating, “I don’t think he’s a defeat or a draw away from losing his job.” He acknowledged the prevalence of such framing but questioned its origin, remarking, “We were told that if they lost at Hamden, he was a goner. Who says? Where does that information come from? I think that’s just a creation.” English suggested this might be a public or fan expectation, but asserted “there’s no substance to it.” English detailed Clement’s challenging role, describing the squad as “patchy, unimpressive.” He also highlighted Clement’s role as the club’s “figurehead” in the absence of a permanent chairman and chief executive, noting that “Many of the key positions have a big vacant sign on them.” English expressed considerable sympathy for Clement, who is “getting it in the neck from his own fans for the really underwhelming performances Rangers are putting in,” while simultaneously lacking leadership support, leaving “It’s all on him.” Despite the difficulties, English reiterated his belief that Clement “is the man for the job,” though he conceded that “the job is getting harder and harder.” He also commented that some of Clement’s “post-match stuff is not impressive,” giving the impression of “a guy that’s struggling.” English drew a comparison with the Aberdeen situation, where Jimmy Thelin’s “rebuild” and “project” have shown quicker results than Clement’s “long-term project” at Rangers, leading to Aberdeen “putting pressure on Clement.” Nonetheless, English concluded that “there’s anything served by getting rid of him.” He pointed to the financial burden of having “another manager you’ve got to pay off” and questioned “who would you get in?” While acknowledging “troubling times at Rangers,” he expressed doubt that “sacking the guy is the right way to go.”