Patrick Stewart's first public appearance as Rangers chief executive fails to impress fans, raising concerns about his leadership and the club's future.
When Patrick Stewart chose to make his first public appearance as the new Rangers chief executive, it was widely anticipated he would attempt to win over fans and influence the club's direction. However, his approach came across as condescending, failing to appease any of the disgruntled supporters. Instead, it further alienated a fanbase already on the verge of revolting against the current leadership. Stewart spoke extensively but offered little of substance that the fans desired.
His debut, alongside recently appointed chairman Fraser Thornton, was a surprisingly clumsy affair that did little to alleviate the tension following Rangers' routine win against St Johnstone. During the match, sections of home fans expressed their discontent with chants demanding the board's dismissal. They emphasized their disapproval by walking out after 55 minutes. One of Stewart's most significant missteps was his inability to present a clear plan or mandate for change. The impression he conveyed was that of 'the new boss, same as the old boss.' Both Stewart and Thornton need to shift their perspective and genuinely engage with the fans. They must address the underlying suspicion that their primary concern is fulfilling the wishes of the investors, who have demonstrably failed to propel the club forward in recent years. 'I need to make some tough decisions, it comes with the role, but I am committed to making the right ones for Rangers, not just the popular ones,' Stewart stated, with a notable lack of irony. By publicly supporting Philippe Clement, at least for now, Stewart is playing a high-risk game. If results don't improve dramatically in the short term, he will be forced to reconsider his position, raising serious doubts about his judgment and decision-making. If a 15-point deficit at the top of the table isn't grounds for dismissal, what does that say about the decline in standards under this regime? Similarly, if Stewart backs Clement one week and then fires him the next, Rangers supporters will justifiably question his suitability for the role. They've witnessed enough of Clement's performance to form their own damning verdict and deserve to have their concerns heard rather than being told that those in power know better. Rangers fans are well-acquainted with the qualities of managerial excellence. The recent erection of a statue outside their stadium commemorating Walter Smith serves as a constant reminder of the standard set. Clement, unfortunately, falls far short of meeting those expectations. Forget about paying for a third-party report to investigate the issues plaguing the club. Rangers fans have already conducted a thorough review of Clement and, collectively, concluded that they can no longer tolerate his inability to consistently field a winning team. Stewart was right about one thing: sacking a manager isn't a quick fix. The true solution lies in identifying and securing the services of a manager worthy of standing in Smith's shadow. There's no benefit to clinging to a manager who demonstrably lacks the ability to succeed. Stewart also correctly acknowledged the wider, systemic issues hindering the club's progress. If he demonstrates the boldness and acumen required for the position, he may find himself challenging those who are ultimately responsible for his paycheck. To adequately address Rangers' problems, a top-to-bottom overhaul is necessary. A simple look around the boardroom at the next meeting should reveal the root of the issues to Stewart and Thornton. While Alistair Johnston and Graeme Park may have good intentions, their reputation and standing have been severely damaged by a series of missteps. They represent a period of internal conflict and questionable decision-making that has relegated Rangers to perpetual second-place status in a two-horse race. However, their presence at least suggests a willingness to confront the challenges
RANGERS STEWART CLEMENT BOARD FANS
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