Respectful Warbo shocked by BBC attacks
With dozens of better qualified candidates such as Alan Curbishley, Nigel Pearson and Tim Sherwood currently out of the game it seems strange how strongly the state broadcaster has been pushing this story.
From Dick Wilson breaking the story on Tuesday, followed by Al Lamont’s update on Wednesday night about new cash being made available to retain Warbo through to Jonathan Sutherland’s performance at Thursday’s press conference the former Brentford boss must have felt like he was under attack from all sides.
Earlier this season Sevco withdrew media facilities from Chris McLaughlin of the BBC for reporting arrests for sectarian singing at a match away to Hibs.
After the BBC briefly watered down their coverage a deal was reached with the club announcing: “Following a meeting with the BBC the media privileges of Chris McLaughlin have been reinstated. Rangers has received assurances from the BBC that their reporting of Rangers’ affairs will be balanced.”
As he attempted to preview tomorrow’s match at Raith Rovers Warbo was unable to keep his emotions in check.
Under questioning from Sutherland he hit back with: “Two weeks ago, when people said I had been linked with jobs, I said I was the Rangers manager. I was asked that question, the BBC included, and I gave the same answer. I did the same again on Tuesday.
“I asked to be shown some respect. To do it again is malicious, inappropriate, whatever term you want to use. I think they are ignoring what I’ve been saying. I thought I had nipped it in the bud two weeks ago, then Saturday and then on Tuesday.
“And then on Wednesday I was forced to be stronger. That is not respectful to me, the club, the supporters and Fulham.”
The determination of the BBC to constantly push this story in the face of constant denials must be a puzzle for the former Brentford boss.
With the Ibrox media machine being masterminded by former BBC pundit Jim Traynor it shouldn’t be too difficult for Warbo to put together some of the pieces in the jigsaw.
Whether Warbo stays or goes much more important issues will engulf Sevco over the next few weeks starting off with chairman Dave King facing a charge of contempt of court for discussing details of the Rangers Retail contract with Sports Direct.