TALKSport presenter Jim White has claimed Rangers legend Graeme Souness wanted Frank Lampard instead of Philippe Clement to be Michael Beale’s replacement.

The former Everton and Chelsea manager was an early favourite for the job but he eventually dropped out of the running, with Clement and Kevin Muscat ending up as the frontrunners. Speaking out about Souness’s thoughts on Lampard, White said:

“It’s my understanding that Graeme Souness did think that he was the man for the job because Frank demonstrated – apparently – a real hunger to succeed, but he didn’t get it.”

It looks as if Souness was heavily involved in the recruitment process, but it appears that both chairman John Bennett and chief executive James Bisgrove had differing views on who should be appointed.

Lampard’s recent record doesn’t make for good reading

While Lampard is still a young manager, it’s fair to say that his last three stints in the dugout have been rather disappointing.

Two ill-fated spells at his former club Chelsea, as well as a difficult 12-month period at Everton sandwiched in between, suggests that he wouldn’t have been a good fit for Rangers, who need a safe pair of hands to give the club some stability.

Clement was the safer bet

In contrast to Lampard, Clement has the track record that suggests he can build a team capable of winning titles. Three consecutive league wins with two different teams in Belgium does give fans optimism that he can replicate that success with the Gers.

Of course, managing in Scotland comes with its own challenges, but Clement has been in charge of teams, such as Club Brugge, where you are expected to win every week.

His time with Monaco was not as successful but it wasn’t disastrous either, finishing 6th in Ligue One. The 49-year-old will, though, be hoping for better resultss during his time at Ibrox.