Rangers

Watch highlights as Rangers lose 2-0 against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

Philippe Clement is close to being sacked by Rangers following Saturday's 2-0 defeat at home to St Mirren. (Scottish Sun), external

The details over the Belgian's exit are being finalised. (Daily Record), external

Rangers are expected to announce the departure of Clement, 50. (Peter A Smith on X), external

A board meeting was held on Sunday to decide their manager's future. (STV), external

Rangers' players have been informed of Clement's exit. (Chris Jack on X), external

John Bennett is set to follow Dave King's lead and sell his Ibrox stake as part of the proposed Rangers takeover deal by 49ers Enterprises. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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We asked for your views on Rangers' 2-0 defeat at home to St Mirren.

Here's a selection of replies:

David: I am never one to shout for the manager to be sacked. However, this is really the final straw. No heart. No fight. No structure. This is not Rangers. Takeover or not, a new interim manager is required before the Fenerbahce game.

Graham: I am disappointed that Philippe Clement hasn't resigned. He has lost the dressing room and the fans no longer trust him. He has had too many opportunities to change the team's boring style of football and lack of motivation. Time for some new ideas and structure.

Richard: Well, as most Rangers fans, I was absolutely disgusted by the performance of our players. Totally devoid of heart and desire. St Mirren totally deserved their victory. Where do Rangers go from here, no one knows.

Gordon: Another dismal display! However, I'll be amazed if there are major changes before the 49ers deal goes through, if it does. So that just leaves a team going through the motions until the end of the season as there's no chance of European glory. A pitiful state of affairs for a club of this stature.

Steve: The only thing that can save Clement is the takeover. They will want to bring in their own manager so firing the current one now wouldn't make sense.

Eamon: It's time for the so-called manager to go. Enough is enough. We can't put up with this any longer. One unmitigated disaster after another and Clement wants to talk about finding solutions. How long does he need?

Finlay: Just sack him. There has been no worse Rangers side than the one playing for us. Bring Steven Gerrard back on reduced terms. The decision is so simple, but Patrick Stewart makes it look so complicated. Clement needs to go.

Peter: The players have given up. The manager can't set them up or motivate them properly. This is Rangers. No more. The end. Get an ex-player caretaker in and plan for the next season now.

William: This has been a long and slow decline both on and off the pitch. Inept and mismanagement by a weak board, a bunch of overpaid and underachieving players, a coaching staff who cannot see what is going wrong, a youth set-up that has been ripped apart due to the financial mismanagement of the club. PC should drop every player due to leave in the summer.

Graeme: Predictable football. No players brave enough to run at their defence. Aimless hit and hope long balls over top of their defence. Our defence was shocking, can't deal with long balls. Rangers were bullied yesterday and this has never been acceptable at Ibrox. And stop playing Butland, the guy is a disaster!

Gary: This is the worst Rangers team for a long, long time. Players need to give themselves a good look in the mirror and ask themselves am I giving all I can for the club and the fans? Sadly, the answer right now is not by a long shot.

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• Rangers have a record of W1, D3, L4 when conceding the opening goal in the Premiership this season.

• Rangers attempted 32 crosses in this match, higher than their season average of 23.7 in the Premiership.

• Rangers have stopped the opposition from scoring a first-half goal in 17 of their 27 games, only Celtic (22) have done this more often in the Premiership this season.

• Toyosi Olusanya has scored eight goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other St Mirren player.

• Mikael Mandron attempted five shots in this game, the joint-highest total for a St Mirren player in the Premiership this season.

• St. Mirren have avoided defeat in their last six matches when scoring first in the Premiership, since a 1-2 loss to Motherwell on 28 September 2024.

Rangers turbulent campaign took another lurch downwards as St Mirren won in Glasgow to record back-to-back victories over the Ibrox club for the first time since the 1979-80 season.

The defeat - coming two weeks after the Scottish Cup humbling by Queen's Park - is Rangers' first in 10 league matches and keeps them 13 points behind Celtic after their defeat earlier in the day.

Just this week, chief executive Patrick Stewart said Rangers had opted to keep manager Philippe Clement despite the "disastrous" Scottish Cup loss because of "the long-term interests of the club, not to save money".

But, if the manner in which Rangers fans streamed out of Ibrox long before the end and the noise that greeted the performance are anything to go by, the pressure on the Belgian will only intensify this week.

Rangers fans, what are your immediate thoughts following today's defeat?

Have your say here., external

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Rangers manager Philippe Clement: "We were very nervous from the start of the game on the ball, which created chances for the opponent. We had spells where we were better. But, by far, not good enough for the standards of Rangers.

"It is difficult to explain. Was it that they wanted to do too good, react and give the fans much more? We need to look at the root of the problem. At the end, it is my responsibility to get them with the right mindset on the pitch.

