Takeovers usually mean big changes, but Philippe Clement’s departure from the Rangers dugout comes even before the San Francisco 49ers have completed their purchase of the Scottish Premiership powerhouses.
Only days after the reports emerged suggesting that Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe has his sights set on Ibrox, Rangers announced the first of what could be many alterations in the weeks and months to come.
Philippe Clement survived that embarrassing defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup but there would be no reprieve this time around.
As the Rangers fans flocked towards the exit shortly after St Mirren doubled their lead in Glasgow, it felt inevitable that an ‘official statement’ would be dropping before the weekend was over.
Former striker Kris Boyd, though, would be surprised if Clement is the only culprit who ends up paying with his job. CEO Patrick Stewart hailed Nils Koppen’s impact at Ibrox a few days ago – the Dutchman first arriving to lead the recruitment department before being promoted to technical director – but while Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny have been big successes, the jury remains out on many of the other players to arrive on his watch.
Kris Boyd questions Rangers signings as Philippe Clement loses his job
Clinton Nsiala endured a nightmare afternoon against St Mirren, arguably at fault for both goals. Robin Propper has flattered to deceive, Jefte has made a few costly defensive blunders since the turn of the year, and Nedim Bajrami lost his spot after a ‘really poor’ display in that Queen’s Park debacle.
Boyd also highlights forgotten man Oscar Cortes.
While the issue with the Colombian winger is one of availability rather than ability, the fact remains that Rangers agreed to bring Cortes back for a second spell despite his first being ruined by injury. In thirteen months now, the RC Lens-owned wideman has started only six Premiership matches.
Yet, Clement was insistent that Rangers were still committed to triggering the £4 million purchase clause in his contract. Should that clause be paid, the aforementioned quartet will have set the Glasgow outfit back just shy of £10 million.
“A lot of the big hitters went out the door but [Clement] has spent money,” Boyd says. “Robin Propper, I don’t think he’s set the place alight. Bajrami is in and out of the team. Theres been other ones; Jefte has been up and down. Cortes, I mean, we still don’t know where he is!
“There has been a lot of players coming in that there has been money spent on.”
Boyd does not name Koppen directly, though the five-time Scottish Premiership Golden Boot winner feels that a potential takeover by the San Francisco 49ers means there is going to be a lot more scrutiny on those with big roles and big responsibilities behind the scenes.
“Philippe Clement has lost his job and I think there will be a lot of other people starting to look over their shoulders as well,” Boyd adds. “The future owners are doing their due diligence on the football club.
“I think a lot more will go as well because it has been an underperforming club for a number of years now and it needs to get back to what it was.
“Celtic have had it far too easy for far too long.”
Boyd thinks prospective Rangers takeover could spark change
Speaking of their Old Firm neighbours, a takeover could be Rangers best bet of challenging Celtic for the top honours once again. At least, that is the view of former midfielder Gordon Dalziel, and numerous others who have grown tired with over a decade of underachievement.
Boyd feels this is an ‘exciting time for Scottish football’ as a whole.
Rangers’ presuming the takeover happens, should at least have the financial muscle to close the gap while Hearts, Hibernian and Aberdeen are all looking upwards again.
“If this takeover happens, its going to be an exciting time for Scottish football,” Boyd concludes. “Hearts are improving. Hibs are definitely improving. You’ve got Aberdeen, they’ve chucked a lot of money at it as well.
“So our five big clubs are potentially going to be back pushing each other and that can only be good for Scottish football.”
