The finer details of exactly how, why and when Mark Warburton and his closest footballing confidants departed Rangers is still shrouded in mystery. To many of us, at least. What we do know for sure is that the trio, which included David Weir and Frank McParland, weren’t at the club by the time the Gers faced Greenock Morton in the William Hill Scottish Cup on Sunday, and that Graeme Murty was chosen as the caretaker to take the team forward in the interim period.
But, while the three amigos can’t be as candid as they might like due to ongoing legal positions surrounding their acrimonious Ibrox exit, they have issued a statement in which they have outlined their thoughts on their tenure in Glasgow.
Warburton, who led the Light Blues back to the Premiership in his first season in charge, is said to be a shoo-in to take over as permanent manager at Nottingham Forest, and if he does his two compadres will no doubt be found a position at the City Ground.
But it is the stint at Ibrox which has been spoken about in a statement issued on their behalf through the League Managers Association (LMA). The missive says the trio think that it is important that they should clarify certain matters; thus that at no stage did they “resign from our positions at Rangers”.
It went on: “The club has not answered key questions put to it by the LMA, in writing, requesting an explanation of why it suggested we resigned from our positions.”
While litigation may follow, and argument surely will, the fact remains that there was an element of trust and a bond with the management group from supporters and this has been commented on in the statement.
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The statement continued: “For all three of us, it was an absolute privilege to be given the opportunity to work at a club that is so rich in tradition and history. It was an honour to be given the responsibility of returning the club to the top tier of Scottish football and we are very proud to have played our part in successfully securing promotion back to the Scottish Premiership. Winning the Petrofac Scottish Challenge Cup and beating Celtic, in a memorable semi-final to reach the Scottish Cup Final, are experiences we will never forget.”
The trio go on to sincerely thank the Rangers fans for their unwavering passion and dedication and point out that they had the good fortune to meet so many outstanding individuals and supporters of the club and that they will always value their words of encouragement. It was added that the men wished Rangers great success for the seasons ahead.