Saturday 11 February 2017 14:04, UK
Gordon Smith believes there could be a “legal case coming” from the fallout surrounding Mark Warburton’s extraordinary departure from Rangers.
That statement was removed from Rangers channels on Friday amid the confusion but was then put up again and the club say the trio have left Ibrox, with U20 coach Graeme Murty set to take charge of the team for Sunday's Scottish Cup tie with Greenock Morton, which is live on Sky Sports.
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.
Smith, a former player and director of football at Rangers, told Sky Sports News HQ that the series of events came as a shock and believes there could be legal ramifications over the 54-year-old's departure.
"I think there is more to come from it because I do believe there must be a legal case coming at some stage too, because the fact is he is saying he hasn't resigned," Smith said. "For Rangers to say he has they must have some sort of proof of that in terms of even a resignation letter or something.
"And if they haven't got that then there could be a legal case still to come and that's why it is quite messy because Mark Warburton is more or less stating clearly that he didn't want to go and that he didn't have any intention of going.
"But the board, I think from their statement, it looks as if they are unhappy that they think he has maybe been looking to move on, maybe having a relationship with other clubs through independent advisors, to move to another club and that hasn't happened. I think there is still more to come from this."
Rangers are third in the Scottish Premiership following a heavy loss to Hearts and 1-1 draw with Ross County in their last two league games and sit 27 points behind Celtic. Smith believes many Gers fans were unhappy with some performances and summer signings.
"I think lower expectations were required, just in terms of challenging for the league, but I don't think the expectations were to be lower in terms of where Rangers should be," he said.
"They should be in second spot but comfortably there, and I think the fans feel they have the resources, they have the budget to be in second spot ahead of Aberdeen, Hearts and St Johnstone without having to spend any more money.
"So I think that's why they would have been a bit annoyed about it but they would have also liked to have seen them closer to Celtic in terms of putting in some sort of challenge, it's not going to happen this year, that's for sure.
"But they wanted to see the club recovering gradually, year by year, getting better and stronger and that's why some of the fans were not happy with the signings that were made because they felt those singings should be brought in with a view to improving the team as they go along.
"Mark Warburton will say he deserved more time in order to develop those players but we will have to wait and see."
