By Frank McAvennie

18th Oct, 2023 | 12:24pm

Graeme Souness role in Rangers manager search revealed after confirmed news - pundit

Philippe Clement is the best man to take over at Rangers because he was picked by Graeme Souness.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie suggested that some of the summer signings could “surprise” fans in the coming weeks.

Clement was appointed Rangers manager on Sunday (15 October) and succeeds Michael Beale as boss.

Earlier this month (9 October) it was reported that club legend Graeme Souness would play a key role in the club’s hunt for a new manager.

The former Ibrox boss was enlisted to advise the board in their search for Michael Beale’s successor.

Souness had already turned down an ambassadorial role in Glasgow but was a key player in Clement’s appointment.

McAvennie suggested that the final decision ultimately came down to Souness.

“From what I hear Graeme Souness has picked the manager and is potentially going to be more involved in the club, which is only good for Rangers,” he told Football Insider.

“He is a winner and he has got to get that through to these players and they might surprise the fans and become good players.

“They have not shown anything to prove that they deserve to be there and they have got to step up. Sometimes that jersey is too heavy for players.“

Rangers are currently second in the Scottish Premiership and seven points behind their Glasgow rivals Celtic having played eight games this season.

Clement’s first game in the dug out will be at Ibrox when the Gers welcome Hibernian.

In other news, Kieran Maguire drops verdict on Michael Beale compensation fee after Rangers sack.