STABBED IN THE BACK

ALEX McLEISH last night revealed David Murray stood by him when his Ibrox enemies advised the chairman to sack Eck two years ago.

MailSport understands prominent figures in and around Rangers' football department were desperate to see McLeish bulleted when Martin O'Neill's Celtic romped to the title by 17 points in season 2003/2004.

The Gers gaffer - who will take charge for the final time today against Hearts before making way for Paul Le Guen - was well aware of his enemies within. But he said: "I was never going to quit at that time. The only

way I would no longer have been manage was if David Murray sacked me. The chairman was getting advice from people inside the club that I should go.

"But Murray is known for his loyalty and stuck by me. The chairman knew the hand was dealt was a bit unfair and wanted to give me a fair crack at it.

"When results aren't going well and a manager is under pressure people want to see a change made. It's something you have to deal with.

"I've been pleasedwithmy contribution to this great club. Yes, I've made mistakes but even the likes of Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson make errors. "I had a difficult job but I'm proud to have served this club. Not many people get the chance to be Rangers manager.

"With the resources I've been given it's difficult to see how anyone else could have done better."

Taken from the Sunday Mail