Saturday 9 December 2017 17:36, UK
Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne has claimed Rangers were 'totally out of line' with their controversial statement in response to Derek McInnes' decision to stay at Pittodrie.
Milne said the statement was not "befitting" of a club such as Rangers but said he believed that the good relations between the two clubs would not be compromised as a result.
Once McInnes had said he was remaining in the Granite City on Thursday, Rangers said: "After the two games against Aberdeen, we requested permission to engage with their manager.
"This was declined. We were subsequently made aware by Aberdeen's statement that, at this stage in his career, it would be best for him to remain in his current post.
"We endorse that position because moving to a massive club like Rangers is a big step with concomitant risk. We continue to consider candidates but will only appoint someone in whom we have full confidence and who feels he is ready for the job."
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Milne said: "I don't think the statement that came out was befitting of a club like Rangers.
"The other thing that surprised me is that when an important statement comes out from a club like Rangers it should have ownership.
"That should have been from someone with power and authority. It came out without a name being attached to it. That was very disappointing and whether their intentions were this or not, it cast doubt on Derek's capabilities which was totally out of line."
Nonetheless, Milne insists there will be no lasting fall-out over the protracted affair between the two clubs.
He added: "We've always had a very good relationship with Rangers, we'll work hard to make sure that we come through and relations are strengthened as we move forward.
"We all want to see a strong Rangers and the sooner they fill their vacancy and get a good manager in and strengthen the whole set up, that's in the interests of Scottish football."
