The applause the new gaffer got after a resounding triumph was as sincere as the boos for the man who will not be named.
But a manager who can inspire Cyriel Dessers to a standing ovation from the Ibrox crowd might just have a magic touch about them after all. The cheer received by the much-maligned Nigerian as he put a final gloss on the new manager’s debut win had a touch of the ironic about it.
The challenge now is to maintain a performance the Ibrox faithful can only have found enchanting thanks to Abdallah Sima’s double and goals from Nico Raskin and fall-guy Dessers. Mind you, Hibs did their bit to make the former Genk, Club Brugge and Monaco gaffer’s first day in charge as stress free as possible.
He was booed off last time he ran out at Ibrox after a hopeless display against Aberdeen but this was more encouraging. “You guys haven’t seen me score that much but I’ve scored my whole life. I’m sure this will happen for me at Rangers – and I’m sure this coach and this team will help me do it.” Clement emerged from the tunnel to find a huge banner imploring his new team to give “Everything from Everyone”.
Of course there remain creases to be ironed out, with Hibs afforded a couple of early sniffs at Jack Butland’s goal. But the home support were glad to see the official let play go when Raskin picked up a loose ball on the stroke of half-time, rifling a stunning low 25-yard drive past Marshall to open his Gers account nine months after signing. Beale’s team had a nasty habit of dropping their tempo after working a lead but there was no sign of that as Clement urged his team to push on after the interval.
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