McLEISH: IT WAS TIME TO GO

Alex McLeish brought down the curtain on four and a half years at Rangers and insisted: "It's time for me to go."

A 2-0 win over Hearts in the Bank of Scotland Premier League marked the end of the season - and the end of an era for the Ibrox club.

McLeish will now make way for the arrival of Paul Le Guen and is looking forward to a well-earned break after a rollercoaster ride at the Ibrox helm.

He said: "It's been tough, it's a drain, and that's why I need to freshen up. It's time for me to go.

"It's been a couple of tough years. Even when with the championship win last year, there were parts of that season which were tough.

"That continued this season and, domestically, we have failed, but we have succeeded at other times.

"It didn't destroy me because I'm still here and I stayed to the end."

He may have a few regrets but McLeish insists making the decision to remain at Rangers during their darkest hour is not one of them.

He was backed by Ibrox chairman David Murray in December, despite a 10-match winless streak, which represented the worst in the club's history.

But some pundits believed McLeish should have walked away then to maintain his dignity.

However, the former Hibernian and Motherwell boss insists it was his decision to stay which kept his head held high.

McLeish added: "I stayed to the end despite people telling me I should walk. That's not in my make-up.

"People were saying 'Walk out of the club with dignity.' But, if I had walked out, I would have felt I'd lost my dignity.

"It was a risk, the sleepless nights and the bad results could have continued. But I'm really glad I stayed."

Rangers may have ended the season third in the SPL, and without a trophy, but McLeish was given a superb send-off by the Ibrox fans after the game.

He said: "It's not really my bag, going out and bowing and taking applause, but it felt appropriate today and I was very touched by it.

"I was overwhelmed by it. I was very humbled and honoured and it's a moment I'll never forget.

"I'm number 11 in a line of managers and I've won trophies, so I'd like to think my record compares favourably with some of the great managers here."

And, as for what lies ahead for Rangers, McLeish chose to paraphrase one of his predecessors.

He said: "Bill Struth made comments about there being times of failure and having to show tolerance. Rangers will always come back again."

Hearts interim head coach Valdas Ivanauskas paid tribute to the departing Rangers boss.

He said: "He is a big manager and has been a great manager for Rangers. I wish him very good luck for the future."

Meanwhile, Hearts star Rudi Skacel admits he wants to play in the Barclays Premiership one day but his Tynecastle future remains unclear.

Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov appeared to have reached agreement with Olympique Marseille to sign the player on a permanent basis and he would remain at the club for the next two years.

When asked if he was now contracted to Hearts until 2008, he said: "Ask Mr Romanov. I signed some options."

The Czech Republic international wants to play in England, but maintains he is happy at Tynecastle.

Speaking of his aspirations to play in the Premiership, he added: "I hope this year, next year or in five years to play in the Premiership. It's the best league of all.

"But I also want to play in the National Hockey League and that is only a dream.

"All the time I am being asked about my future. These questions are difficult.

"I'm happy in Edinburgh, we have a fantastic dressing room with people like Steven Pressley, Paul Hartley, James McAllister and my Greek brother, Takis Fyssas.

"I'm very happy here. We have amazing supporters. We will see."

Taken from sportinglife.com