Rangers manager Ally McCoist now knows he has the full backing of fans after the club were forced to call in the administrators.
The Scottish champions attracted their biggest crowd of the season when 50,268 supporters packed Ibrox on Saturday to show their support for McCoist and his players.
The previous largest attendance this term was for the visit of Celtic in September’s Old Firm derby when a crowd of 50,221 watched Rangers claim a 4-2 win.
That victory must seem like a distant memory now for the Ibrox faithful, who saw their side immediately docked 10 points by the Scottish Premier League when they went into administration, leaving them trailing leaders Celtic by 14 points.
The Hoops are now in a position to extend their advantage to 17 points with victory over Hibernian on Sunday after their Glasgow rivals slumped to 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock on Saturday – their first SPL loss of the season at home.
The day began with an air of positivity and solidarity following what had been a turbulent week, with fans congregating outside the stadium two hours before kick-off.
McCoist had this week responded to a question about the possibility of him quitting the job with the answer “We don’t do walking away” and the slogan, which immediately started trending on social networking sites, was emblazoned upon banners at Saturday’s game, along with phrases such as “In Ally We Trust”.
The Rangers Supporters Trust took the opportunity to share their optimism that the 140-year-old club will survive this current financial turmoil by handing out flyers proclaiming “Rangers Will Not Die.”
They told fans: “We have a long and proud tradition that will not be wiped out by the stroke of an administrator’s pen.
“But things clearly have to change and by standing together in unity the Rangers support can secure this change.
“So while administration and the events of this week have been painful let’s rise to the challenge that lies before us.”
The club’s media department had a race against time to produce a matchday program that acknowledged the club’s change in situation, with financial firm Duff and Phelps now in control of Rangers’ affairs.
They opted for a front cover bearing a quote from legendary former manager Bill Struth – who spent 34 years at the Ibrox helm – which declared: “No matter the days of anxiety that come our way, we shall emerge stronger because of the trials to be overcome.”
Inside, McCoist again made a plea for fans to stand by the club following what he described as “a black day”.
He said: “There’s no getting away from it. It was a very disappointing and black day on Tuesday when it was announced that the club had gone into administration.
“The effect of this news was massive and wide-ranging but it is our responsibility and duty to deal with it with the pride and honour that befits this great football club.
“I have supported the club all my life and I know how you are feeling.
“The one thing that I have to ask you at this time for the club is to be with the club and with the team.
“They need the support of the fans more than ever in this hour.”
