Mark Warburton: Rangers win didn’t make Ronny Deila quit

Rangers manager Mark Warburton insists he is not responsible for the end of Ronny Deila’s stewardship of Celtic and believes the Norwegian will walk into a top job in the not too distant future.

Warburton admits he is disappointed to see Deila go but says he will maintain his own strategy regardless of who is brought in to become the 18th manager of Celtic.

He said: “I don’t think Ronny moved on because of that result on Sunday. I don’t think it will be seen as a defining moment. I can’t believe that for one second.

“I met him at the pre-game press conference and had half an hour chatting with him. He came across as a gentleman.

“I found his company good and he spoke well about football. He was complimentary, we spoke about different players and I liked his company. It is a shame to see a good person leave the country.

“Celtic are the biggest club, with the biggest budget – I get that – but Ronny Deila has received a lot of criticism. I’m sure he will go on to find another very good club.”

Warburton reiterated that he feels a parting of the ways is harsh on the former Stromsgodset coach but says whoever takes over will not impact on him. He said: “What’s the first question a manager asks? If you are a reporter what’s your first question and it’s ‘what do you expect from me? What represents success?’

“Ronny must have been told to win the league. If they said to him win the Champions League then he’s failed.

“If you have to get to the group stages and, if not, win the Europa League then your task is clear.

“No disrespect but it doesn’t affect us what Celtic do, what Aberdeen do, what Hearts do. It’s about Rangers. It’s about what we do.

“Our recruitment can’t be affected by what other people do. That’s lunacy. We have targets, go and get them. But what we do shouldn’t be impacted by another club.”