Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke has aimed a tongue-in-cheek dig at Steven Gerrard and his side by saying “bye bye Rangers” following the 2-1 victory over Steven Gerrard’s side on Sunday.
Clarke’s men secured third spot in the Scottish Premiership and European football for next season after matching Aberdeen’s win over Hibernian, with Chris Burke and Eamonn Brophy scoring the goals.
Clarke – speaking to supporters on the pitch after full-time – addressed his time at Rugby Park before urging the club to follow up their scalp over Rangers with a similar result against Champions Celtic next season.
“The most important thing in any football club anywhere in the world is the supporters, when I came here we didn’t have so many. We had a disconnect between the board, the support, the players. No togetherness,” the manager was quoted by the Daily Record.
“I said when I came in, together we are stronger and in my time at Kilmarnock Football Club, I’m sorry I didn’t win you a trophy.
“But I’m telling you now as I stand here in front of three stands with Kilmarnock supporters, bye bye Rangers, and next season make sure it’s bye bye Celtic as well because this is Kilmarnock.”
OPINION
Steve Clarke has every right to jest at Rangers like this, for this is a magnificent result. Any game against this Gers side is going to be a tough one, but they have hosted Gerrard’s side and done excellently, coming out 2-1 winners and deservedly clinching European football for next season. Although he has not won a trophy as Kilmarnock boss since coming in on a three-year deal in the summer of 2017, this result will give him every right to celebrate, as it is massive for himself and the club. Needing to win against Rangers is a very difficult prospect, but they have done it, and now they can look forward to European games at Rugby Park. What’s more, this will give Kilmarnock confidence that they can progress next season and take some points off Celtic. Rangers have proved once more this season that it is possible, so there is no reason why Kilmarnock shouldn’t be full of confidence now going into next season.