Clement's Time to Shine: How Graeme Souness' Influence Sets the Stage for Rangers' New Boss - Kris Boyd Weighs In

Kris Boyd urges Rangers to be patient with new manager Philippe Clement while emphasizing the positive impact of Graeme Souness' endorsement. The 49-year-old, who recently signed a contract until 2027, has been appointed as Michael Beale's replacement following his dismissal after just 10 months at the helm.

Rangers chairman John Bennett and CEO James Bisgrove held discussions with potential candidates in London. However, Souness, who achieved great success at Ibrox with eight trophies, was also actively involved in the process. This decision was supported by Boyd.

"I believe the board was transparent in their collaboration with Graeme during the meetings," Boyd shared with We News. "Given his extensive experience and deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at Rangers, his involvement was highly valued."

If he has personally interviewed multiple candidates and concluded that Philippe Clement is the ideal choice, then I believe it would be difficult to dispute his decision. After all, he possesses the necessary knowledge and experience to lead Rangers effectively. While football may have evolved over time, he is well aware of the specific demands that come with managing this club. It was absolutely crucial for Rangers to secure a new manager at the beginning of the week.

"Clement has jumped to the top of the queue and it's an important period for Rangers now going forward."

'Rangers must give Clement time at Ibrox'

Despite some bookmakers' favorites like Frank Lampard, John Eustace, and Scott Parker not being included in the final shortlist, former defender Kevin Muscat was considered but ultimately overlooked for the position of Rangers' 19th permanent manager. Clement will have his first meeting with the squad on Monday and will lead them in his first game at home against Hibernian on Saturday, as Rangers strive to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic.

Brendan Rodgers' team has a comfortable seven-point lead over their competitors in only eight games. Nonetheless, considering the upcoming European matches and League Cup semi-final, Boyd insists that Clement deserves a fair amount of time.

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"The Rangers have clearly invested a significant amount of time over the past fortnight to secure Clement," he remarked. "They have thoroughly researched and assessed his suitability, and they firmly believe that he is the ideal candidate to lead the football club to greater heights.

"Undoubtedly, stability is of utmost importance in this situation, given the inconsistency that has persisted. The continuous change in managerial leadership at Rangers is a matter of concern, marking the appointment of their fourth manager within a span of two years. This pattern must come to an end."

Someone needs to be entrusted with the responsibility of building the team and leading them on the field to ensure the satisfaction of the Rangers fans. It is crucial to establish a playing style that captivates the audience and keeps them engaged in watching the matches.

Recently, there was a game won by Rangers, but unfortunately, they were met with boos from the crowd. This undesirable phenomenon must not persist. It is imperative to reinstate a positive and uplifting atmosphere at Ibrox, where supporters can experience the joy and excitement of following their team.

'Silverware a must for new boss'

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Rangers will be back in action this Saturday against Hibernian, while also gearing up for their League Cup semi-final against Hearts next month. A victory at Hampden Park would provide Clement with an opportunity to secure a trophy that Rangers last lifted in 2011, a mere two months after his appointment.

Boyd expressed his belief that the Rangers must regain their ability to win trophies. He emphasized that only securing two trophies within a span of 12 years is unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for improvement. Furthermore, Boyd remarked that the team's performance on the pitch must also elevate.

Reflecting on Rangers' success in winning their 55th trophy, Boyd argued that the team should have prioritized strengthening specific areas. However, this was not effectively executed, resulting in a decline in performance from that point forward.

Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst's management, the players were motivated for a while, but there seemed to be a sense of inevitability about their performances. They didn't feel the pressure.

Michael Beale's tenure can only be described as a complete failure, considering the significant amount of money spent without any real impact. Although the squad might appear to have sufficient numbers, the lack of competition for positions has led to a stagnation in their recent performances.

With the arrival of a new manager, everyone has a chance to start fresh and secure a place in the team. It is expected that players will now strive to enhance their performances, as Clement will be staying for the foreseeable future.

In order to establish stability, Rangers cannot afford to dismiss another manager during the next period of poor results. They must focus on cultivating something long-term, which is why Clement has been granted a contract extending until 2027.

Buffel: Clement can handle Ibrox pressure

Former Rangers player Thomas Buffel, who played under Clement at Genk, told We News:

"He has excelled in all his previous clubs, including Genk, Brugge, and most recently, with Monaco. This suggests that he has the potential to achieve success with Rangers.

"He is sociable and aims to establish clear structures and encourage open discussions. He prioritizes attacking football but also values a well-organized defense, as indicated by his experience as a No. 6."

At Genk and Brugge, winning every week is an expectation from both the media and supporters. The only difference here is the atmosphere of the crowd and stadium. It is crucial for the manager to effectively utilize these elements to gain an advantage and communicate effectively with the players.

Furthermore, the manager possesses great mental strength. He has the ability to communicate with the players and motivate them, making it a pivotal aspect. However, at Rangers, it is also imperative to combine the physical prowess in the game with tactical and individual strategies.

In defense, it is essential to effectively halt the opposing team's counters or kick-and-rush tactics, as these are commonly employed strategies against Rangers. Conversely, in tighter areas, one must possess strong technical skills to successfully execute plays and create scoring chances. I recall my time with Paul Le Guen when we consistently aimed to showcase attractive football, yet we often found ourselves falling victim to counterattacks.

"We lacked the necessary defensive prowess which led to conceding several goals. Regrettably, Le Guen was dismissed, and as a manager of Rangers, this is a matter that needs to be taken into account, given the unpredictable nature of every game.

"He should have faith in their ability to win the title. The competition is a marathon. During his time at Monaco, he successfully propelled them from ninth place to the top three, showcasing his capability in achieving such a feat."

Rangers' upcoming fixtures

October 26: Sparta Prague (a), Europa League, kick-off 5.45pm

October 29: Hearts (h), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 3pm

November 1: Dundee (a), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 7.45pm

November 5: Hearts (n), League Cup semi-final, 3pm

November 9: Sparta Prague (h), Europa League, kick-off 8pm

November 12: Livingston (a), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 12pm - live on We

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