Rangers have experienced ongoing instability within their leadership in recent years, leaving fans increasingly frustrated.
Supporters at Ibrox have reached their limit, disheartened by the team’s performances compared to rivals Celtic and the inconsistent handling of key issues by club executives. Despite a relatively subdued AGM in December—initially expected to be much more contentious—the gap between the board and the fanbase seems to be widening each week.
Grant: Rangers Should Have Struck a Deal with Mike Ashley
Former Celtic and Scotland player Peter Grant believes Rangers should have made every effort to secure a deal with Mike Ashley for a controlling stake at Ibrox. Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (13 February), Grant acknowledged that his stance would be unpopular among Gers supporters but insisted Ashley would have provided the financial backing necessary for success.
Ashley, the former Newcastle United owner, previously held shares in Rangers between 2014 and 2017. However, he clashed with fans after attempting to use Ibrox as collateral for a £10 million loan. He eventually sold his shares to Julian Wolhardt and Club 1872. Years later, Rangers had to pay Ashley £8.25 million to resolve a dispute over the third-party sale of replica kits with Sports Direct (Daily Record).
Grant stated: “The biggest issue—though Rangers fans won’t agree—is that they didn’t like Mike Ashley. But everything he touched found success in some form. He would have brought the financial resources needed to make the club thrive. I don’t know all the background, but from a Celtic perspective, I was relieved he didn’t become a key figure at Rangers. Fans underestimate his business acumen, and missing out on him was a big loss.”
Can Rangers Afford to Sack Philippe Clement?
The financial burden of dismissing Philippe Clement—something fans have been demanding for some time—is likely the main reason the board continues to back him.
Club director Patrick Stewart publicly endorsed Clement in a statement that further alienated him from the Govan faithful and was criticized by pundits as a weak response.
While Rangers could technically afford to part ways with Clement, the potential financial domino effect raises concerns. Finding a suitable replacement and covering compensation costs could be a challenge. Additionally, the payout required to terminate Clement’s contract seems to be an expense the board is unwilling to prioritize.
With domestic success slipping away, the only silver lining in Rangers’ season has been their Europa League performances, particularly their remarkable 2022 run. At this stage, the club’s best course of action might be to focus on developing young academy talents. However, it remains unlikely that Clement will be the one to benefit from this long-term approach.
