Clement sacked: 6 things the new Rangers manager must do at Ibrox

Philippe Clement’s time at Glasgow Rangers has come to an end. The news was announced on Sunday evening, although the damage had already been done.

Trailing Celtic by 13 points in the Scottish Premiership means the Gers will miss out on the title for a fourth season in a row. Having also lost to their rivals in the League Cup final as well as suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup a few weeks ago, their weekend loss to St Mirren proved to be the final straw.

The next permanent manager at the club must be the correct choice. Celtic are racing further and further away domestically and have earned millions from their Champions League run this season too, and it is clear Rangers are well behind.

Barry Ferguson has since been named as interim boss, but whoever takes over at Ibrox full-time has plenty of work to do. There are certainly a few talented players in the squad, but the right style is required to bring out the best in them.

We have taken a look at six things the new manager must have on his to-do list ahead of next season.

1

Reduce the wage bill

While Clement failed to impress many this term with poor results on the field, he did manage to get rid of a few players last summer.

Indeed, John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe and Jon McLaughlin all left once their contracts expired, reducing the wage bill significantly.

However, there are several players on high wages still at the club. Kieran Dowell is earning £16,000 per week, while James Tavernier is earning nearly double this. Moving on those who are earning significant amounts while failing to contribute should be a priority for the new manager.

2

Implement a clear style of play

During his 18-month reign, Clement failed to develop a style of play that could allow players to perform at their very best.

During the 2020/21 campaign – the last time Rangers won the league – Steven Gerrard implemented a 4-3-3 system that brought out the best in several players, especially the front three.

Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo notched up 64 goals and 53 assists between them that season as they stormed to the domestic title under Gerrard’s attacking philosophy.

Whoever takes the job must spend time working on a system that fits the current players at the club, and one that could see them finally emerge from the shadows and start challenging for the league title again.

3

Win against Celtic

Clement’s record against Celtic was dismal. Across seven matches against their Old Firm rivals, the Belgian manager led the Gers to just one win – a 3-0 victory at the start of 2025.

Before that, he had suffered four defeats from five in the top flight, with only the 3-3 draw last April halting that losing run.

In the League Cup final in December, the Ibrox side arguably should have claimed the trophy, playing extremely well. The tie eventually went to penalties, where the Bhoys prevailed.

This record was hopeless, and not since Gerrard was in charge has a manager regularly got the better of Celtic.

Whoever ends up with the permanent job must ensure they start on the right foot during their first Old Firm clash, or they could go the same way as Clement and Michael Beale.

4

Recruit well in the transfer window

Clement did have one philosophy, and that was signing young players who had high ceilings for development. The likes of Clinton Nsiala, Jefte, Hamza Igamane and Oscar Cortes could all develop into wonderful players over the next few years.

There were a few howlers, however. Robin Propper failed to live up to the reputation he secured during his spell in the Netherlands, while Fabio Silva scored just six goals for the Light Blues during a six-month loan spell last term.

Across the other side of the city, Celtic have made incredible profits on Matt O’Riley, Jota and Kieran Tierney in recent years, allowing them more flexibility in the transfer market.

The new manager must be willing to take some risks in the window, but the priority will be to move players on when the iron is hot, therefore making a solid profit.

5

Utilise the academy

Giving Rangers’ academy products a chance is something Clement failed to do until it was necessary. Ross McCausland was given plenty of game time last term by the Belgian, but this was due to a lack of depth on the right wing.

This season, there have been a few players who have emerged from the academy who perhaps should have played more. Bailey Rice and Leon King are two names that stand out, though the duo have only played 217 minutes between them all season.

Whoever takes charge next should be turning to the academy in order to bulk up his first-team squad.

6

Make progress in Europe

One of Clement’s only saving graces at the club was leading them into the last 16 of the Europa League. During the league phase, Rangers won four of their eight matches, losing just two as they nabbed the final qualification spot courtesy of a 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise last month.

A tie against Fenerbahce awaits, but the new manager should be looking to steer the club into the revamped Champions League, where plenty of riches await.

For playing 10 games in the final tournament this season, Celtic earned nearly £40m in prize money – an astronomical amount, especially in Scottish football terms.

This, in turn, will allow the club to bring in better-quality players, which could see them continue to perform well on the biggest stages.

Rangers have missed out on this for the previous two seasons, and the money that can be won would be vital for the new manager. Doing well in the Europa League is all fine and well, but it is in the Champions League where Rangers belong.