Rangers chief defends hasty Clement U-turn as Patrick Stewart insists axed boss was NEVER granted 'unlimited time'

Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has moved to explain his change of heart over Philippe Clement’s future after showing the boss the door.

Defeat to St Mirren on Saturday proved to be one bad result too many for the former Manchester United chief as he finally showed the struggling Belgian the door - just days after he offered him public backing in a sit-down interview with Rangers TV. Just five days before Clement was axed, Stewart insisted the deep Europa League run had helped him cling to his job despite trailing Celtic by 13 points and the “disastrous” Queen’s Park Scottish Cup exit.

But Barry Ferguson has now been ushered into the hotseat on a temporary basis, with Stewart commenting after the appointment of the former Ibrox skipper: “Philippe and his team have worked tirelessly during their time in at the club and have played an important role in developing the first team’s young players.

“I want to reiterate, the issues we are facing run deeper than the manager. The ongoing football review seeks to address those issues, and we will continue to implement its findings in the coming weeks and months ahead of appointing a new, permanent manager.

“When I spoke to RangersTV last week, I was clear that everyone is judged on results, and nobody will get unlimited time in any role at the club. Ultimately, the team’s response following their early exit from the Scottish Cup was a cause for deep concern, leading the board to conclude that action had to be taken now.

“I want to wish Philippe every success in the future. He is a fine man whom I have enjoyed working with in my short time here so far.

“I also want to welcome Barry back to the club. We appreciate him and his team stepping into the role at this difficult time.