Fans are being taken to hell – and back again

Anyone who has dealt with Mark Warburton in the last few months could detect the unhappiness. You could just sense it. He arrived at Rangers with a glint in his eye. And in his first Championship-winning season he oozed zeal.

But recently? As a chasm opened up between him and chairman Dave King it was clear the enthusiasm had gone.

How miserable do you have to be to be tempted by a basket case like Nottingham Forest?

Some would argue Rangers aren’t far behind when it comes to self-imploding football clubs.

But seriously, if War burton was trying to work a ticket to the City Ground – and controversial owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi – it MUST have been bad.

But the debris after Warburton’s departure – and King’s machine gun statement last night – has left Rangers in a mess.

Again, the supporters are the ones left suffering.

Embarrassed by Celtic on the pitch this season they’ve been humiliated by events off it.

Ten months ago, they goaded Hoops fans at Hampden after a stunning Old Firm victory in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Now they’re the ones being laughed at – but there’s nothing funny about this sorry episode.

The fact that Warburton, Davie Weir and Frank McParland are likely to pursue the matter through the courts is wholly unedifying. But there was no doubt the end was nigh for Warburton af ter the shocking 4-1 defeat at Hearts.

The away fans – Gers’ diehard support – turned on him.

Managers need to realise when they come to Glasgow – even Scotland – that fans don’t buy statistical waff le after poor results.

Paul Le Guen, Tony Mowbray, Ronny Dei la and Gordon Strachan were all guilty of it and it never ends well.

A horrendous summer transfer window led to the embarrassing Joey Barton saga while Philippe Senderos and Joe Garner have been disasters. Warbur ton felt he deserved the chance to put it right in January but the fans were forced to accept two loan players and a back-up goalie.

After the trials and tribulations of Ally McCoist ’ s tenure, the wanted an identity.

And for a while, Warbs looked like he was going to give them it.

Now? It feels like they’re back to square one.

The likes of Billy Davies should be a leading contender given his CV but whoever it is, yet another rebuild is required in Govan.

Warbs was despondent. And King clearly wasn’t happy after opening fire on the Englishman last night.

But the fact that a Rangers support – who have been to hell and back – now face more turmoil and upheaval?

That’s the saddest thing of all.

There was no doubt the end was nigh after shocking 4-1 defeat at Hearts