KENNY McDOWALL has revealed Saturday's match against Cowdenbeath could be his last as Rangers manager, and warned that it could take a new board of directors up to five years to remedy the various problems behind the scenes.
Despite shares in the Ibrox club being suspended yesterday following the resignation of the Nominated Advisor, the consortium led by Dave King is still expected to assume power at tomorrow's general meeting. That could lead to the appointment of a new manager with McDowall, working his 12-month notice period, aware that his time in interim control could be set to come to an end.
"Could this be my last game in charge? It could very well be, but I could have said that right from the start. This is probably my last game, but I have handed my notice in and have 10 months or so to do and if I need to be here for the 10 months I have said all along that's what I will do. Whether I am in charge or coaching - if the club need me I am here."
He conceded it has been a difficult time for him since succeeding Ally McCoist as manager. "I didn't expect it but when it happens you just have to take the reins and crack on. It's all you can do. It has been difficult just because of what has been happening at the club.
"I was privy to it before and didn't think it could get any worse, but things don't get better here it seems. So having to contend with everything has been difficult. I am sure I will look back and take a step back and think "that was incredible". I would like to think I would think about the good times but I will never forget what we have been through - it has burned pretty deep. Nobody knows and nobody will ever know what we have had to endure."
McDowall expects that, even if there is a regime change, it will take some time before Rangers are properly restored.
"I think the fans understand [the need to be patient]," he added. "I'm pretty sure they would be patient because they know what's gone on here. It won't be overnight. At least five years, I think, until it can be what it was. Personally I think the club has to be in the top league. That's how I think it gets sorted .
"Whether we could compete in it the first season we get there we have to see. At least you're up there and you can attract better players and more players of a higher calibre. To take it forward I think that's where we need to be."
McDowall believes that all aspects of Rangers' off-field activities need to be overhauled too. "The whole infrastructure's got to be looked at," he added. "It's pretty much been decimated over the last four years. This is a long-term project, it's not going to be fixed overnight. No chance. That's why it's so important whoever comes in , that they get it right. Whether it's a new coach or manager it's got to be the right appointment and it's got to be done properly."
McDowall confirmed he had no regrets about tendering his notice, despite Rangers being on the brink of regime change. "Did I want to be the Rangers manager? No. Am I here through circumstances? Yes. I would prefer it to be Ally because I am a loyal guy and my loyalty is to him. That's where it doesn't sit well with me."
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