"There was fight. We were not collective enough with our strengths. Everyone wanted to force it too much on their own.

"I can only say sorry and apologise [to the Rangers fans] from me and the team. This is not what Rangers teams need to show on the pitch. We all know this was by far below the standards we all expect."

When asked if he would understand if the Rangers board had a decision to make over his future, Clement replied: "I'm not busy with those questions or those things. I am busy finding solutions to get Rangers back to where they should be."

Cam Wanstall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Despite the defeat being their first league loss of 2025, an all-round poor performance from every Rangers starter warranted the vocal response

Hamza Igamane brought unpredictability - but little accuracy - to the Rangers trio in behind Cyriel Dessers, as Ianis Hagi and Vaclav Cerny brought technical ability but zero spark on the flanks.

While Dessers was consistently making sharp movements in behind, he failed to get on the end of the majority of deliveries and his threat was quelled by Alex Gogic.

It wasn't any better for Rangers at the back. With four centre-back options injured, Clinton Nsiala started but the young Frenchman was at fault for both goals.

Credit can only be given to Nicolas Raskin, who battled well at the base of the midfield against brawny Mikael Mandron, consistently getting the better of St Mirren's number nine when the two clashed.

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Rangers defender John Souttar is out after picking up an injury against Hearts but Danilo is available again. Oscar Cortes is back in training but has still a way to go after being out for a lengthy period. Leon Balogun, Connor Barron, Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo are all still out.

St Mirren attacker Evan Mooney is out with an ankle injury. Alex Iacovitti is back in training after illness and Scott Tanser is available. Conor McMenamin (calf) remains out.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement says he respects Jose Mourinho's ability to win the biggest trophies in football, but his "personal preference" is for managers who prioritise attack more than the Portuguese boss.

Mourinho's Fenerbahce will face Rangers in the Europa League last 16 in March.

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Rangers manager Philippe Clement will not have any input to the club's recruitment of a sporting director.

Chief executive Patrick Stewart this week revealed Rangers were seeking a sporting director.

Belgian Clement, 50, would not be drawn on speculation around a potential club takeover by 49ers Enterprises - "nothing to talk about until something happens" - and says he has appreciated not being the only spokesman at Rangers since Stewart's appointment in December.

"I think that's the other way around, normally it's sporting directors who get managers, so no," Clement responded when asked if he would be involved in the sporting director appointment

"I worked in the past with a lot of sporting directors. There are also different kinds of sporting directors. Those are interesting things to talk about along the way but no, I will not be involved in the recruitment."

Stewart admitted this month's Scottish Cup loss at home to Queen's Park was "disastrous" but insisted changing manager risked damaging Rangers' Europa League campaign.

And Clement, whose side trail Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic by 13 points, added: "There are still a lot of things to be done to get the club where we all want it to be and that's at the first position in the league. There are lot of things to be done by all of us. So, I'm focused on what can I do in that part of the story.

"I've been eight months the face of that, also for all the other things that I didn't have an influence on. Now with Patrick, I feel things start to move and we can get the ship in the right direction.

"I don't think it was a normal situation, the first part of the season to be the only spokesman of the club about a lot of things that are not sporting. I'm happy that now somebody inside the club can speak outside and address what is living in the club."

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Philippe Clement addressed the media before Rangers host St Mirren on Saturday in the Scottish Premiership.

Here are the key things he said:

• Rangers Europa League draw with Fenerbahce is "exciting" and one to look forward to.

• Clement says he admires Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho's success, and joked the media will "love it" having him here.

• Describing Mourinho, the manager said he is someone who is "more defensive" and he prefers an "attacking style" from managers, but he respects the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss.

• Clement wouldn't discuss speculation on a potential takeover involving 49ers Enterprises, as he is fully focused on the football side of things.

• The manager won't have any input on the appointment of a new sporting director.

• He's pleased that since the appointment of CEO Patrick Stewart he is no longer the only public spokesman for the club.

• On the squad, John Souttar is out off Saturday after picking up a "not long-term" injury against Hearts, though Danilo is back training and available.

Rangers will face Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the last 16 of the Europa League and could face Manchester United should they reach the semi-finals.

Philippe Clement's Ibrox side had advanced directly into Friday's draw after finishing in the top eight following the competition's new league stage.

Fenerbahce overcame Anderlecht 5-2, in their Europa League play-off tie, with the game marred by fighting among rival fans and reports of racist chanting.

Rangers fans, what do you make of the draw? Give us your thoughts here., external

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Rangers will face Turkish side Fenerbahce in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Jose Mourinho's side will host the first leg on Thursday, 6 March before the second leg at Ibrox a week later.

