It’s fair to say patience has finally run out at Rangers. Not just with Philippe Clement, the manager under more pressure than ever, but with the Ibrox board too.
As ever with the Glasgow giants, one step forwards is followed by two back in the other direction.
As Rangers thrashed Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox at the start of January – Philippe Clement’s first Old Firm win at the seventh attempt – this was supposed to be a turning point, not only in their season but in their manager’s tenure.
Instead, following successive draws at Hibernian and Dundee, it now feels like another false dawn.
In a way, motivating the Rangers players ahead of a home clash with their arch rivals is the easy bit. And while Clement certainly succeeded there – Nico Raskin, Ridvan Yilmaz, Ianis Hagi and co were ‘outstanding’ as the hosts outplayed and out-fought their visitors – there can really be no excusing the drop-off between that Celtic thrashing and those bumbling performances at Easter Road or Dens Park.
Union Bears demand Philippe Clement sacking as Rangers woes continue
The travelling Rangers supporters made their frustrations clear as Clement trudged off against Dundee, an away record labelled ‘outrageously poor’ by ex-Ibrox hitman Billy Dodds now standing at three wins from 11 Premiership fixtures.
And, in a statement posted on their official X account, ultra group the Union Bears are demanding immediate change in the dugout and beyond.
“Our club is being destroyed by incompetence, and a board that has lost all respect for the supporters who built this legacy. The time for action is now,” the statement reads.
“For years, the board and the club’s owners have shielded themselves behind the failures of management teams, using them as scapegoats to mask their own lack of vision, leadership and respect for us. We cannot stand by any longer.
“The playing squad, particularly the senior players, must also shoulder some responsibility. They look set to see off yet another manager, consistently falling short of the expectations that come with wearing the Rangers jersey. Their lack of accountability on the pitch mirrors the failings we see in the boardroom.”
Sacking Clement would be a start, the Bears say, but further revolution is required.
Rangers fans lose patience with the Ibrox board
“While the dismissal of Philippe Clement is necessary, it is not enough,” the fan group adds. “The deeper issue still remains; A board that has failed to match the ambition, pride, and standards of our club. They have squandered opportunities, mismanaged resources and disrespected the support.
“The loyalty of the Rangers support should not be treated as a free pass for failure. We are the lifeblood of this club, and cannot sit back while the board tarnishes its legacy. The time for excuses is over. It’s time for accountability, transparency and leadership worthy of Rangers.
“This weekend, the Rangers support must unite and demand change. Union Bears, No Surrender.”
Rangers host St Johnstone in Sunday knowing that more dropped points will leave Ibrox in a rather mutinous mood.
