Peter Martin disagreed with Lee McCulloch that Rangers fans could turn on Philippe Clement if he loses next month’s Scottish League Cup semi-final against Hearts. I’m
Clement was appointed as Michael Beale’s successor last weekend and will take charge of his first game on Saturday (21 October) when Hibernian travel to Ibrox.
Speaking on PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show [20 October], McCulloch suggested that if Rangers fail to beat Hearts at Hampden in their upcoming cup semi, “the crowd could turn” on Clement early in his tenure.
However, Martin said in response: “I don’t think so. He’s got 10 months [at least].
“The average for a Rangers manager at the moment is 10 months. He’s got 10 months, another transfer window, a chance to build.”
Losing to Hearts on 5 November would be massively frustrating, and would lead many to believe this season will finish trophyless once again.
But to suggest the fans would turn on Clement less than a month after taking charge is wide of the mark.
While success is a must for any Rangers manager, this has to be considered a long-term appointment.
Beale left behind a mess and it is now over to the Belgian to pick up the pieces and guide the club back to glory.
Clement will ideally be financially backed in the next two windows, even if it is on cut-price options, in order to help speed up the process.
The last thing the Gers need is to sack another manager after a year in charge, so let’s ensure Clement gets the full support of the Ibrox faithful from the off.
Three points against Hibs this weekend would be the ideal way to begin this latest new era.
