In fairness, he did warn Rangers supporters from the beginning.

In fact, Philippe Clement went to great measures to make it apparent that he wouldn’t be able to concoct a method for Rangers to come out of the club’s current dilemma, as the perpetual runner-up in a two-horse race.

“I am not Harry Potter.” “I do not have a magic stick.” That’s what Clement said when he was revealed as Michael Beale’s replacement. Here’s a fresh flash for the Big Belgian, as if he didn’t know previously.

He’d best start rummaging around the attic for that missing wand because it doesn’t seem like even a magic touch would suffice. He’s more likely to require a miracle if he doesn’t want to become the latest casualty of this never-ending fight with his neighbours across town.

Never mind being Harry Potter, or any other type of Potter for that matter. Clement is already in need of snookers with less than half of the season remaining. In retrospect – and perhaps some did feel this way at the time – Clement’s initial allusion to a fictional kid wizard figure was an indication he wasn’t quite clear what he was going to get himself into.

This is not Hogwarts. It’s Glasgow. Warts and all. And, only recently, to make things even more difficult than they have been since the turn of the century, Celtic are spending ten quidditch for every fiver Rangers can scrounge for their manager to spend on transfers.

Which is why it would take a cold, dark heart not to feel some pity for Clement, even if his own erratic decision-making has played a significant role in his current predicament. clinging to his stance despite the overwhelming weight of public criticism.

Of course, at least he is still battling. You have to give it to the man for that. There may be an element of stubbornness to his refusal to bend, and some Rangers supporters see his resolve to give up as another rod to hit him with. Be it a magical one or not.

In fact, after witnessing him squander a total of 20 top flight points on the road this season, their tolerance with the manager has already worn thin, and they are unlikely to change their attitude now. However, there will be another group of club followers who are prepared to stick around in the belief that Clement can still deliver.

Another win in the Europa League on Thursday night might boost their numbers. Clement will undoubtedly refer to this current effort as evidence that he is still capable of leading Rangers forward, even during this hectic period of change.

Rangers’ last three points today at home against Union Saint-Gilloise would give them 14 points from six games in the competition. And it would be a really impressive return given the dangerous nature of the fixture schedule they were dealt before the season began, which included away journeys to Olympiakos, Nice, and Manchester United, as well as a visit from Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs to Ibrox.

Along the way, Clement came upon something that resembled a very functional assaulting unit. According to rumors, players like Hamza Igamane and Jefte have made such an impression as new recruits that they are garnering the attention of teams south of the border and beyond.

Igamane undoubtedly appears to be a striker destined for larger things in higher leagues, and it’s already unclear how long Rangers will be able to hang on to this young Moroccan before receiving an offer they can’t reject.

Clement has also reintegrated Ianis Hagi into his first-team squad, and his club has gained several rewards from the Romanian’s comeback. However, Hagi’s initial cold shouldering, along with his public declaration that the 26-year-old was just not skillful enough to play a creative role in his squad, casts doubt on the manager’s judgment. And that he never will be.