The former captain of the Rangers maintains that he has encountered many easily forgotten persons in his life.
However, Philippe Clement is not one of them.
During the team’s recent winter break trip to La Manga in Spain, the Rangers boss had a conversation with the former Ibrox and Scotland midfielder over dinner.
The analyst also claims that the Belgian has made an impact that will last.
He stated in his Daily Record column, “There are some people in life who you meet one minute and instantly forget about the next.” Others, meanwhile, make a profound effect.
“They just have that air about them that’s difficult to describe, and these are folks that, in my experience, don’t come around very frequently. To put it mildly, I recently caught up with one of them.
“Last Saturday night, after dinner, I had the pleasure of running into Philippe Clement at the team hotel during my time at the Rangers training camp in La Manga.
“It was my first opportunity to introduce myself to the manager since his appointment, and I won’t go into any specifics regarding the topics that were covered in those about twenty minutes.
The conversation on football and Scottish life in general was enjoyable. What I will say, though, is that I left that conversation smiling because it validated my suspicions, which I had formed even from a distance.
“This guy truly understands what it means to be a Rangers fan, I promise. And I cannot conceive of a greater honor to bestow upon him. He is a straightforward man who avoids using flowery language or sophisticated terms.
“He’s just a regular football guy who knows what it takes to be the club’s manager and the responsibilities that go along with it. Above all, he understands that being a winner is the key to success in life as the Rangers manager.
“I have to admit that I’m not easily impressed. However, as I was leaving, I thought to myself, “That’s one impressive individual—this guy really understands what it’s all about.” In my time, I’ve also encountered a lot of managers. Some positive. Others, not so much. So when I see one, I know it’s a proper one. He is completely aware of the expectations, demands, and club. I also got the impression that my former club is in very capable hands.
“Time will tell. He’s just getting started, so there’s still a lot of work to be done. Though it’s easier said than done at this time of year, he realizes he needs to sign a few more players before the transfer window closes. In the final few days of the market, there can be some haggling.”
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