RANGERS manager Ally McCoist gave a vigorous defence of coaches Ian Durrant and Kenny McDowall last night and said the point had been reached when the club had to stop cutting its staff.

McCoist reacted with controlled anger to a report that chief executive Charles Green wanted him to get rid of assistant coaches Durrant and McDowall. Although McCoist said there had been no discussions with Green about the potential removal of his two close friends, he then made a point of openly praising both of them and spoke out about Rangers already being "under-staffed" at all levels.

Chief scout Neil Murray, physio Pip Yeats and stadium manager Ross McCaskill have all left the club in what has been interpreted as a Green cost-cutting package.

Striker Francisco Sandaza was also released over a questionable breach of contract after discussing a potential move during a malicious phone call which was broadcast online.

There has been renewed tension between McCoist and Green over how Rangers should move forward and the manager insisted the club could not afford to lose any more staff. "Ever since I came back to the club under Walter [Smith] we've been cost-cutting and downsizing. But there has to be a point where you say enough is enough, look to the future and rebuild. I firmly believe that time was yesterday.

"I want to reassure the supporters that we have plans afoot to bring all sorts of people in, players and staff. Because of this season, we know what we'll be faced with next term.

"I'll make it quite clear: I have not entered into any discussions at all about Kenny and Ian with Charles. I haven't done it so that's that one cleared up.

"On that subject, Kenny, Ian and myself, along with Walter, won three titles and went to a European final. Craig Whyte came to town and there were obviously cutbacks, so we didn't win a title. But we've came back and won a title this year.

"We've had a few good days [this season] and a few not so good. But all of my staff have done what it said on the tin and that was win the league, and hopefully we'll get the opportunity to prepare for next season.

"Naturally, there will be changes within any business or football club. Those decisions are made by the hierarchy and some I'll agree with, others I won't. That's the same in any business and Rangers are no different. There are different reasons for the departures of Pip, Neil and Fran and I'm aware of those reasons. I've accepted it and I'll move on.

"I would hope they will be replaced. We are under-staffed throughout the club. We're well under-staffed on the football front and we can't afford to lose a lot of people without replacing them."