COURT CASE WON’T DISTRACT IBROX BOSS

MARK WARBURTON has vowed that the upcoming court case featuring Charles Green and Craig Whyte won’t be allowed to distract Rangers’ focus on winning the Championship title. Former owner Whyte, exchief executive Green and the club’s former administrator David Whitehouse all ran a gauntlet of angry fans when they left Glasgow Sheriff Court separately on Wednesday after being charged with serious organised crime offences in relation to the alleged fraudulent acquisition of the club in 2012. The chaotic scenes were in stark contrast to the serenity of Rangers’ performance on the pitch this season, winning eight out of eight in high-scoring style under Warburton. And the manager insisted he has no fears that such off-field distractions will damage the current feelgood factor at Ibrox or prove a diversion in his aim of taking Rangers up to the Premiership. ‘I don’t see why that should be the case,’ he said. ‘Fans want to follow their club and see how their team performs. They want to enjoy the match, the buildup and get value for money. ‘If we are giving them that, that’s our job. If they enjoy what they see, see a real work ethic from the players and the results are going our way, then that should be the overriding factor. ‘My focus is the football department. If we lose focus and concentration, the team are weakened. Right now, it is about Raith Rovers at Ibrox and nothing can distract us from that.’ Even while in charge at Brentford, Warburton admitted he watched from afar the ‘heartbreaking’ financial collapse of Rangers as administration was followed by liquidation and a newco club starting in the bottom tier. But as this week’s court appearance dredged up memories of bad times in the boardroom, Warburton vowed to increase his efforts to give the fans plenty to cheer about. ‘I watched it on TV and it was heartbreaking to see,’ said the Rangers boss. ‘Does the off-field stuff strengthen my desire to send the fans home happy? Yes, very much so. We use that message every week and the players enjoy that responsibility.’