MARK WARBURTON is close to agreeing a new contract with Rangers and that is a positive step for two reasons.

Firstly, it is a reward for his efforts this season and a recognition of the job he, alongside David Weir and Jim Stewart, has done so far.

Yes the season ended on a disappointing note in the Scottish Cup final but Rangers got the job done in the Championship and the Petrofac Training Cup and we are heading back into the top flight in good shape next season.

And secondly it shows that he is committed to Rangers. He will be linked with clubs again in the summer and next season, there is no doubt about that.

If Rangers continue to do well next term, Mark will be a manager that a lot of clubs look at. You don’t get linked with positions when you are performing poorly or you are not doing a good job.

He will be looked at and it could prove difficult to hold onto him so Rangers are looking after themselves a bit as well here. If someone does come in, they will have to pay for Mark.

If there comes a point when he does move on, then Rangers have to make sure that they get a good deal for the club.

Chairmen will look at Mark and say ‘he did a good job with Brentford and now he has gone to Rangers and is doing really well there so he could be the man for us’. The board will know there is a chance of that.

There is no doubt that Rangers want to keep him. Mark has started something here and he will want to finish the job.

It is only right that you are rewarded when you do a good job. Hopefully Rangers have a reason to sit down with Mark again this time next year.