DJ: Familiarity breeds trust with Walter at the helm

This week we were propelled back from all talk of Ally McCoist's preparations, the new signings and the season ahead to once more hear that things at the top just aren't as they should be.

And I do think that it is hard for the supporters to hear of it because what it amounts to is more negative headlines and to be honest, I think most of us have had our fill of them over the last two years.

Like any business, things have to be right at the top if the company is to thrive and succeed and that is exactly the same at a football club.

I am sorry to see Malcolm Murray go and I agree with some of what he said in the letter to the Rangers fans in yesterday's SportTimes – Bill Struth would have been spinning in his grave at the way the club has lurched from one crisis to another these past few years.

It is harrowing to watch and the one thing that will be nagging away at the Ibrox fans is the fact there isn't anyone there that you can really trust – except for Walter Smith.

I don't think Walter is entirely comfortable in his current role as chairman because he has no experience at that executive level, but what he does do is give the club a bit of stability.

Everyone knows whatever is going on, he has the best interests of Rangers at heart and he is no mug either. He won't let anyone pull the wool over his eyes and nor will he allow the club to be dragged through the gutter.

I am sure at the earliest opportunity he will probably pass over the responsibility to someone else – whom he will have a say in vetting – but at the minute he is the only recognisable face in the boardroom that the fans know they can respect.

We don't know anything about James Easdale who has replaced Murray and Phil Cartmell, but they have to be given every chance to make it work.

Everything has been looking good these past few weeks off the park but there will only be proper success if the club is ticking over smoothly off it.

What Rangers are crying out for just now is a period of sustained stability.

If they are to go in the right direction and get themselves at the forefront of the game, then it is vital there is trust in the people at the top.

The supporters need to see enough to believe what they see.

What I would say is that right now it looks as though all of the people who are on the board are Rangers fans and I do think that is important.

It has been disappointing, though, to have more adverse back-page headlines about the club.

I think Ally has done a smashing job this summer in terms of getting players into Rangers and I do think we'll see a better brand of football this season which bodes well.

There is competition for places and there is a bit of quality too – but all that means very little if there is anarchy going on behind the scenes.

Those in charge have the chance now to get it right and to take the club forward.

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