Rangers: John Gilligan on Philippe Clement's Future, Celtic Rivalry, and January Transfer Plans

Rangers Backing Manager Philippe Clement Amid Challenges

In a recent interview with Sky Sports News, Rangers interim chairman John Gilligan revealed the club's firm support for manager Philippe Clement as they aim to reclaim their position at the top of Scottish football. Gilligan's commitment to Clement comes amid challenges, emphasizing that the club will not consider sacking the manager, even if results fail to meet expectations.

Commitment to Support Clement

Gilligan, who recently returned to the Rangers boardroom following John Bennett's resignation, assures fans that they are backing Philippe Clement unequivocally. "Philippe's the manager and he's in charge of all aspects of football," Gilligan stated, highlighting the necessity of supporting the club's leadership without interference.

Moreover, Gilligan expressed the importance of patience from fans. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the manager and the need for supporters to trust in Clement's vision, which includes integrating younger players and establishing a sustainable trading model.

Funds Available for January Transfers

Looking ahead, Gilligan confirmed that transfer funds will be available in January, providing an opportunity for Clement to strengthen the squad without needing to sell players. He explained, "There will be money for Clement to spend in January," indicating that while selling players can help, it is not a prerequisite for new signings. This supports the club's ongoing effort to enhance their player trading model.

Catching Up to Celtic

With a five-point gap behind Old Firm rivals Celtic, Gilligan is optimistic about Rangers' chances of making a competitive comeback. He emphasized a step-by-step approach, asserting, "Yes, definitely we can challenge Celtic because of the manager and the players we've brought in." Gilligan believes that positive momentum is crucial, urging the players and staff to maintain belief in their potential.

Search for a New CEO

As the club navigates this transitional period, Gilligan highlighted their priority in appointing a new CEO following James Bisgrove's departure to Saudi Arabia. He noted: "The big thing is the CEO and recruiting one as soon as possible." The aim is to bring stability and professionalism to the management structure, which Gilligan expects to achieve in the coming months.

Addressing Criticism from Former Chairman Dave King

Gilligan briefly addressed comments made by former chairman Dave King, maintaining a respectful distance from King’s criticism. He stated, "I don’t really want to get involved in what Dave's said, it seems a bit unrealistic to be honest." Emphasizing the club's focus on business over tensions among shareholders, Gilligan reaffirmed that there is currently no appetite for new board members.

Message to Rangers Fans

In closing, Gilligan extended his gratitude to the Rangers supporters, acknowledging their unwavering loyalty during challenging times. "Their support is never in doubt," he remarked. He reaffirmed the club's commitment to building a solid foundation for the future, with hopes of reclaiming their league title sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

As John Gilligan steps into his role at Rangers, the focus remains on stability, support for manager Philippe Clement, and a competitive edge against Celtic. With transfer plans in place and an emphasis on patience and belief, Rangers aims to rise again in Scottish football, keeping their passionate fanbase at the forefront of their mission.

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