Alan Hutton has largely defended Philippe Clement’s recent decision-making for Rangers but did question one of his calls.
The Ibrox giants have endured a rocky start to the season on and off the pitch. Financial constraints mean adding to the nine players already recruited this summer is proving to be difficult.
Fans are unhappy with the state of the squad, not to mention having to travel to Hampden every week due to the delay of Ibrox’s Copland Road Stand reconstruction work.
However, it is generally perceived by Rangers supporters that Clement is doing all he can despite having his hands tied behind his back.
They are fully behind him and the players, as exemplified when the Union Bears serenaded him and his personnel after the Premier Sports Cup win over St Johnstone.
Former Rangers right-back Hutton is in the same school of thought and thinks things outside of Clement’s control have made life for him as manager challenging of late.
But the 39-year-old, speaking on The Scottish Football Social Club, does believe Clement could have made a better judgement regarding the use of Vaclav Cerny.
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Use of Vaclav Cerny questioned by Hutton
Hutton told host Darrell Currie: “I think if you look at last season, he changed that squad around and got the best out of them. He fell short the last eight to 10 weeks (last season).
“This year, I think it’s been difficult for him. I genuinely believe in what he is trying to do. He’s signed a new long-term contract, he’s trying to rebuild and stop that cycle where it’s just players coming in for big money then leaving for nothing.
“But it needs to start somewhere! You need to break the cycle for it to start now and it’s going to take time. I think this is going to be a rocky season for Rangers with everything that’s going on, I think it’s going to be difficult for him.
“Of course, he needs to take some of the blame because ultimately, he makes decisions and picks the team. The Cerny one for example, him not starting that game, I thought he was really good against Motherwell.
“He came off after 55 minutes and then he comes on at half-time (against Dynamo Kyiv in the second leg). Surely you are protecting him for that game?
“So yeah, he (Clement) could probably look back at it and that he could make a difference but I don’t think he’s being helped from above.”
Philippe Clement is almost blameless
Rangers fans will likely agree that Clement’s decision not to start Vaclav Cerny for the crucial Champions League third round qualifier second leg was a mistake.
But bar that, Clement hasn’t really put a foot wrong this season and is having to work amid some challenging circumstances that he cannot influence.
Rangers supporters understand this too and as such, are all right behind Clement. His commitment to the cause is clear given his new contract handed to him by the Board of Directors.
Speaking of those, those are the guys at Ibrox who are not in the good books of the supporters, not Clement. And quite rightly so.
