And now out
SKY
Duo leave Rangers roles
Administrators have not made any other staff decisions
Last Updated: February 23, 2012
Rangers' administrators have confirmed that director of football Gordon Smith and chief operating officer Ali Russell have agreed to leave the club.
The reigning SPL champions were placed in administration last week and the move prompted concerns to be raised regarding possible staff cuts.
Smith and Russell have now left their roles at Ibrox, but the administrators say that no further decisions have been taken regarding any redundancies.
Former Rangers player Smith returned to Ibrox following Craig Whyte's takeover of the club last May, but he has revealed his frustration at being restricted in his attempts to carry out the role fully.
No major surprise
Smith said: "It was a great thrill to be offered the director of football role at Rangers.
"I was brought in by Craig Whyte but because his control and reputation has been damaged by recent disclosures, I feel my own position has been undermined by association."
Gordon Smith Quotes of the week
"I admit that under the current circumstances it has not come as a major surprise to me.
"I was brought in by Craig Whyte but because his control and reputation has been damaged by recent disclosures, I feel my own position has been undermined by association.
"However, I would make the point that I was very frustrated in my job as I was unable to fulfil the job specification which was originally outlined for me.
"This was to control the major aspects of the football department outwith the first team operations. There's no point in being a director of football unless you can control these areas so, in that respect, I'm totally comfortable with being made redundant at this time.
"The main thing for me is that Rangers survives and continues to operate as a great football club and I offer my full support going forward to ensure this happens."
Rangers were forced into administration last Tuesday, over an unpaid tax bill of £9million accrued during Whyte's tenure, with financial firm Duff and Phelps appointed to take control of the club.
Paul Clark, joint administrator, said in a statement: "Since our appointment as administrators on February 14, it has been essential to review the cost structure of the club's operations and make every effort to achieve efficiencies to help improve the trading position.
"As part of this programme, Ali Russell, the club's chief operating officer, and Gordon Smith, director of football, have agreed to leave the club."
Talks have been ongoing with manager Ally McCoist, but his players will have to wait until next week to find out what cuts will be made to the squad.
Clark added: "Meetings have also been held with Ally McCoist and we had discussions regarding the potential impact of the administration process on the football department and we will continue to consult fully with him.
"It is clearly understood by all, including the players, that the football department costs will come under review as is the case with all departments within the business.
"No decisions regarding staffing in any department have been taken at this point and will not be taken until next week."
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