Fenerbahce are second in the Turkish top flight and beat Anderlecht 5-2 on aggregate in the play-off round to reach the last 16.

Rangers automatically reached this stage after securing a top-eight spot during the league stage.

The winner of the tie will play the winner of Roma vs Athletic Club.

We asked for your thoughts after it was revealed on Thursday that 49ers Enterprises - the San Francisco 49ers' investment wing and owners of Leeds United - are involved in talks regarding a takeover at Ibrox.

Here's what you had to say:

Evi: I expect us to be more competitive as a football team on the park. Certainly we will have the consistency on the park that has been missing. NFL games? The global reach will increase. Facilities at Ibrox upgraded and its surrounding areas rejuvenated. Exciting times, a great boost for Glasgow and Scotland.

Ronnie: This sounds exactly like what is needed for Rangers. But the club has to ensure that the new owners buy into the Rangers culture and the fans who demand that we be number one in Scotland and never settle for anything else. We have never capitalised on our worldwide fanbase, that must change. Let's make Rangers great again.

Charlie: We as a club need a complete overhaul of the boardroom and the team, perhaps this alleged takeover from the USA is a blessing but look what happens to the bigger clubs when money appears to be no barrier, it does not guarantee success and we need to remember to be thankful for any help our great club receives and rise up once again.

Billy: The potential takeover has, outwardly, the potential to put Rangers back on a solid financial footing, without relying on the soft loan system. There is a way to go to an agreement, but it looks positive. Stability is the key to success.

Ann: I would welcome a takeover. We badly need a new board. I just hope this is not another false dawn. I am in my 61st year of going to Ibrox and even our spell in lower leagues was not as toxic as present. I also believe with support from the board we could turn things around.

Robert: What is clear is that at the moment the current set-up is not working. We have fallen so far behind Celtic in the last few years that new investment is urgently needed in the club as a whole, especially the playing squad, who need not just to compete with Celtic but also get into the Champions League and do well there.

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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Vaclav Cerny has done more than most at Ibrox to keep under-pressure manager Philippe Clement in a job.

The on-loan Wolfsburg winger scored Rangers' second goal and set them on their way to victory over Hearts last weekend as the Ibrox side bounced back from their embarrassing Scottish Cup exit at home to Queen's Park seven days earlier.

Cerny drew a blank in that Glasgow derby defeat, but the 27-year-old has been most prolific at Ibrox, with eight of his 10 Premiership goals having come in front of his own fans.

That is the most of any player for any side on home soil in the competition this term and St Mirren will probably have to prevent the Czech Republic international adding to his 14 goals in all competitions if they are to match the 2-1 win they enjoyed in Paisley in December.

If they did so, it would be the first time they will have beaten Rangers in back-to-back league meetings since three in a row in 1979-80.

However, the Buddies' four points since the turn of the year is the least in the division along with Aberdeen and Motherwell, while Rangers' 20 are more than any other side and they are looking to win six league games in a row by a margin of at least two goals for the first time since December 2009.

Read the rest of the weekend's Premiership picks.

The 49ers Enterprise's Rangers takeover should be signed and sealed in a matter of weeks and long before the end of this season. (Daily Record), external

Scottish FA rules on multi-club ownership would be no barrier to a potential takeover of Rangers by 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers, or even the potential for their president Paraag Marathe to take a seat on the Ibrox board, as dual ownership involving the Leeds United chairman would "not impact on the integrity of the competition" in this country. (The National), external

Former Rangers chairman and major shareholder Dave King is close to agreeing a deal to sell his shares to the US consortium bidding to take over the Scottish Premiership club. (Daily Record), external

Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe, a key player in the US bid to take over Rangers, accepted a VIP invite to join the Ibrox club board at Old Trafford for January's Europa League game with Manchester United. (Scottish Sun), external

Rangers are likely to be valuing the club at around £150m as Ibrox takeover talks are advancing. (Football Insider), external

Rangers consultant Mike Forde has close links with would-be Ibrox investor Paraag Marathe, having recommended investing in Leeds United back in 2018. (Scottish Sun), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Sources close to the possible takeover of Rangers involving the San Francisco 49ers' investment wing have revealed their hope - and expectation - that a deal can be completed between April and June.

There is "broad agreement" between all parties, with current shareholders expected to sell all, or part, of their stake in the club in the coming months.

The prospective owners would acquire more than 50% of the Rangers shares while taking on the debt, much of it owed to former chairman John Bennett.

Paraag Marathe, the Leeds United chairman and the force behind 49ers Investments, the investment wing of the 49ers NFL franchise, is a key player in the Rangers takeover.

Rangers fans - what do you make of this prospective deal? Give us your thoughts here., external