Saturday 11 February 2017 13:26, UK
Gordon Smith believes Rangers should turn to Alex McLeish to take over at Ibrox as the fallout over Mark Warburton’s departure continues.
Sky sources also understand a representative asked for the three to be released from their contracts on Wednesday and it is thought that request was made due to interest in Warburton from Nottingham Forest, with sources also understanding the request was reversed on Thursday.
Rangers' announcement on the resignations was removed from club channels on Friday evening amid the confusion but was back up as of Saturday morning, with the Ibrox hierarchy standing by their statement that Warburton has left the club.
Former Gers player and director of football Smith told Sky Sports News HQ that he believes the board should now turn to McLeish, who won seven trophies as Rangers boss from 2001 - 2006, including a domestic treble.
"I think I would look to somebody who has got good experience at a high level, certainly you have to have that when you manage a team like Rangers. Mark Warburton found difficulties, to a certain degree, in how you are treated as an Old Firm manager.
"You really are in a goldfish bowl here being looked at very closely so I think you need to bring in somebody who is experienced in that respect.
"That's why I believe somebody like Alex McLeish would be an ideal candidate."
Smith says the manner of Warburton's departure from Ibrox is worrying for supporters after financial and off-field problems in recent times.
Warburton was appointed in June 2015 and led Rangers to the Scottish Championship title, taking them back into the top flight, but they have been inconsistent this season and are third in the Premiership, 27 points behind Celtic.
They face Greenock Morton in the Scottish Cup on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, and Smith feels some of Warburton's summer signings have not worked out.
"It's been so confusing and it really has been a shock, especially with the timing of it, just prior to a major cup tie," he said.
"It will have an effect on the supporters because it did feel as if Mark Warburton turned things around, he got the club promoted last year and I think they were looking to see how he could compete this year against Celtic.
"They were never going to win the league this year. Celtic are stronger, they have more money than Rangers have, but I think some of the fans have been a bit annoyed about some of the performances, the signings haven't all worked out, too.
"Some of the signings who came in, who were key signings, didn't work out on the basis of turning the club around. They are still competing for that second spot which Rangers Football Club feel they should be getting, and the supporters certainly feel they should be getting that.
"I think that's why it has become a bit turbulent and I think that's why, to a certain degree, a lot of the fans will support the board in this. There is no doubt a lot of the fans do feel a change was required."
