Since Philippe Clement emerged from a Rangers questioning to take over as manager, Alastair Johnston has grown “more and more convinced” about the Belgian.

When Michael Beale left the Govan club in October of last year, a number of possible contenders put their heads in the ring, including the 49-year-old former manager of Genk, Club Brugge, and Monaco.

Clement has given the Light Blues and their fans new life after impressing the Ibrox board and securing a contract that runs through the summer of 2027.

With a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in the Hampden Park final in December, the Viaplay Cup made its way back to Ibrox for the first time since 2011. The Gers also guaranteed their spot in the Europa League’s round of sixteen, and they are still pursuing Premiership leaders Celtic, who are five points ahead with a game remaining.

Former Gers chairman and Rangers non-executive director Johnston, 75, of the United States, told the PA news agency that although Clement withstood some harsh criticism prior to taking over, the appointment is beginning to take shape.

He declared: “It was certainly the most extensive process I’ve ever encountered, the one Philippe had to go through before he joined the club and before we approved him.

“It’s true that there may have been a few insensitive choices made in the past, but this time everyone got an opportunity to engage at the board level.

It is, in my opinion, my method of doing things. I don’t conduct interviews. I question them.

That can be a rather direct feeling at times.

It was a very open, honest, and healthy exchange of dialogue. He connected his aspirations and expectations with the Rangers, and we discovered that he carefully considers the expectations and constraints for the Rangers, which was a significant accomplishment.

“I’ve been with him quite a bit personally since our first engagement, even though it was on Zoom at first due to geographical constraints.

“I was there for the first few games, and as time passed, I was more and more certain that we made the right decision.

It appears to have existed for a very long time. The board views it as even more amazing that he completed the tasks he did in a comparatively short amount of time.

Although we are now playing catch up, we are grateful that the majority of the supporters are still giving us a chance. We will be informed if, in the long run, we are unable to deliver.

However, all I can say for now is that I’m really confident. However, football is involved. Neither on the field nor off, we are going into it with any guarantees.

I’ve been in this game for a long time, and I know that in football, your performance is determined by your next play. Thus, I will never, ever be conceited.