RANGERS interim chief executive Craig Mather has vowed to tackle the 'enemies' who tried to kick the club while it was down.

The Light Blue legions have been left furious at the treatment their club has received in recent months as they bid to battle back from the disastrous Craig Whyte reign and their plunge into the Irn-Bru Third Division.

And, speaking at the NARSA conference in California, where boss Ally McCoist spoke of his joy at having Walter Smith as the club's new chairman, Mather insisted the Ibrox board will play their part in righting the wrongs.

Addressing the fans, he said: "There will be times when you want us to tackle our enemies and it will seem like we're somehow reluctant to do so or that we don't care.

"You might believe we don't feel hurt to the same extent as you but I'm here to tell you we do.

"Sometimes you have to wait. We have chosen and we will continually choose the right moment to strike. Please, please never believe that I or any other directors don't know the names of the people who have tried to damage this club. We know all of them.

"We know what each one tried to do and I can assure you we will never, ever forget about that.

"Rangers is on its way back now and it's more alive and united than ever. These gatherings show that and you are powerful proof of that."

After months of boardroom turmoil, Rangers fans hope their club is on the right track following the appointment of Smith last week.

Mather said: "I think it will also help us hugely that another of our greats and a true legend at Rangers, Walter Smith, has agreed to become chairman.

"As you would expect, Walter has yet again stepped forward. He has done that again and again at the club.

"I'm sure you will agree with strong characters in place like him and Ally – and, if I'm maybe lucky enough for you to see me in the same light one day – we can not fail."

Mather was joined in praise of the club's new chairman by McCoist, who told RangersTV: "I've spoken to the new chairman.

"He has just stopped short of telling me I have to bow when I see him.

"It obviously goes without saying that we have to have great business people too for the club to keep moving forward. I understand, respect and want that.

"With that said, I think it's also important for the fans that they have Rangers people they can identify with and relate to.

"Walter is certainly one of those and the sooner Sandy Jardine's health gets back to where we all want it to be and we can have him back in and around the club, the better."