Mark Warburton has ‘huge respect’ for Rangers

MARK Warburton has declared his “huge respect” for Rangers but refused to be drawn on reports linking him with the manager’s job at Ibrox.

Mark Warburton: Preliminary discussions with Rangers. Picture: PA

However, it is understood the former Brentford manager has had preliminary discussions with the club and is on a short-list of potential candidates drawn up by the board, who are coming to terms with another season in the Championship.

Stuart McCall replaced caretaker Kenny McDowall in March with a mandate to get Rangers promoted to the top flight but they lost in the play-off final to Motherwell.

Warburton, assisted by former Rangers captain David Weir, guided Brentford to promotion from League One last season before taking them into the play-offs this year. It was announced in February that he would depart at the end of the season.

Mark Warburton: Preliminary discussions with Rangers. Picture: PA

Warburton said: “From my point of view they [Rangers] are a massive club. I have huge respect for the size of the club and the fan base at Rangers. Who wouldn’t? I am well aware of the tradition and history of the club so I would never be anything other than absolutely respectful of a club of that stature.”