‘I want to be here’ – Rangers’ Clement signs new deal

Rangers manager Philippe Clement wants “to give all my best every second” after signing a contract extension until the summer of 2028.

The 50-year-old Belgian joined the Ibrox club in October, winning the League Cup and finishing as runner-up in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.

Clement highlighted the areas he had discussed with the board that led to his new deal, including transfers, the squad’s fitness and “infrastructure”.

The new deal for the former Club Bruges and Monaco boss – announced on the eve of the first weekend of the new Premiership season – adds another 12 months to the terms he agreed on arrival at Rangers.

“At the end of May, we had more and more talks and you feel the alignment,” he said.

“The club said that they wanted to be sure that I would stay for the longer term, that they wanted that in many ways, not only to coach a team or to train a team but also for the other things around.

“I feel good here. I love this place, I love this club, I love the city, I love the fans, I love the atmosphere in Ibrox or the fans who are in the away games.

“It was my feeling also to do it longer term and not to 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 want to be here.”

Clement has been rebuilding his squad, with experienced players Connor Goldson, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, John Lundstram, Sam Lammers and Kemar Roofe among the summer departures.

Connor Barron, Vaclav Cerny, Jefte, Clinton Nsiala and Robin Propper are among the new players recruited so far in the summer window.

Rangers kick off their Premiership campaign away to Hearts on Saturday at 12:30 BST.

And Clement said: “I’m 200% sure we’re going to be much better in October and November, December and the months coming after.

“It’s a squad with a lot of potential, more potential than there was last season.

“We’re not there yet. The way we want to play, it’s in a structured way – with the ball and without the ball.”

Commenting on the new contract, chairman John Bennett told Rangers’ website: “Philippe and I had a far-reaching conversation at the end of May.

“Our shared ambition was clear: the rebuild of the Rangers men’s first team for the long term as well as short term.

“At that meeting we shook hands on this new contract and the board is delighted that the formalities have been concluded.”