Miller blasts Warburton over his lack of Plan B

RANGERS icon Charlie Miller has slammed Mark Warburton’s tactics and recruitment for leaving the club in what he believes is a battle for third place.

Miller was just one of the onlookers who grew tired of Warburton’s onedimensional approach at Ibrox. The time since the former Brentford boss eventually vacated his post on February 10 has done little to alter the five-time league winner’s opinion.

It became evident to all that the Englishman would not deviate from his patient philosophy of slow build-up play, in the hope it would catch opponents napping. Along with his recruitment strategy that saw Rangers sign the likes of Joey Barton, Matt Crooks and Joe Dodoo, Miller holds Warburton responsible for the Ibrox club’s current plight.

“It’s just not been a very good season at all,” said the 40-year-old. “His signings, his unwillingness to change formation and no ‘Plan B’. We were easy to play against. From the outside looking in, that’s how it looked like. He didn’t know how to change the game.

“I don’t know if he would get a job back in England. I’ve spoken to a few people who think he’s good – so if he does, fair play to him.

“But the last six to eight months have been very poor. The signings haven’t been good enough this year. They are struggling big time now.”

Wednesday night saw interim manager Graeme Murty eventually get a Premiership win on the board as Rangers left it late to see off St Johnstone 3-2 at Ibrox. As it transpired, it would prove to be a fruitful midweek for the youth coach and his senior team with Aberdeen and Hearts both dropping points. It now means Rangers are just six points behind the Pittodrie club and six clear of crisis-hit Hearts.

However, even the exit of Warburton has not been enough to raise Miller’s spirits about the prospect of catching the team led by the man he reckons should take over at his old club.

He said: “I think Aberdeen will finish above Rangers. The target is finishing third and the Scottish Cup. If [Rangers] keep on losing games, it’ll be a battle for third or fourth.

“I’d like Derek McInnes. It’s a big decision because we’re a wee bit behind Celtic and we can’t let it go any further.”