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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

Graeme Souness opens up on role in Rangers manager recruitment

Rangers hero Graeme Souness has opened up on his role in the appointment of Philippe Clement.

The former Ibrox boss was included in the interview process to determine the next person in charge of the Light Blues after Michael Beale was sacked in October.

One of the candidates interviewed for the role was Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, who Souness was a fan of.

However, he feels the Clement appointment is a good one, insisting he would love to have played under the 49-year-old.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "They’ve got their hands full with the new manager getting settled in and a new director of football.

"They’ve had bigger fish to fry than me but I’m talking to them and I’m at their service. I’m a Rangers fan and there to help in any way they think I can.

"For me that would be being on the end of a phone and going up to watch games and if the manager wanted me to offer an opinion – and I wouldn’t without him asking me – then I’d be there for him as well.

"I’m not waiting for the phone to ring but I’m waiting to hear from them. I’ve got other things.”

Souness also opened up on speculation that Lampard was his preferred candidate for the job, stating that it was not as clear cut as previous reports had made out.

"That isn’t entirely true," he continued. "I didn’t say I was advocating for him. It was a narrow thing and the only advantage Frank had over the manager who got the job was that he may understand the west of Scotland a wee bit more.

"Philippe, and I watched his press conference, understands the demands of that job. I’ve said many times it’s a unique job and it must be the same for Celtic.

"Working in the west of Scotland is unique and I just felt someone who had an understanding … it wasn’t to do with Philippe as if you look at his CV it’s excellent.

“I just felt Frank was hurt and angry and it’s a dangerous animal when it’s hurt and I saw someone as Frank as someone who would do a good job as well.

"Whether he deserved it or not, this is a guy who has as much money as he’ll ever need and was punched on the nose big time by his experience of managing in England.

"But they went for Philippe because of his CV and the way he interviewed. The way he came across was excellent.

"He’s got presence and when I hear managers speak I always put myself back in the dressing room as a player and think ‘Would he be holding my interest?’

"And Philippe certainly does that."

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