Murty rejects suggestion position undermined

Rangers manager Graeme Murty has dismissed suggestions that chairman Dave King undermined his position ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish Cup semifinal against Celtic.

King released a statement this week which gave little reassurance that Murty would still be in charge next season.

Asked if it was an un- helpful distraction, Murty said: “Not at all. It’s another thing to deal with but we move forward and get ready for the game.

“The statement started by saying I’ve done a really good job and should be proud of what I’ve done. My position hasn’t changed. I’ve got a contract until the end of the season. The chairman, as far as I’m aware, reiterated that in the summer a manager will be appointed.

“Whether that’s me or someone else, that appointment will have to take place. So my situation and reading of it hasn’t altered.”

Meanwhile, Murty admitted Rangers could not compete with the four-year deal Hamburg presented to defender David Bates ahead of his summer switch to Germany.

The Light Blues manager, who has confirmed Josh Windass has resumed training ahead of tomorrow’s Hampden tie, said: “We were in negotiations with David and wanted him to stay – but Hamburg have come along and made an offer we can’t match.

“David has thought about his career and decided to take them up on that offer. That is the reality of the situation. We’re disappointed as we’ve obviously invested time and energy in David. We’ve played him, helped his development but he has decided to go elsewhere. That’s his prerogative and we can’t at this moment stand in his way. We wish him well.”

Graeme Murty: My position hasn’t changed