RANGERS legend Derek Johnstone today urged the Light Blue legions to return to Ibrox in their numbers for the good of the team.

Thousands of supporters have stayed away from home matches this season in protest at the under-fire Gers board while the Sons of Struth have polled members over an official boycott of the club.

Tensions between the terraces and boardroom are at an all-time high as Rangers' financial health is once again called into question.

Many fans have vowed never to return while the off-field status quo is preserved but DJ insists Ally McCoist's side need all the help they can get as they bid for the Championship crown.

He told SportTimes: "The fans have been absolutely magnificent, you can't fault them.

"There is talk about a boycott but is that not the case already when there are only 15,000 at the game against Inverness? The league games are about 30,000 so I think there is a boycott already.

"It doesn't help the players. When you are used to running out at Ibrox in front of big crowds and then you come out and there is only 15,000 there, it is a blow for the players. The fans and the atmosphere lift them.

"If you want to have a go at the directors and hold up banners and cards, fine.

"But go to the games, create an atmosphere for the players. Everyone wants to see Rangers back in the big time again and in cup finals.

"To do that, the team need the backing of the support. Everybody at the club would love to see 40-odd thousand back at the games.

"It is about the club and the team and Rangers need all the support they can get."

A series of negative headlines in recent days have increased the pressure on the Ibrox hierarchy as fans have renewed calls for director Sandy Easdale to be removed from his position.

The future is once again uncertain for Rangers and DJ has sympathy with the supporters as they voice their concerns over the running of their club.

He said: "Of course I understand the fans are worried. I am worried, the manager and the players will be worried.

"We are all worried. But we have to get on with it.

"There will be an AGM and new shares will be issued for people to buy into Rangers but you would think there are only a couple of people who would take up that offer.

"We will need to wait and see. Everyone is concerned.

"But we all want to see the same thing, Rangers back at the top and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later."