With Celtic closing in on the title, the Ibrox side are resigned to ending this season with nothing and McLeish has already started looking ahead to the new campaign after revealing yesterday he had been on a five-day scouting mission in Europe.

But he believes securing the services of his trusty lieutenants is every bit as important as adding to his squad.

He told the club’s official website, www.rangers.co.uk: “I’d like the management team to stay intact. I don’t think we become bad coaches overnight.

“Despite the lack of silverware this season we have had a tremendous 18 months where we collected five trophies.

“So I don’t see why we can’t be successful again because we know each other well and we know what makes the others tick.

“For me, it’s a good combination and it’s one that can take Rangers forward.”

McLeish’s partnership with Watson has spanned 10 years so far after the pair first hooked up at Motherwell in 1994 before moving to Hibernian four years later.

The Rangers manager added: “Two of the main things you look for in your backroom staff are trust and loyalty and I’ve had that from Andy over that period of time.

“It’s so important in football where there is a lot of bickering in the background, little power struggles and people undermining others.

“When you work with the people you trust, you don’t have to watch your back or rely on wing mirrors too much.”

Watson said: “Alex has already spoken with me and the board about a new contract and I believe everything will be sorted out.

“I’m absolutely delighted about that.”