MARK WARBURTON admits he feels the weight of history rest heavily on his shoulders as he prepares for his debut season as manager of Rangers.

The 52-year-old Englishman will put his side through a bounce game against Tottenham Hotspur's Under-20 side at the Barclays Premier League side's training ground on Friday and cast eye his over potential new recruits for the campaign ahead.

He is known to be keen on Harry Winks, an England youth internationalist, and may look to bring full-back Ryan Fredericks to Ibrox with him on loan after working with him at Brentford last season.

Warburton insists he was aware of the traditions of the club when he agreed to take over the reins earlier this summer, but he is also becoming aware of what will be demanded of him when the action gets underway.

“I was well aware of them (the traditions) and you very much become accustomed to what is expected here," he said. "There’s such a weight of expectation because there is such a magnificent history.

"David Weir reminds me of it every day, so I’m well aware of what is expected and what we have to do, and where we need to get back to, but it’s about us putting in strong foundations and making sure it’s a long-term recovery as opposed to any short-term fixes.

“David and I worked very closely together at our old place, and we work well together. We have the same views on the game, but we have different opinions and that’s a good thing.

“It’s been very good, and the people have been very friendly.

“You can feel the warmth here at Murray Park, and it’s just a tremendous facility. I’ve said it many times before, but it is a world-class training facility, so it’s a pleasure to come here and have the players work as they do.

"The staff really are committed to the club and to taking it forward.”

Warburton has brought in three new signings in Rob Kiernan, Danny Wilson and Wes Foderingham and is happy with the way they have settled into life at a new club.

“It’s a new group of players and they’re not sure what to expect from David and I, and vice-versa," he said. "They have an outstanding application to their work and we’ve worked them hard. We’ve built it up over the period of a few days, and we’re delighted with their overall commitment and desire to be part of the club.”