He’s the man that every Rangers fan wants to hear from – and CEO Patrick Stewart‘s long-awaited address will need to deliver for some of the raging punters.
Under-fire Philippe Clement has defaulted to the promised update from the Ibrox chief amid increasing scrutiny on the state of the club during their miserable Scottish Premiership campaign. While a win over Celtic to kick off 2025 appeared to signal a fresh dawn for the club, since then it has been back to the status quo of the season for Rangers with more points dropped on the road.
And when Stewart does break cover he will have more than a couple of issues to tackle to appease the furious fans who have seen their side plummet out of the title race – and face a fight to keep second spot in the table. But what will Stewart tackle? Record Sport takes a look.
Philippe Clement’s future
It’s the question on the mind of every Rangers fan – how long can this go on? Things had looked to have finally turned a corner for the Belgian boss following an impressive 3-0 win over Celtic but since then the club have managed to fall further behind their rivals.
Back-to-back draws with Hibs and Dundee have thrown the spotlight back on the long-term future of the boss – and despite a furious reaction from the fans at Dens Park on Thursday night Clement insisted he was “200 per cent” certain he has the back of the board. Will Stewart agree?
January transfer signings
Philippe Clement has defaulted to Patrick Stewart when facing questions about potential incoming players. The longer the wait has rumbled on, the more fan concern has grown over a lack of business. The club are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis with Dujon Sterling, John Souttar, Leon Baolgun and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Jack Butland and James Tavernier all out. Punters will be desperate to see the club splash some cash this month.
Player trading model
Speaking of January, it has long been the ambition of the Rangers board to move on players for a profit. But will it happen this month with the dressing room rebuild still on-going?
The likes of Cyriel Dessers and Ridvan Yilmaz could be on the move – while academy kids Alex Lowry and Adam Devine are out of contract at the end of the season. With Rangers making just £810k from their summer sales urgent action is required.
Investment coming?
The club’s most recent accounts confirmed a loss of £17m in the last financial year and fans are desperate to see the masterplan laid bare for bringing in cash. Back in September, then-interim chairman John Gilligan stated: “There is fresh investment coming into the club.” With Patrick Stewart now in the door the punters will hope for more information on the financial plan going forward.
Closing the gap
Second is nowhere in Glasgow, as the saying goes. And as it stands, Rangers are in a fight to hold on to second spot with Aberdeen and Dundee United chasing the Light Blues down. But the punters will be looking up and are desperate to see the 15 point lead that Celtic hold slashed. The fans will want to know Stewart’s vision to reel in their rivals – and eventually reclaim the Premiership crown.
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.