The timing of new Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart's public backing of manager Philippe Clement has drawn criticism from pundit Michael Stewart. The statement, made the day before a 3-1 victory over St Johnstone, was overshadowed by a mass fan walkout protesting against the club's direction. Stewart argues that the statement was released prematurely and risks negatively impacting public perception, especially with crucial upcoming matches.
Michael Stewart has criticized the timing of new Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart's public endorsement of Philippe Clement. The former Manchester United official expressed his confidence in the Belgian manager on Saturday, the day before Rangers secured a 3-1 victory over St Johnstone at Ibrox. However, the win was overshadowed by a mass walkout organized by the Union Bears in the 55th minute, protesting against the club's management.
Several banners also appeared, criticizing the club hierarchy and demanding Clement's dismissal.With two more home games scheduled in the next five days - against Aberdeen on Wednesday and then Highland League minnows Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup on Sunday - pundit Stewart expressed bewilderment at the timing of the new CEO's statements. Speaking on the Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, he stated: 'Why would Patrick Stewart release that statement before three home games and off the back of those poor performances? Even in his statement he talks about it being an unpopular and difficult decision. 'Surely you wait until after the Aberdeen game where you are thinking you've potentially got a win against St Johnstone and potentially a win against Aberdeen. You are not talking about two weeks time, you are talking about five days. All of the sudden the perception is on the back of two wins and they might have signed someone in the window. 'It's all about positioning to send out the message at the right time. I just thought he was already doing something that he knew was going to be unpopular at the wrong time. Just wait five days!'Clement has remained steadfast amidst the mounting pressure on his position in recent weeks, and fellow pundit Alan Hutton believes this is because he has received unequivocal assurances from Stewart and the rest of the Rangers board. 'I think he's been told', Hutton added. 'He has obviously been told in the background 'look this is long-term, it's not a short-term fix'. Patrick Stewart has said the cycle needs to change and it's not a silver bullet of just getting rid of a manager, bringing someone else in and everything is going to be hunky dory, that's not how it works. 'I know it's results-driven business and I know if it continues in this way, he will lose his job. It's not popular with some sections of the fans but they need to stick with someone at some point.
RANGERS PATRICK STEWART PHILIPPECLEMENT FAN PROTESTS FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
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