Patrick Stewart reveals reasons for keeping Philippe Clement
Last updated 19th Feb 2025
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart says changing manager is not the way to solve their problems as he refuted claims keeping Philippe Clement was a financial decision.
The Belgian came under severe pressure from supporters after being dumped out of the Scottish Cup by Championship side Queen's Park.
Clement was allowed to stay in post and questioned the silence from the Ibrox board and new chief executive.
Stewart has now revealed the reasons, saying the manager is not to blame for underperformance.
The former Manchester United executive insists they need to work out the "root problems" at the club to allow them to have success.
He also denies Clement is only staying as the club cannot afford to terminate his contract.
Stewart told RangersTV: "We have been underperforming for several seasons now and that's not down to a manager. We have changed the manager and it has not made a difference.
"What I'm doing now it looking at the root causes of it. Until we sort those root causes, then it's akin to trying to fix a broken house and starting with the ceiling instead of starting with the root foundations.
"For all the Queen's Park result was disastrous, we do also have to give credit to Philippe and the team for the Europa League run.
"We had a really tough draw. Four of the top eight we played against and we finished in the top eight. So they deserve real credit for that.
"I don't want to take a step that would put further progress in the Europa League at risk. That's another reason why we continue to keep Philippe in this role.
"I'm not here to make popular decisions and get quick wins. I do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past.
"We are all judged on results. There are no free passes here but we are sticking to the plan and are going to be incredibly disciplined about that because we have not always been that in the past.
"I've said consistently now that we're not refusing to make changes because of finances.
"All I can do is reiterate that. That is absolutely not the case.
"To keep somebody in position to avoid a termination payment is just a false economy.
"That is not a way to run a club and that is not what we are doing.
"Decisions are being made for the long term interests of the football club - not to save money."
Stewart also addressed their Scottish Cup defeat to Queen's Park - labelling it "disastrous" and "a source of shame" for everyone connected with the club.
He said: "I don't want anyone to doubt the gravity of the result and how I view the result.
"You can't sugar coat it - it was disastrous.
"Historically it is obviously a significant moment. It is the first time we have gone out to lower league opposition at home in the Scottish Cup.
"That's a source of shame for the club. It was a really good opportunity to win a trophy and that is now gone.
"It has impacted everyone at the club. It has impacted morale and serious questions have been asked. It's a massive blow".
Stewart also said the club will now look to appoint a sporting director.
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