Murray hopes McLeish can turn things round for Rangers

But he insists nobody has been offered the job and hopes McLeish can do enough to remain at Ibrox.

"At all times, you're looking at alternatives," said Murray. "I know what route we'd go down (if McLeish is sacked) but I hope I don't have to.

"There has always been contingency plans and funds are in place for new staff and players at the club."

Rangers are 12 points behind Celtic and Hearts in the SPL and have recorded just two wins in their last 11 outings.

Last week's CIS Insurance Cup exit to Celtic prompted Murray to go public with his short-term support for the manager.

It should never be forgotten that Alex (McLeish) has been very successful in his time here David Murray

"I said we would review the situation in December," added Murray. "We must see a marked improvement in performances.

"If not, reluctantly, Alex would have to go."

Rangers face tough away games at Celtic, Porto and Hibernian in November and Murray mentioned the matches against Falkirk and Inter Milan on 3 and 6 December.

"We have put a time frame on it," said Murray. "It was the newspapers who came up with 'three games to save his job' headlines.

"I'm not saying we have to win all five games (for McLeish to stay on) but we must expect a fight.

"There was no fight in the last game (the 2-0 CIS Insurance Cup defeat at Celtic).

"We need to see more pride and passion."

Murray would not comment on any of the names that have been linked as possible replacements for McLeish, saying it would be "disrespectful" to the manager.

He continued "Of course we have talked about a potential successor. If I didn't do that I wouldn't be doing my job.

"But nobody has been offered a job. We have been offered about 10 people who want to manage the club.

"It disrespectful at this particular time to talk about who may or may not follow Alex."

Rangers have won seven trophies since McLeish arrived from Hibs in December 2001.

And Murray added: "It should never be forgotten that Alex has been very successful in his time here.

"And, if he can get through this sticky patch, I believe he can be successful again."