It’s no secret that Philippe Clement could not have made a better start to his tenure as Rangers boss.
Gers were in disarray at the beginning of the season under Michael Beale after falling behind early in the title race with Celtic and losing three of the opening seven Scottish Premiership matches.
As early as it was, change was absolutely necessary for Rangers to restabilise and aim to get the best out of a newly-assembled and expensive squad. Beale was sacked in October and since Clement stepped foot in Glasgow, Rangers fans have not looked back.
The authoritative Belgian is a proper manager and has instilled such confidence amongst the fanbase that they believe Rangers can get back to where they belong at the top of Scottish football under his stewardship.
Despite battling with an ongoing injury crisis, Clement has been sensational. He has guided the Light Blues to Viaplay Cup success for the first time in 12 years and masterminded an incredible Europa League victory over Real Betis to reach the last 16 of the competition.
And now, the 49-year-old is aiming to create even more history with the club.
Philippe Clement closing in on historic Rangers feat
Clement has been in charge of Rangers for just 15 games and in that time, he remains undefeated in his position.
It really isn’t very often that Gers managers, throughout the club’s storied history, go that long without losing after their Ibrox appointment.
In fact, as per Fitbastats, Clement is now third in the rankings for Rangers managers with the longest unbeaten starts, eclipsing the club’s past three gaffers – Michael Beale, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Steven Gerrard – in recent weeks.
Longest unbeaten Rangers starts as manager
- William Wilton – 20 games
- Alex McLeish – 17 games
- Philippe Clement – 15 games and counting
- Michael Beale – 14 games
- Giovanni van Bronckhorst – 13 games
- Steven Gerrard – 12 games
- Mark Warburton – 11 games
- Willie Waddell – 10 games
The comfortable 2-0 victory over St Johnstone on Wednesday night put Clement on 15 matches and he has the chance to reach 16 on Christmas Eve against Motherwell.
The biggest obstacle standing in Clement’s way is undoubtedly the small matter of an Old Firm derby, however. But it can’t be falling into place much better for Rangers leading up to that game.
Celtic are showing the atrocious form of our 55-winning campaign, with Rangers on the highest highs given a domestic trophy is already in the bag this season.
Clement can be confident going into the clash as he aims to continue his unbeaten streak. If the manager does reach Rangers’ first-ever manager William Wilton’s record of 20 games, it would be achieved against Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup.
When is that, you ask? Unfortunately, it is the first game after the winter break so Clement could be standing on the edge of Rangers history for a couple weeks before potentially drawing level with the great Wilton, who led the Govan giants between 1899 and 1920.
Can Philippe Clement achieve what no other Rangers boss has achieved in 123 years bar Wilton? It’ll take some doing but he can be confident.
