Rangers would be 'crazy' not to stick with Mark Warburton - Ally McCoist

By Lyall Thomas

Image: Ally McCoist believes Mark Warburton must be given time to build Rangers

Rangers great Ally McCoist insists the club must stick with Mark Warburton through their tough first season back in the Scottish Premiership.

Warburton has been forced to defend his management this week in the wake of defeat to Celtic in the Scottish League Cup on Sunday, and underline the financial gap that exists between them and their Old Firm rivals.

Warburton built the solid foundations of a successful side at Brentford as sporting director and then manager, and former Gers boss and striker McCoist says he must be allowed time to do the same at Ibrox.

Mark Warburton: Rangers would be foolish to spend recklessly

"There's no point in changing things, he's got to be given a chance," McCoist said.

"He had a good season last year, winning that league in a competitive division. Where Rangers are at the moment doesn't surprise me. I expected it, to be brutally honest.

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"It's not a major shock to me at the moment, because I thought that would be the case, unless they went out and spent a lot of money.

"You're not going to change managers. It would be crazy, at this stage."

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Rangers are currently fifth in the Scottish Premiership and seven points behind the Hoops after nine and eight games respectively.

But McCoist said: "It probably sounds crazy for me to say it but I think finishing second would be more than acceptable. It's feasible too - but it's a challenge. 

"You've got to be honest and say you still fancy Celtic to win the league every year. Rangers and a few other clubs can beat Celtic in a one-off, but over the course of the season you have to expect Celtic to come through."

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