IT is what it is.

Those are the exact words Kenny McDowall uses when asked whether he can be surprised by anything that happens at Rangers these days.

Not exactly an in-depth analysis of evident issues, but that is hardly necessary. The caretaker manager's alarming revelations over the agreement struck with Newcastle United for five new players, just a week after a £10m loan had been accepted from its owner Mike Ashley, shed more than enough light on what is happening at this quite unfathomable place.

Already working a 12-month notice period, the word 'resignation' is now written all over McDowall's face. Asked how he tells a player that he cannot be chosen for the starting line-up because there is a loan signing in his position with a cast-iron guarantee that he will play, he replies: "That's just where it's at."

Derek Llambias says the board is not picking the team while McDowall's understanding is that they are now in de facto charge of the footballing department. The public can believe who they will.

Whatever the truth, it is starting to sound like Hearts under Vladimir Romanov. Steven Pressley, Craig Gordon and Paul Hartley formed the 'Riccarton Three' back then to rail against interference from above and McDowall, still expected to guide Rangers to promotion from the SPFL Championship amid this chaos, must surely be dealing with some increasingly unsettled players in the wake of yesterday's events.

He hopes their professionalism will prevent all-out mutiny. He also hopes these young Newcastle United reserves, thrust into a situation they know little about at a club already in a state of civil war, will not find themselves targeted by an increasingly militant support.

"I can't answer for the players, but I would hope that they would be professional and continue to work hard in training and hope to get some game time," said McDowall.

"It's a slightly unenviable situation for the boys who've come in, but let's not forget they have come from Newcastle, so they'll be good additions.

"I would like the fans to give them their support.

"They are nice lads and look good players. It is not their doing."

This well-regarded 51-year-old more or less admits he is a coach rather than a manager. He is absolutely frank in conceding that he is finding life difficult in a role he described, from day one, as "tainted".

"I've been in the game a wee while now," he said. "I've not been at this end, certainly, and it's been a great experience up until now for me.

"It is tough, very tough, but you have just got to accept where you are at sometimes and get on with things.

"I am trying to get on with it as best I can. Twelve months notice I am working and that's me."

Others have much less in the way of security. Around a dozen players are out of contract in the summer.

"That's not my gig," said McDowall. "That's not for me to decide.

"It makes things more difficult, but the boys have got a duty to perform."

Although he is working his notice, McDowall is clear when asked if he is motivated to perform his own duties.

"Absolutely," he replied. "I will give my best until the end."

Fraser Aird offered a welcome spot of humour when hinting that a policy of guaranteeing first-team jerseys to another club's players could actually prove the ultimate incentive scheme.

"I guess you just need to go out and score a hat-trick every game to try to keep yourself in the team," stated the midfielder.

There is little to add. It is what it is.