Rangers’ decision to sack Philippe Clement couldn’t have come at a worse time given the backdrop of potential US investment.
News had just broke that Rangers are in talks over a US takeover deal led by 49ers Enterprises when St Mirren rocked up to Ibrox.
With Celtic also dropping points against Hibs earlier in the day, Rangers had the chance to change the mood music at Ibrox.
But after Philippe Clement’s team failed to bounce back against St Mirren, the Rangers board were left with no choice but to send the Belgian packing.
It’s was a decision complicated by the takeover situation within the Ibrox boardroom and the club’s potential new US owners had to be consulted.
49s Enterprises on Philippe Clement sacking
The Athletic are reporting that Rangers have reached an outline agreement over the sale of the club to a US consortium backed by 49ers Enterprises and healthcare mogul Andrew Cavanagh.
It’s exciting news for the Ibrox club’s fans, with fresh investment, new ideas and real ambition set to flow into Rangers in the coming months.
But with Rangers having to pull the trigger on Philippe Clement earlier than planned, there are unforeseen issues with compensation and instability that need accounted for.
According to the Athletic, the Rangers board convened a showdown meeting after the defeat to St Mirren where they debated the merits of sacking Philippe Clement.
Eventually reaching the decision despite the ‘weighty compensation package’ due the Belgian manager, it’s claimed 49 Enterprises gave their ‘blessing’ over the decision.
Rangers have since appointed Barry Ferguson as interim manager with the Ibrox legend putting together a team of Allan McGregor, Neil McCann and Billy Dodds to lead the team.
Next Rangers manager to be decided after takeover
What happens next at Rangers is a source of real intrigue and genuine interest at Ibrox.
With the American takeover expected to be completed sometime between April and June, Rangers are also in the midst of a far-reaching internal review.
The Athletic report outlines that Rangers will not make the club’s next permanent managerial appointment until the takeover is complete.
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has also outlined his plans to hire a new sporting director after New York firm Sportsology flagged the position in their review.
Rangers have been without a sporting director since Ross Wilson left for Nottingham Forest in April 2023.
It’s then expected that 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavanagh will have some sort of role in the appointing of the club’s next permanent manager.
But who that might be will just have to wait for three months still to go this season and Rangers very much focused on doing things the right way.
As for Barry Ferguson potentially getting the Rangers job full-time, he’s responded exactly how you might imagine.
