Breaking News:Philippe Clement Rangers reversal is something I can never recall as fevered
Rangers manager Philippe Clement did remarkably well against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League qualifier for a man who doesn’t have a clue about what he’s doing, and who is working on a contract that was unjustifiably extended.
Neither of those opinions is personally held, I must say. I am simply repeating the words of the fans I listened to on the radio in the hour leading up to kick-off in Poland last Tuesday evening. I will reach three landmarks over the course of this season, my 75th birthday, the 55th anniversary of beginning work in the newspaper industry and my 40th year at Radio Clyde. And I can never recall a time before this when public opinion was formed so quickly and then ditched in an even faster time.
It’s ironic, then, that the Belgian should have asked for the roof to be blown off Hampden in 48 hours’ time by a support containing an element who are not sure he’s the man they should be listening to in the first place. The manager said before the first leg that the outcome could turn out to be a symbolic turning point in Rangers’ season. A win for Clement would also be a significant landmark where his approval rating is concerned. In Poland last week he was composed and confident in his own judgment. Clement needs to be both of those things once again on Tuesday, while a fevered jury sits in judgment of him.
Something like dropping three points against Hibs at Easter Road today, for instance. Particularly if Kieron Bowie, signed from Fulham for what the Edinburgh club describe as a “significant” fee, should happen to score the winner. Bowie was taken at speed from an English Premier League club while Celtic still haven’t got a move for a Championship striker, Adam Idah, over the line 11 weeks after he scored the goal that won the Scottish Cup.
Celtic announced to the London Stock Exchange last week that “as a result of a strong end to the season the club expects earnings for the year ended 30 June will be significantly higher than previous expectations”. I know the board don’t mean to deliberately antagonise their own support, but telling them the club is even more loaded than they thought they were going to be doesn’t help when it comes to growing dismay regarding their signing policy. I’ll hazard a guess based on having lived in Glasgow for the last 74 years.
Be the first to comment