Philippe Clement takes the Rangers plaudits as former teammate reaches out to say 'congrats' on snubbing Saudi cash

Philippe Clement has been praised for turning down sacks of Saudi gold in favour of chasing silverware at Rangers.

The new Ibrox boss reportedly knocked back a £13million job offer tabled by Al-Shabab before accepting his new gig in Glasgow. And former Wolves, Southampton and Ajax star Jelle Van Damme reckons that perfectly illustrates what his old Belgian team-mate is all about. He told Record Sport : “I saw the news and sent him a text to say congrats.

“It’s a good move for both parties. Rangers is a big club and Philippe Clement is a top coach. I hope it works out well. He has had success everywhere he’s gone, whether it be at Waasland Beveren, Genk or Brugge. He did well at Monaco as well and now this is another big challenge. Philippe is a great guy. I know he could have gone to other countries, especially for the money, but he refused. He’s gone to Rangers because he wanted to take on a big European club.

“He had a choice to make but he decided he wanted to prove himself again in another European country and chase sporting success rather than chase money. Everybody has to make their own choices but I think that says a lot about Phil. It’s a decision I like. “

The job now for Clement is to turnaround a Gers squad already seven points in arrears to bitter rivals Celtic. Confidence levels hit rock bottom under previous boss Michael Beale but Van Damme insists his mate is the man to lift them.

He said: “For me, the most important quality a coach has to have is their man-management skills and that is Phil’s strength. I played with Philippe for the national team and back then he was a quiet, introverted guy in the changing room. But on the field, it was different. The more aggressive side came out because he was