STEWART ROBERTSON hopes Rangers can clinch a new deal for manager Mark Warburton as the Light Blues set their sights on the top Premiership title next term.

The 53-year-old is poised to put pen-to-paper on fresh terms at Ibrox just a year after he and assistant David Weir made the move north of the border from Brentford.

Warburton’s first campaign in the dugout ended in disappointment as Rangers lost the Scottish Cup final on Saturday.

But Managing Director Robertson is pleased with the progress being made after he delivered the Championship title and Petrofac Training Cup.

He said: “Mark and Davie have been fantastic. The brand of football they have played, the way we have come through the Championship and the squad he has put together.

“There are a lot of things you guys won’t see but the atmosphere up at Auchenhowie and the backroom team is terrific.

“We want them to stay as long as we can. Like any of your best employees, we have constant dialogue with them.

“There are lots of pieces come together to make the jigsaw when it comes to a contract. We will see how it develops but we would love them to stay longer.”

Rangers will play top flight football for the first time in five years next term after they finally completed their rise through the lower leagues.

And Robertson has lofty ambitions for Warburton’s side next season as they set their sights on title glory.

He said: “We have to go up, we are dealing with Rangers here, and we are in the Premiership so we have to go and compete hard. The objective is to win the league.

“We have made some good signings so far, Joey Barton is a fantastic signing for us, and Jordan Rossiter, Matt Crooks and Josh Windass as well. We have high hopes for them as well.

“There are more to come in, there are several more players to come in. I am really excited about next year and I know Mark and the guys are. It is a good challenge but we will put our best foot forward and try and win the league.”