Philippe Clement rallies Rangers fans to embrace Hampden relocation after extending Ibrox stay

Philippe Clement last night issued the Rangers support with a call to arms ahead of the new season after committing to four more years at Ibrox.

The Belgian has endured a torrid summer of rebuilding a squad while having to deal with the news that Gers are likely to be decanted from Ibrox to Hampden for home games until October. But Clement is adamant it was a no-brainer to sign an extension and he is convinced that all the major hurdles in from him can be cleared with the backing from the stands.

Rangers go to Tynecastle today in the season opener then take on Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League qualifiers on Tuesday. They’ll then take up temporary tenancy at the National Stadium against Motherwell next week, with Clement insisting the fanbase can play its part in easing the pain of not playing in Govan.

He said: “We need to make Hampden our home for the moment. The best people to help us in that way are our fans.

“We count a lot on them, like they count on the team to give their best every second that they are in the building or stadium. We need to create this unique atmosphere now in Hampden. That’s our target.”

Clement insists there was no hesitation in signing a new deal. He added: “I’ve fallen in love with this club, with the fans, the stadium, the city.

“Everything here has huge potential, but we need to now make the club stronger, better, in every sense, in every department. It was my feeling to do it longer-term and not sit and wait until something more interesting comes in my mind. I really want to give all my best every second for this club because I love to be here.

“It was not to get much more wages or something. That was not the idea. There is more clarity, it is more secure to work for the longer