Jack Butland admits Rangers needed manager change as Philippe Clement's first impression assessed

Jack Butland admits Rangers “needed a change” of manager after Philippe Clement ’s second game in charge.

The Belgian replaced Michael Beale, who was sacked earlier this month, and has now overseen two clean sheets in hist first two games. Hibs were seen off 4-0 at Ibrox during his first match in the dugout. And there was another shutout in his first Europa League match in charge as the Gers left Prague with a point following a 0-0 draw with Sparta.

The points leave the Light Blues in a decent position in the group at the halfway stage, with attention now turning back to domestic action with Hearts the visitors to Ibrox on Sunday. Butland was Rangers’ star man in the Czech capital, and believes the change at the top was required after a tough start to the season, despite an expensive Beale-led rebuild over the summer that saw Butland come in.

“Really good,” he told Rangers TV when asked about his new manager. “I think it’s been a fresh start for everyone. Some boys needed it and I think as a club we needed a change, which is obviously what the club felt as well.

“I’ve been impressed by the new manager and the way he carries himself and the points he’s got across so far. I know there’s a lot more he wants to work on but he’s conscious on giving us too much right now.

“I think we're taking on board what he’s trying to get over to us and doing a good job of it. It’s been a good start and it’s up to us to make sure that continues.”