Philippe Clement focused on getting Rangers back on track at Dundee United

Philippe Clement will ignore any tension emanating from travelling Rangers fans to get his side back on track at Tannadice on Sunday.

The Light Blue legions were left distraught and disillusioned with the 3-0 defeat to Old Firm rivals Celtic at Parkhead before the international break and more woe visited on Saturday when it was announced that chairman John Bennett had stepped down due to “health reasons”.

As the crisis-hit Ibrox club try to regroup with former director John Gilligan taking over as chairman on a temporary basis, Clement’s side face newly-promoted Dundee United, who have gone eight games without a defeat.

However, the Belgian, who took over the Ibrox seat last October, insisted he had to focus on what happened on the pitch.

Speaking before the news of Bennett’s departure was confirmed, Clement said: “I think some people will be yeah, maybe more tense.

“It was the same way when I came into the building in October, or even worse, at that moment, I don’t know.

“I need to focus. I cannot control what people are feeling or doing that moment.

“I need to be busy with the team and I need to have a team on the field that from the first second wants to die for this shirt and want to win the game. That’s what it’s about.

“It will be a good test because it is a team who has done really well in the first four league games.”

Rangers, who were knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers early in the season to leave them with a less-lucrative Europa League spot, do not have their worries to seek going into the game against United.

Bennett stepped up from his position as vice-chairman last March to replace the outgoing Douglas Park.

He and the rest of the board came under-fire after a delayed refurbishment to the Copland stand at Ibrox meant the Light Blues had to play their home games at the start of the season at Hampden Park.

The Copland stand will be only partially open as Rangers return to Ibrox next Saturday for a Premier Sports Cup tie against Dundee.

The Ibrox club are also searching for a CEO after James Bisgrove left in May.

A statement from Rangers read: “The Board of Rangers Football Club today announces chairman, John Bennett, is stepping down with immediate effect for health reasons.

“The Board wants to sincerely thank John for his service and significant commitment over the last nine years and wishes him a full and speedy recovery. It is requested his and his family’s privacy is respected at this time.

“Former director, John Gilligan, will temporarily fulfil the role of chairman until a permanent replacement is appointed.

“The board thanks John for stepping in at short notice and believes his experience in senior business roles throughout a long and successful career, and also, as a former director of Rangers, will be invaluable at this time.

“The board is undertaking a robust process with the help of professional advisors to fill the roles of CEO and chairperson.

“In the meantime, the club’s executive management team will continue to lead the club on a day-to-day basis.”

It is understood that while Bennett remains a supportive shareholder and a significant investor, it is highly unlikely he will return to the board.