Administrators set to meet with Rangers squad

Rangers' administrators will meet with manager Ally McCoist and the players today.

They claim at this stage that there will be "no immediate cuts in the playing staff" but there will be a review of all staff in due course.

Duff and Phelps took control of the Scottish champions on Tuesday after the club was forced into administration over an unpaid tax bill of £9million, accrued since Craig Whyte took control of Rangers in May last year.

Although joint administrator Paul Clark will hold talks with McCoist and his squad today, a spokesman stressed there would be "no immediate cuts in the playing staff".

He said: "Paul will be outlining the administration process.

"There will be a review of staff, including playing staff. That will take its course."

The spokesman also said players had not been asked to play without being paid.

Rangers - who were immediately docked 10 points by the Scottish Premier League and now sit 14 points behind leaders Celtic - are also awaiting the verdict of a tax tribunal which could leave them with a bill of as much as £75million, according to Whyte.

Last night administrators told fans they can be reassured that Rangers will continue as a football club.

They also said they hope to reach a stage "as soon as possible" where the club can emerge from administration.

Joint administrators Clark and David Whitehouse said in a statement: "We can report we have made very good progress within the first 24 hours of being appointed administrators over Rangers Football Club.

"In broad terms, supporters can be reassured that Rangers will continue as a football club and we hope to reach a stage as soon as possible where the club can emerge from administration."

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is a self-confessed Celtic fan but hopes Rangers can come through a turbulent spell for the sake of the game north of the border.

He said: "Disappointed is an understatement. Rangers is a global, elite club.

"As everyone is well aware, I am a Celtic man through and through and that will never change, but you always want a strong Rangers.

"They have shown before on the European stage what they are capable of and there is no getting away from it - there has been mismanagement at the club in terms of finances.

"But I'm sure they can address that and come back as strong as ever.

"That is certainly what I want - to have a strong Celtic and Rangers, not just on the domestic front but in Europe, because it is great for Glasgow and for Scottish football, and the sooner we get that, the better.

"I think what you will find is that in adversity, a lot of people stick together, and you will see that with the Rangers supporters.

"They love their club, they are passionate about it and they will come out in their numbers and give that support.

"They will come out the other side of this. With Ally McCoist there, I'm sure they can go from strength to strength."

Rangers confirmed that administrators Duff and Phelps will address the media at a press conference at Ibrox Stadium at 3.30pm today.

PA