OPINION
If it wasn’t clear already that Graeme Murty’s time as Rangers manager is up, then his latest press conference gave the biggest clue yet that he will be packing his bags in the coming weeks.
Speaking ahead of their Premiership clash with Hearts this weekend, Murty revealed that he had received words of support from everyone involved with the club – bar one.
“I’ve had lots of support. I’ve had the director of football, my entire staff and the board of directors making sure I’m OK and ready to go for this weekend. They’ve been fantastic in making sure I get what I need and I’m ready to go for Sunday.
“But no I haven’t spoken to the chairman,” he crucially admitted, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
Chairman Dave King’s silence speaks volumes, and this is the surest sign yet that Murty will not be in the dugout when next season rolls around.
In truth, the 4-0 defeat to Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday was probably enough to know that the 43-year-old would not be receiving a new contract this summer.
Then came the inevitable fallout, although no one could have expected the storm that followed.
Two of the club’s most-senior players, Kenny Miller and Lee Wallace, suspended until further notice after a reported argument with Murty in the dressing room at full-time.
The boss was coming under fire from all angles, with some claiming that the duo had been hung out to dry by the club’s top brass and were victims of internal politics.
Whatever happened in that dressing room at the final whistle, it was becoming increasingly clear that Murty’s position at the club was untenable, with many suggesting that the club get rid of him immediately.
However, as the week has gone on there has been no word from the club on his future, with Murty walking into this press conference with his job still in tact.
Many would have seen this as a small victory for the manager, but there is little chance anyone sees it that way now after Murty admitted he was yet to speak to King.
This is the surest sign yet that Murty will not be in charge for much longer, and Rangers fans can rejoice as the club look prepared to start anew this summer.