Rangers boss Philippe Clement says he wants to see Ibrox packed to the rafters at full-time for the rest of the season and beyond.
The Belgian now sees that there is a strong connection between the players and fans and wants those who leave Ibrox early – commonly known as the Subway Loyal – to do everything they can to remain in their seats and applaud the team at the end of games.
It’s a common sight seeing Ibrox half empty with just a few minutes to go as thousands of fans ensure they can beat the worst of the traffic in Govan and the city centre after the game.
But with Rangers neck and neck with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, Clement thinks his first-team squad need as much backing as possible from the stands and simply wants fans inside Ibrox to stay longer because ‘every second’ counts.
Philippe Clement message to Rangers fans
As quoted in the Daily Record, Philippe Clement said: “It could (come down to goal difference). So every second of help, helps.
“I hope that people can stay longer because the players are really wanting to show respect to everybody who was supporting them, that’s why they go around the stadium and they go to every corner (to applaud the fans).
“But I know also that people have their private lives and it’s not an easy thing with all the traffic and buses leaving. People come from all over Scotland and even other countries to watch the games.
“A few months ago we had a meeting about a lot of things in the club and one of the guys raised the question that if there was a possibility to change something with how the busses are parked because they came from Northern Ireland with the bus and they had to leave late so it was difficult to get on time on the boat.
“I know and I understand that there are a lot of other issues. They are not all living around the corner and can sit and wait.
“But for sure, the players want to show everybody the respect that they deserve for the way they are behind the team.
“And it’s a major thing, you saw after the last game the interaction between players and fans is now where I want it to be. It would be better if they stayed longer because the players are really hungry to give everybody the respect they deserve.”
