Warburton says board must stay realistic

MARK WARBURTON last night stressed the importance of the Ibrox board continuing to be realistic with the objectives they set his team.

The Rangers manager was responding to suggestions that the relationship between him and chairman Dave King has become strained this season.

The two men spoke about how the team have performed in the Ladbrokes Premiership this season and the success of the summer signings at a board meeting last week.

The Englishman, whose side take on Hearts in the league at Tynecastle tonight, admitted “all relationships can get stronger and build”.

“You have discussions all the time,” said Warburton. “The communication line is myself and David [assistant manager Weir] in to Andrew [Dickson, head of football administration] and Stewart [Robertson, managing director]. The chairman’s based overseas so that’s what we do.

“It’s important that there’s honesty and feedback and respect in the relationship. We always give our opinions and we always fight our corner for the football department.

“We have clear targets. Last year, the chairman rightly said that promotion was non-negotiable. The boys did it. Now we have to try to get into Europe.”

Asked if he was optimistic the Rangers board continued to take a realistic view of what was achievable on their budget, Warburton (below) said: “I very much hope so.

“We’re building now. Our job is to highlight the progress we’ve been making, set realistic targets and achieve them. But the targets have got to be realistic. Me and Davie can’t set unrealistic targets.

“But getting into Europe is realistic. It’s a club who have been promoted.

“We have a fantastic history, but we are where we are.”