Another season, another Rangers manager sacked. That has been the story at Ibrox for quite some time now as Philippe Clement joins the list that includes names like Mick Beale and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, managers who showed early promise in Scotland before quickly fading away and failing the Celtic test.
Clement did win silverware with the Rangers, last season's Scottish League Cup. But overall, his time with the club has to be considered a major failure.
The only thing surprising about his departure is how long it took the Rangers to make the decision. They are on course to finish trophyless this season. One has to wonder whether the long-term contract extension that he had been handed earlier on in the campaign was the primary reason behind the delay.
Kris Boyd often has nothing but positive things to say about the Rangers. But even he had plenty to criticise as the Ibrox club parted ways with Clement.
Kris Boyd slams Philippe Clement for actions against Celtic
Let's turn back the clock to when the Rangers drew 3-3 at home against Celtic in a home match last season and decided to celebrate in the aftermath. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, when talking about when it started to go wrong for Clement, Boyd told Sky Sports News:
"I think last year when you look back to, March-April time, Rangers lost at home to Motherwell.
“Then, just after that, the 3-3 with Celtic. If you look back now, there were signs there. Celebrating, more or less, drawing with Celtic in a must-win game. I don’t think it’s something you do as a Rangers manager."
Managing in Glasgow is a completely different ball game. Second place is pretty much as good as last. And unfortunately for the Rangers, they have rarely been first.
It remains to be seen who the club end up appointing as their next manager. They have had plenty in recent years but things have not changed drastically as a result. So, whoever it turns out to be, one would think that Celtic would fancy their chances of coming out on top once again, like they always seem to do.