RANGERS legend Derek Johnstone today predicted the Ibrox club's fans would turn on prospective owner Charles Green if Ally McCoist is removed as manager.

McCoist has NOT quit the crisis-hit Glasgow club – despite learning of Green's intention to replace him as Gers boss.

The Light Blues all-time record goalscorer has been a pillar of strength for supporters since they were forced into administration in February. His statement "we don't do walking away" has become the slogan of the 140-year-old institution's desperate battle for survival.

But if his friend and former team-mate McCoist goes, DJ believes enigmatic English businessman Green would lose the fans' backing.

The 1972 European Cup-Winners' Cup hero has also questioned whether the consortium fronted by the former Sheffield United chief executive will be able to gain control of a newco. Johnstone said: "I spent yesterday trying to get in touch with Ally and his advisor Andrew McCormick.

"The fact neither was available told me something was up.

"One of the things that has been keeping Rangers fans going throughout all this is that there has been Rangers men like Ally McCoist at the helm.

"I don't know the background to this, but all I can say is it must be something bad to take Ally to this point.

"As he said, Rangers don't do walking away.

"I know that he was raging when the CVA was rejected on Tuesday, making liquidation inevitable. He had been speaking to Charles Green and thought the CVA would get them out of it.

"Something has happened behind the scenes to take him to this point. Just a few days ago, he said he was looking forward to pre-season.

"He admitted he didn't know what players would still be at the club and where they would be playing, but he was looking forward to meeting up with the squad again after his holiday."

He added: "Ally has been a shining light for Rangers fans throughout all this.

"He has galvanised the club through all this. The fans put their faith in him.

"They knew he was in there fighting for the club he supported.

"I find it extraordinary that Charles Green is reported to have wanted to get rid of Ally.

"The fans will be absolutely outraged after the news that the CVA has failed.

"I am so, so sorry for him at this moment in time.

"The only positive thing about Rangers at this moment in time is Ally McCoist.

"If Charles Green is thinking about replacing him it is a huge mistake.

"It says to me that this is a man (Green) who doesn't know anything about football, doesn't know anything about Rangers Football Club.

"I think Ally confronted him about this, he denied it, so Ally phoned a director and was informed it was the case.

"The fans will go absolutely berserk if that is the case.

"Remember, Charles Green doesn't have control of the club yet.

"Now this has happened, a lot of fans, a lot of shareholders, won't want him to take over.

"They will not buy season tickets, they can dictate who comes in."

Johnstone also fears that star players, including the likes of Steven Davis, Kyle Lafferty, Allan McGregor, Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker could be off.

He said: "Charles Green has always said the players wouldn't go and it has been stated that the players' contracts will transfer to a Rangers newco.

"Green and Duff & Phelps are saying one thing here while PFA Scotland chief Fraser Wishart is saying another.

"The one thing that has kept the players sane, that has kept them committed to Rangers, is that Ally McCoist was manager.

"Many stayed out of loyalty to him. If Ally goes, I think the vast majority of them will also go."