McCall defends playoff policy

Rangers boss Stuart McCall believes the club are right to defy league bosses and allow the Ibrox faithful into their play-off clashes for free.

Gers revealed plans on Tuesday to allow season-tickets holders to use their briefs for next month's promotion battles.

That would breach the rules of the Scottish Professional Football League, which claims 50 per cent of the gate receipts from each play-off match and shares it amongst its remaining clubs.

Hibernian allowed season-ticket holders in for free last season in defiance of the league guidelines and recently failed with a compromise resolution which would have slashed the gate receipts levy to 25 per cent.

Rangers insist they will hand over half the cash they receive from the sale of one-off tickets but their decision - which is likely to be followed by Motherwell if they finish second bottom of the Scottish Premiership - could cost the SPFL thousands of pounds.

McCall, though, says the clubs should look after their loyal supporters first and foremost.

He said: "I'm led to believe Hibs did it last season and set a precedent. I think it's totally right for all the clubs (to do the same).

"It's been a long time since I bought a season ticket but I remember you would get all your league games on it and then have to pay for your cup matches.

"They classify the play-off games as league games so I think they should be allowed in without a doubt. That goes for all the clubs.

"The fans have shown loyalty all season and I think they should be allowed into the play-offs with their season tickets.''

How many matches Rangers will have to play if they are to reclaim their place in the top flight depends on results this Saturday as the regular Championship campaign comes to a close.

Gers need to beat second-tier champions Hearts in Edinburgh and hope Hibs - who stole second place after the Light Blues were held to a 2-2 draw with Falkirk last weekend - lose at Falkirk.

But McCall insists his team will not go overboard if they get the scores they are looking for.

"It would be good to finish second and we are aiming to finish second,'' he said.

"But once it boils down to it, I don't think it will have a major bearing at the end of the season.

"Certainly if we get a result on Saturday and Hibs don't, there will be no great celebration from us, because we still haven't achieved anything. There is still a lot of hard work to be done.

"If we get second then great, but you are not going to get promoted as a result.

"Naturally we would like to play two less games, but in the grand scheme of things, what happens on Saturday won't count for much. It's what happens in the six games that follow.''

McCall admits finding an even keel to results has been difficult since he replaced Kenny McDowall last month.

Rangers may be the club with the most riding on promotion but with just five wins from 10 games in charge, his claim that there are no favourites heading into the play-offs is certainly understandable.

"We've lost one game in 15 and won five of our last eight, so you can throw stats at lots of things,'' he said.

"Going forward we are creating chances which is pleasing. Defensively, though, we are making too many errors and we need to cut them out if we want to progress.

"We are inconsistent in parts but I don't think I would just come in to the club, flick a switch and be consistently outstanding.

"I've seen an awful lot of people like ex-players and managers commenting in the papers. Some have said Hibs are favourites, some think Queen of the South. Others think we have a strong squad.

"A month back Hibs looked nailed on for second. Then we got a bit of momentum while Queen of the South have been performing well too.

"What we will have is a full Ibrox and that will be a big advantage. But I don't think there is a favourite. It's all about who deals with the games.''