Fans show support for McCoist

The Scottish champion drew in its biggest crowd of the season as 50,268 supporters packed Ibrox to demonstrate their support for McCoist and his players.

The previous largest attendance this term was for the visit of Celtic in September's Old Firm derby when a crowd of 50,221 watched Rangers claim a 4-2 win.

That victory must seem like a distant memory now for the Ibrox faithful, who saw their side immediately docked 10 points by the Scottish Premier League when it went into administration leaving it trailing leader Celtic by 14 points.

The Hoops are now in a position to extend their advantage to 17 points with victory over Hibernian on Sunday afternoon (Monday morning AEDT) after their Glasgow rival slumped to 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock - its first SPL loss of the season at home.

The day initially began with an air of positivity and solidarity after what had been a turbulent week, with fans congregating outside the stadium two hours before kick-off.

McCoist had this week responded to a question about the possibility of him quitting the job with the answer 'We don't do walking away' and the slogan, which immediately started trending on social networking sites, was emblazoned upon banners at the game, along with phrases such as 'In Ally We Trust'.

The Rangers Supporters Trust took the opportunity to share its optimism that the 140-year-old club will survive this current financial turmoil by handing out fliers proclaiming 'Rangers Will Not Die'.

It told fans: "We have a long and proud tradition that will not be wiped out by the stroke of an administrator's pen.

"But things clearly have to change and by standing together in unity the Rangers support can secure this change.

"So while administration and the events of this week have been painful let's rise to the challenge that lies before us."

The club's media department faced a race against time to produce a matchday programme that acknowledged the club's change in situation, with financial firm Duff and Phelps now in control of Rangers' affairs.

It opted for a front cover bearing a quote from legendary former manager Bill Struth - who spent 34 years at the Ibrox helm - which declared: "No matter the days of anxiety that come our way, we shall emerge stronger because of the trials to be overcome."

Inside, McCoist again made a plea for fans to stand by the club after what he described as 'a black day'.

He said: "There's no getting away from it. It was a very disappointing and black day on Tuesday when it was announced that the club had gone into administration.

"The effect of this news was massive and wide-ranging but it is our responsibility and duty to deal with it with the pride and honour that befits this great football club.

"I have supported the club all my life and I know how you are feeling.

"The one thing that I have to ask you at this time for the club is to be with the club and with the team.

"They need the support of the fans more than ever in this hour."