Rangers manager Mark Warburton hits out over link with Fulham
Thursday 3 December 2015 18:00, UK
Mark Warburton has hit out at reports continuing to link him with the vacant manager's job at Fulham.
Speaking at his news conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Raith Rovers, the Rangers manager ran out of patience when answering questions from reporters on recent speculation over his future.
The former Brentford boss took to Twitter on Wednesday after some media outlets had claimed he was top of the Londoners' wanted list and that the Ibrox board had responded by offering him a new deal and bigger transfer budget.
"Get the facts right, please," he said. "We're not aware of any interest. There's no interest. I'm the Rangers manager. I made it very, very clear last week, Saturday, Tuesday and again last night I was forced into saying once again that I am absolutely committed to Rangers. No, Rangers are not aware, there's no approach.
"I think it's very important that any media that has journalistic integrity does their homework, investigates and substantiates and when that's done if it's proven to be correct, then absolutely. But until that point it's disrespectful to me.
It's inappropriate, incorrect, malicious or whatever word you want to use. I can't keep answering the same question. What part don't you understand?
"I've answered the questions four or five times. It's disrespectful to me, the players, the supporters and in this case Fulham. I can't keep answering the same question. I am the Rangers manager, I am delighted to be here, absolutely committed.
"Please hear my words. It's disrespectful to me, the supporters who deserve better and to the club in this case, who you're saying is Fulham. It's disrespectful to anyone involved in that conversation, so categorically absolutely that is not the case.
"It's just speculation. It's always flattering to be linked to a job. You only get linked to a job when you're doing a half decent job at your current club. You don't lose 10 games and get linked to jobs. So it's a testament to the work of the players and the results that they have achieved.
"I was so frustrated by the stories, supposed stories, without any substantiation. It's inappropriate, incorrect, malicious or whatever word you want to use. I can't keep answering the same question. What part don't you understand."
And Rangers released a statement late in the day confirming no contact had been received from Fulham who have been under the care of former Celtic star Peter Grant since Kit Symons was sacked following a 5-2 home defeat by Birmingham last month.
It read: "Following almost a week of speculation Rangers would like to make it absolutely clear that no clubs have been in touch seeking permission to speak with our manager Mark Warburton.
"The club cannot prevent speculation but Rangers fans can be assured that Mark's commitment to the job he has started with Rangers remains total, as he himself has already made clear."
