AS Rangers supporters kept vigil in the cold outside Ibrox Stadium last night, the two financial experts who have been put in temporary charge of the 140-year-old club outlined their plans.
Members of the press were ushered by police officers through barriers blocking angry fans from the doors for a hastily arranged press conference, following the announcement the club was in administration.
David Whitehouse and Paul Clark, of Duff and Phelps, sought to clarify the firm's position as they begin the task of dealing with Rangers's fate.
A grave looking Mr Clark read a brief statement declaring his intention to respect the club's history and do his best to secure the interests of Rangers.
He said: "As administrators we have a statutory duty to act in the best interests of all creditors and we will fulfil that function diligently.
"We fully recognise the great history of this club and what it means to people throughout the world. Whilst today is a sad day for Rangers, it also addresses the terrible uncertainty that has been hanging over the club.
"The administration period, while difficult for all involved, will give stability to the club in order to move forward."
Co-administrator Mr Clark added that Saturday's match against Kilmarnock will go ahead and the club's day-to-day business will continue.
"I can assure all Rangers supporters that all aspects of the administration will be carried out with the interests of the club firmly in mind," he added.
"As a first step, the administration team will ensure Saturday's match at Ibrox will proceed as planned and all other routine club business will continue."
The pair left the press room, which is traditionally the scene of Ally McCoist's pre-match briefings, refusing to answer any questions.
As photographers and reporters were led inside Ibrox Stadium by a representative of the club, fans, who had been waiting for hours in the hope of seeing chairman Craig Whyte, reacted with fury.
Dozens rushed against the barriers and were held back by police with others trying to push inside.
There were repeated chants of "Whyte must go" and "Whyte is a coward", in reference to the owner's continuing refusing to meet with supporters.
As the crowds became increasingly vocal the police presence was stepped up at both the main entrance to the impressive red brick stadium and at the back.
Rangers stalwarts, some who had been waiting outside since the early morning, gathered around the Argyle House section of Ibrox, shouting to Whyte to come out and face them.
Instead, he last night boarded a flight to London, leaving supporters doubting his reputation as the club's chairman and calling for him to return to Glasgow for Saturday's game against Kilmarnock.
A chauffeur-driven car, thought to belong to the chairman, was driven up to the door of the club but angry supporters surrounded it, saying they would not let the vehicle leave with Whyte in it.
Police officers stepped in to move fans back but they continued to surround the car.
Former player Sandy Jardine left the club and walked past fans but ignored their calls and left in a waiting car.
There was a smattering of applause given as a show of solidarity to workers leaving the stadium after a meeting with senior staff but the clapping was the only positive reaction.
Last night anger was mounting among supporters who said Whyte should come out and explain himself.
On Monday night, Whyte had been jeered as he appeared on the steps to read a statement saying Rangers would "emerge a fitter and stronger club".
His voice muffled by the shouting of fans, Whyte said: "The measures we have announced today are the most practical way forward to safeguard the long-term survival of Rangers and prevent the potential closure of the club.
"I have spoken to the manager, the staff and supporters' representatives of the club and have outlined the position.
"This is a difficult day for Rangers – but we can emerge a fitter and stronger club from this."
With Whyte now out of the country it remains to be seen whether he is including himself in that "we".
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