Rangers fans expressed their disapproval of Philippe Clement’s decision to keep Sam Lammers on the pitch against Aris Limassol, according to Bill Leckie.
The Ibrox crowd voiced their frustration when Cantwell was substituted off 10 minutes before halftime in Thursday’s 1-1 draw, shortly after the Gers fell behind.
Clement later explained that the decision was purely tactical and ultimately paid off, as Cantwell’s replacement Ross McCausland scored the home side’s equalizer.
Writing for the Scottish Sun (November 30), Leckie said of the substitution: “The message from the fans to the manager was clear – if he was going to take anyone off that early, they wanted it to be Sam Lammers, the £3.5 million Dutchman who has been consistently underwhelming.”
“Lammers has offered very little in the number 10 position, and his continued presence on the pitch drew boos from the stands.”
Many expected Rangers to secure a comfortable victory against Aris at home to confirm a top-two spot in the Europa League group. However, the Cypriot visitors capitalized on a Cantwell error to open the scoring and eventually held on for a point after McCausland’s equalizer.
This leaves Rangers with only one point from a possible six against Aris – having also lost the reverse fixture 2-1 in October – which is simply not good enough.
Supporters had every right to be frustrated with several players, including Cantwell, Lammers, and others. Cantwell has been underwhelming throughout the season, and Clement was justified in taking him off if the midfielder had not followed his instructions.
However, Lammers’ lack of impact has been a recurring theme, and his continued presence in the number 10 position has drawn criticism from fans. While the draw with Aris was not a disastrous result, it may well be a game that proves a turning point for Clement, who may now make changes ahead of the match against St Mirren.