Kenny Dalglish has admitted August could “make or break” Rangers and Philippe Clement’s season after a new update out of Ibrox.
The Light Blues will not be able to play at their home ground for the opening month of the Premiership campaign because of redevelopment work at Ibrox, with no alternative stadium yet confirmed by the club.
While those around the club have attempted to play down the impact this could have, Dalglish has insisted that this uncertainty could have a major effect on the start of the season in Glasgow.
Writing for the Sunday Post (30 June, page 16 of Euro pull-out) he said: “They do not seem to have an exact delivery date for when it (the steel) will be in their possession.
“It means they cannot play any home games between now and the end of August. It may well be longer than that. There is speculation that it could be as long as September or October. Nobody can be certain at this stage and we need to see how this plays out.
“However, what is clear is that this is far from ideal for Philippe Clement, his staff and his players. With so much at stake in the first few weeks of the season, they would want all of their pre-season to be smooth and stress-free.
“There is always enough to worry about when it comes to the £40 million Champions League qualifiers and getting off to the best possible start in the Premiership.
“August can make or break a season. In that month last year, under Michael Beale, Gers crashed out of the Champions League and lost their opening league fixture at Kilmarnock.
“Philippe is now in charge and faces an away day at Hearts on the opening day. That will not be easy.”
Where will Rangers play amid Ibrox redevelopment uncertainty?
While nobody knows just how this latest debacle will impact the Gers on the pitch, it is safe to say the footballing world is united in its belief that this entire incident could have been easily avoided this summer.
Those in charge at Ibrox may well have thrown Clement and the club’s title and Champions League hopes into doubt before a ball has even been kicked.
The Ibrox atmosphere has played a major role in the Light Blues’ continental success over the last few campaigns and while that could well be recreated elsewhere, there is no guarantee it will have the same impact.
Hopefully, Clement’s side will manage to start the season in a positive manner regardless of the off-the-field drama. If they don’t, the pressure will immediately be on the Belgian to save his job.
