As Rangers headed into the clash with Hearts at Tynecastle, there was some good news about Philippe Clement.
The Ibrox manager has penned a one-year extension to his Rangers contract, tying himself and presumably his team down to 2028.
It’s a signal that Rangers view the Belgian’s tenure as a medium-term project with expectations in the short-term around progress and not a miraculous transformation.
The contract also follows on from John Bennett’s public backing of Philippe Clement in a recent address to supporters at the end of July.
But as Rangers fans wait on this summer’s ‘rebuild’ to actually start taking shape – Rangers started with only one new player v Hearts – Philippe Clement needs to start moving on.
Clement: Rangers miss Lundstram
Philippe Clement has probably bought himself enough grace to ensure the baby is not completely launched out of the bath water following the 0-0 draw with Hearts.
Rangers quite patently lack leadership and cutting edge with these two things arguably football’s greatest, and most expensive, commodity.
But speaking after the game, Clement done himself no favours by once again referencing the exit of John Lundstram as he pointed to a lack of composure in the middle of the pitch at Tynecastle.
“In the second half we took control of the game and we played better football,” Clement told Sky Sports.
“It’s not top yet but that we know with new players coming in and the players we lost.
“At the end it will be an important point at the end of the road against a team who finished 3rd last season. I think it’s a fair result.”
When asked about the poor first half, Clement said: “Some missed pre-season, others also who are new like Connor Barron.
“You miss a really important part with (John) Lundstram there to lead the team out of the midfield.”
Clement making Scouse rod for own back
We get it.
Philippe Clement wanted John Lundstram to stay at Rangers.
The Rangers manager had said last season that he expected the club to find a middle ground with the former Ibrox midfielder before his contract expired.
But John Lundstram had been found wanting on a number of occasions at Ibrox – not least at Celtic Park last season – and Rangers fans had enough of his expensive shortcomings at the club.
Whether that’s fair or not is another conversation but Philippe Clement needs to understand that John Lundstram chose the lure of Turkish Lira over salvaging his Rangers legacy and move on from it.
In fact Lundstram himself has been pretty clear he couldn’t sign for Trabzonspor quick enough.
We have heard constant mentions of the Scouser from the Belgian and whilst it’s clear Rangers need midfield reinforcements, it’s the duty of those in the recruitment department to find them.
These types of excuses will not wash with Rangers fans and especially not with regards players who do not want to be at the club.
Take our advice Philippe, forget about John Lundstram and turn your attentions to those who are actually at the club.
This has got to be final soundbite about the Scouser with the constant referencing to the player’s exit beginning to really grate on frustrated supporters.
