Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart Condemns Philippe Clement’s Claims, Champions Russell Martin’s Appointment
Rangers Football Club’s CEO, Patrick Stewart, has publicly criticized former manager Philippe Clement’s assertions about the club’s direction, while outlining bold reasons why new manager Russell Martin is the ideal choice to lead Rangers forward. Stewart’s remarks come as the club seeks to recover from a turbulent season marked by disappointing results under Clement’s tenure.
Clement, sacked after a string of poor performances, including a shocking Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park and a 2-0 loss to St Mirren, had claimed his Europa League run justified his position. Stewart, however, dismissed this, stating that the club’s underperformance was not solely tied to managerial decisions but rooted in deeper structural issues. “We’ve been underperforming for seasons, and changing managers hasn’t fixed it,” Stewart said in a Rangers TV interview, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive football operations review.
Stewart’s decision to appoint Russell Martin, formerly of Southampton, reflects a strategic shift toward a modern, possession-based style and a winning culture. Speaking at Martin’s unveiling, Stewart praised the new manager’s alignment with Rangers’ vision. “Russell’s appointment is the culmination of months of work. His style, seen in his successful Championship and Premier League stints, fits our goal of dominating key moments in games,” Stewart noted.
Martin, a former Rangers player, brings a clear footballing identity, focusing on squad development and cultural transformation. Stewart highlighted Martin’s ability to improve young talents like Jefte and Connor Barron, contrasting this with Clement’s inconsistent results, particularly in away matches where Rangers secured only 13 points from 33 available. New sporting director Kevin Thelwell echoed Stewart, calling Martin an “outstanding candidate” for building a sustainable, competitive team.
Stewart’s condemnation of Clement’s claims underscores his commitment to long-term success over short-term fixes. “I’m not here for popular decisions,” he said, addressing fan frustration. The CEO’s backing of Martin signals confidence in a new era at Ibrox, with hopes of closing the gap on rivals Celtic and restoring Rangers’ domestic dominance. As Martin begins his tenure, fans await results that match the bold vision Stewart has outlined.
