MARK Warburton, the Rangers manager, has revealed that the code of conduct now in place within Murray Park extends to players being suspended from training and fined if they fail to pass daily urine tests.
The 53-year-old Englishman has become known for his thoroughness and approach to strong self-discipline since taking over the reins, with emphasis being placed on making sure his squad is always at optimum physical levels.
“From the first day, the players created a code of conduct and they police it themselves, from time-keeping to urine tests every morning,” he said. “If a player doesn’t hit the levels in urine testing, he has one hour to rehydrate or he doesn’t train. If he doesn’t train, he’s fined. If he doesn’t train, there’s a good chance he won’t play.
“Their urine is tested every morning because hydration is a massive part of what we do. The first thing you should do as pro footballer when you get out of bed is drink a bottle of water. The second thing is, during the run in the car, have a drink on the way to the training ground. Hydration is important in terms of injury and flexibility.
“You can’t control the referee, you can’t control a pitch, but you can control certain things.”
Warburton has made it clear that rules over professional conduct extend every bit as much to him as others.
“We have to maintain the highest levels of discipline and standards of behaviour,” he said. “If we don’t, we’re weak as group. The obvious thing for us is that the image of the football department is first-class.
“If any player or staff member steps out of line, they won’t be part of what we’re doing. It’s that simple. It’s not an idle threat. I’m sure if I stepped out of line, I’d be gone. It would be the right thing to do. At any football club, especially one of this size and stature, we’ve got a responsibility.”
Warburton has also given the strongest hint yet that he would like to stay at Ibrox beyond his three-year contract.
“Look around,” he said. “One look at the Ibrox entrance hall tells you what a magnificent club it is. I’d love to be here for a long time. If I’m here long-term, it will mean I’ve achieved my goals, like bringing big European nights back to Ibrox.
“The fans want those atmospheres back and I have to deliver.”
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