In normal times, an embarrassing cup defeat at home to lower level opposition in a season when the league has long since become a lost cause would signal the end for a Rangers manager.
In normal times, the man in the Ibrox hotseat would not survive defeat in Govan to Queen’s Park. Not when it means the only realistic chance of domestic silverware has gone up in smoke.
So why is Philippe Clement still in a job?
Because these are not normal times for Rangers.
Having already sacked two managers in as many years before the Belgian was appointed, those running the club want stability.
The extending of Clement’s contract earlier in the season seemed somewhat premature. It was done, however, with a purpose. Amid a raft of departures at senior level – James Bisgrove, Stewart Robertson and John Bennett to name but a few – continuity and consistency was in short supply.
New chief executive Patrick Stewart came in not so much to steady to the ship but to completely re-fit it and make it properly seaworthy.
Good showings against Tottenham in the Europa League and Celtic in the League Cup final came in the week before Stewart took up his post but league points were lost on the road to St Mirren, Motherwell, Hibs and Dundee to undo the manager’s first taste of Old Firm victory on 2 January.
So, does the CEO cast Clement adrift or throw him another lifeline?
