Rangers chief executive has backed manager Philip Clement despite the club’s struggle to catch runaway leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this season.

Celtic’s win over Ross County on Saturday extended their lead at the top of Scottish football to 18 points, although Rangers can extend it to 15 if they beat St Johnstone at Ibrox on Sunday.

After winning just three of their 11 away matches in the league this term, Clement has come under criticism from supporters, but Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart said the board is sticking with the Belgian.

However, Clement’s side have fared better in this season’s Europa League, where they currently sit in eighth place, and the 50-year-old manager secured his first Old Firm derby victory on January 2 with a 3-0 win over their bitter rivals. .

Full-time: Rangers 3-0 Celtic

💙 Victory for the famous Glasgow Rangers pic.twitter.com/vQFVW1tpDS

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025

“I’ve had to make some tough decisions, that comes with the role, but I’m committed to making the right decisions for Rangers, not just the popular ones,” Stewart said.

“We as a board are supporting Philip at this time. It’s about taking a deeper look at the issues, addressing those issues and focusing on building a stronger future for the club. Changing managers is not a silver bullet solution.”

Stewart also revealed there would be a “root and branch review of the entire football department” at Rangers.

The former Manchester United chief executive, who took up his role at Ibrox less than a month ago, said the review, which starts on Monday, will be carried out with external help and will last between six and 12 weeks.

He also admitted that the club would look to add “one or two” players in the January transfer window.