Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart has admitted that the club’s shock Scottish Cup defeat to Queen’s Park was “a source of shame.” However, he insists that sacking Philippe Clement was not the right move, particularly with European ambitions still at stake.
The 1-0 loss at Ibrox to Championship opposition effectively ended Rangers’ domestic silverware hopes for the season, marking the first time they had been eliminated from the competition at home by a lower-league side.
Frustrated supporters called for Clement’s removal, but Stewart chose to back the Belgian manager. He believes the club’s struggles run deeper than just the coaching staff and that a change in leadership wouldn’t be a quick fix.
Stewart Addresses Fan Concerns Over Clement’s Position
Speaking to Rangers TV, Stewart reflected on the damaging impact of the loss, acknowledging the disappointment it caused throughout the club.
“It’s the first time we’ve gone out of the Scottish Cup at home to lower-league opposition, and that isn’t lost on me,” Stewart said. “It’s a huge disappointment for everyone. There’s a financial impact, of course, but more importantly, it was a real chance to lift a trophy—and that opportunity is now gone. The result affected everyone at the club, from the squad at Auchenhowie to the wider staff.”
When asked why Clement remained in charge despite fan frustration, Stewart defended his decision, explaining that long-term stability is more important than short-term reactions.
“We’ve been underperforming for several seasons now, and that’s not down to one manager,” he said. “We’ve changed managers before, but the fundamental problems remain. I’m focused on identifying and fixing those deeper issues rather than making a quick decision just to satisfy immediate frustrations.
“While the Queen’s Park result was unacceptable, we also have to acknowledge the team’s progress in Europe. Finishing among the top eight in the Europa League, despite a tough group, is a significant achievement. I didn’t want to make a decision that could jeopardize our potential in that competition.”
Stewart reiterated that he isn’t focused on making “popular decisions” for short-term gain, stating, “I won’t repeat past mistakes. My priority is ensuring we make the right choices in the right order to benefit the club in the long run.”
Structural Changes at Rangers: Sporting Director Role Introduced
Beyond Clement’s position, Stewart highlighted that the club must address wider issues that have contributed to its inconsistent performances in recent years. A full review of the football department has been conducted, with external consultants making recommendations for necessary improvements.
One of the key outcomes of that review is the decision to appoint a sporting director—a role that Rangers have previously lacked.
“We’re now actively searching for a sporting director who will oversee the entire football operation,” Stewart explained. “Most top European clubs have a single figure responsible for the football side, and we’ve identified that as an area where we need to improve. This person will ensure all aspects of the football department are working cohesively toward a unified strategy.”
Nils Koppen, who was recently promoted from head of recruitment to technical director, will continue to play a crucial role. However, Stewart clarified that the new sporting director will provide additional leadership and allow Koppen to focus on player recruitment.
“Nils stepped up during a period of transition and has done a fantastic job, particularly with recruitment,” Stewart said. “The sporting director will complement his work, ensuring he can focus on squad planning, player trading, and strengthening the team in the way he was originally brought in to do.”
With Rangers now prioritizing structural stability and long-term planning, Stewart made it clear that his focus is on sustainable progress rather than knee-jerk reactions to disappointing results.
