Events off the field continue to be the focus of attention at Ibrox.

For much of the past two years that has meant turmoil, intrigue, a spell of despair and then relief. On Saturday, it was more optimistic, triumphant even, since a little more than 50,000 people filled the stadium to celebrate winning the Irn-Bru Third Division title, but more to revel again in the club's survival.

Supporters sang, cheered, waved flags and scarves, and generally acted as though carefree. That was a rare exception, since situations continue to unfold in and around the club that reflect ongoing instability. Ally McCoist, for instance, was asked afterwards about the proposal leaked to the BBC on Friday that suggested a new football strategy for the club, one that effectively involved a change in management. He dismissed it with a smile, saying that he believed the author was an electrician, so he was off to write a thesis on the way forward for electrical engineering.

The story was clear enough – the document was written by David Gowans, who invested £1m before December's launch on the Alternative Investment Market – but the perspective was more important. The proposal was not acted upon when submitted two months ago, and only Imran Ahmad, the commercial director, kept a copy. He has since left.

So why was the document leaked on Friday by somebody outwith the club? Was it to try to undermine the manager? Some fans have complained about the team's performances this season, but there are ideological differences at Rangers too, and McCoist, whatever the view of his team, will always be considered by supporters to have the club's interests at heart.

It seemed pointed, too, when McCoist answered a question about a good luck message from Sandy Jardine by describing Bayern Munich as the model club, in particular their initiative of retaining key former players in the business to ensure continuity and a respect for history. Rangers, McCoist said, need men of "blue blood". This was a significant remark since Malcolm Murray, the chairman, and non-executive directors Walter Smith and Ian Hart, are lifelong Rangers supporters and so instantly retain the fans' trust.

Others on the board come from different backgrounds, and are still trying to gain that widespread confidence. That is not to say they cannot, but in the meantime Rangers appear to need strong leadership from the chairman. Yet Murray is more comfortable in the boardroom than in front of the cameras.

Until the independent examination into Charles Green and Ahmad's running of the club, and the extent of their collusion with Craig Whyte, the former owner, has been completed, Rangers are in a state of uncertainty. There continue to be suggestions that less than £10m of the initial public offering (IPO) money remains, despite statements to the contrary from Murray, Craig Mather, the interim chief executive, and Brian Stockbridge, the finance director. Those considering buying shares are certainly waiting until the forensic examination, by Pinsent Masons and Deloitte, is complete to be sure of the financial position and the assets owned. Yet Rangers have season tickets to sell and the next campaign to plan for.

"The front-page stories have been a big issue," said striker Andy Little. "As much as you try to just get on with it, it does play on your mind."

This is a transition period for Rangers. The team needs new players, but McCoist can only bring in free signings due to the registration embargo. Season ticket sales will dictate McCoist's budget, but it will not be a radical overhaul of the squad. "It takes time," said Arthur Numan, who will play in today's charity match against a Manchester United Legends team. "But at the moment are they good enough to play in the Premier League? I don't think so."

The win over Berwick Rangers was typical, in the sense that the home side ought to have performed better, but did enough. Fraser Aird converted his goal well, from Kyle Hutton's cross, and Andrew Mitchell impressed at left-back, but the occasion itself was more striking. "It's only possible with Rangers," said Numan. "I don't think in any other country you would see 50,000 people like this."

In the end, Saturday was about the celebrations. The sense of achievement was enough to keep other thoughts at bay, for now. "There have been enough disappointments this season, so when a good thing comes along, enjoy it," said Little.