Wintakesa Ton weight off Murty’s shoulders
GRAEME Murty was pleased to end a whirlwind weekend with a win as he led Rangers to victory over Morton yesterday.
The Light Blues’ Under-20 boss took charge at Ibrox following the departure of Mark Warburton and David Weir on Friday evening.
Murty saw his side beat the Ton 2-1 as goals from Kenny Miller and Martyn Waghorn clinched a Scottish Cup quarter-final berth.
And he has thanked the Gers squad for their efforts in the aftermath of a frantic few days for everyone at Ibrox.
Murty said: “The last day or so has been a bit of a whirlwind.
“I stood on the sidelines and thoroughly enjoyed watching the team play. I wasn’t overly-satisfied at times but I don’t think any manager fully is. But I am happy to get through.
“I was at a rugby match a couple of days ago watching the [Glasgow] Warriors when I took a phone call 15 minutes in asking me to please come to Ibrox.
“I did that and was asked if I would take the game and I don’t think you can turn that down.
“I was asked to take the group for the next period and until I am told otherwise.
“It really helps the players to have a familiar face because some of them have been emotionally up and down.
“But I think they reacted really well and managed to get past it and do the things we asked them to do.
“I am happy to get through and to be involved in the group. I have to say the players have reacted really well and been great to me and I thank them for that.”
MURTY made t wo changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Ross County in what proved to be Warburton’s final match in charge last weekend.
Andy Halliday returned to the team in place of Jon Toral, while Waghorn made the most of his recall as he took over from Joe Garner.
It was a satisfying day at the office for Murty and he will continue to take charge of first-team matters this week ahead of the trip to Dundee on Sunday.
He said: “It was difficult because I had the world telling me what to do.
“I had a few people on Twitter telling me what to do and every single person in my phone book that I had to do this or that.
“At the end, I had to go away with what I thought. Picking it was difficult but telling the players who weren’t involved was even harder.
“I thought I should do that face to face and give the people the respect they deserved. The result is what you saw.
“I don’t know. I am just sorting myself out after this.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it and does this guide me in a way for the future? I have no idea. I have still to sort my thoughts out.
“Until I am told otherwise then yes [I am in charge]. The players have [Monday] off. There is a 20s game on Tuesday but I will be taking training until I am told otherwise.”
The departure of Warburton, Weir and head of recruitment Frank McParland cast a shadow over the Scottish Cup clash but Rangers got the job done to set up a meeting with Dunfermline or Hamilton.
Murty was appointed head development squad coach in August last year and he is keen to catch up with Warburton following his controversial Ibrox exit.
He said: “I tried to call Mark to talk to him. I wanted to thank him because he was on my interview panel and has been very open and inclusive.
“He hasn’t taken my call as yet but I will definitely try to get in contact with him.”