RANGERS' 2-0 win over St Johnstone last night may have taken them into the fifth round of the Homecoming Scottish Cup, but it was not enough to dispel the disenchantment of a number of supporters who carried a banner calling for the removal of the Ibrox chairman, Sir David Murray.
'David Murray Must Go', proclaimed the placard in the north stand of McDiarmid Park, carried by protesters who clearly had no respect for the 'Sir' appellation due to the beknighted Murray. Before kick-off, however, other Rangers fans took exception to growlers, chanting the chairman's name to indicate their disapproval of their fellow supporters.
Even if the message from the dissidents was isolated, it would not be missed by Murray, who, unusually, was present. He is very rarely seen at away games, but his Perthshire residence is only 15 miles from Perth, which may explain his presence. He has come under pressure in the past week because of his willingness to sell the club's leading scorer, Kris Boyd, and his revelation that Rangers are in financial distress.
The club's economic downturn seemed to be obliquely recognised by the playlist on the McDiarmid Park public address system before kick-off, which featured a series of finance-related tracks that included Just Gimme Money, Money, Money, Money and Money's Too Tight To Mention. A more serious aspect of Rangers' present situation, however, was a report on BBC Radio Scotland of a rumour that the club were about to go into administration.
It is understood that Murray was inflamed by the spread of the rumour by reporter Chick Young, who, at one stage before kick-off, was summoned by a Rangers public relations officer into the pavilion. It is believed he was then informed of the chairman's displeasure.
David Murray watches his team in action against St Johnstone
Assistant manager Ally McCoist, deputising for Walter Smith at the after-match press conference, was asked if the pre-match pressure, including the 'administration' talk, had had any effect on the players.
"Not a bit," said McCoist. "I spoke to the chairman before the game and the administration thing was not even mentioned. In fact, the only thing we spoke about was football. I know there's been a lot of talk about money and players leaving, but, to be honest, it doesn't affect us.
"We are professionals, and we have to prepare properly for football matches. That's what we did tonight. There was never the slightest doubt about our playing Kris Boyd tonight or that he would be well prepared to play. We understand the fans' frustrations, but we also know their worth. What I would say to them at this time is, 'Please, please stay with us'. We know what the club means to them – I'm a fan myself – and what they mean to everybody involved at the club. So, please stay with us through this period."
Meanwhile, Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood is confident Lee Miller will remain at the club beyond the current transfer window despite a performance last night which will intensify interest in his services.
Rangers have been linked with the 25-year-old Scotland striker who has now scored seven goals in his last seven games after netting a double in the 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park which saw Aberdeen rise to fourth place in the SPL.
"Lee is absolutely fabulous," said Calderwood. "He took the last couple of weeks off without telling me, but he was back to his best tonight. He has such a great touch for a big man and is an absolute gem for us.
"Maybe I shouldn't be saying this until 1 February but he seems to be really settled in Aberdeen now, both on and off the park. You never know in this game, but I would think he will be at Aberdeen until the end of the season at least.
"His finishing was wonderful tonight and it's a big win for us. I wasn't happy with us in the first half, but we had a few words during the break and were much better in the second half."
Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies could not hide his frustration with his players after they failed to build on taking the lead through Allan Russell.
"We should have been two or three up before Aberdeen scored," said Jefferies, "but we lost sloppy goals and ended up chasing the game.
"If the players want to be challenging in the top six, then they have to learn to compete for 90 minutes, especially at home."
The full article contains 763 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
