Green 'here for the long haul' at Rangers

19 May 2012 08:17

Charles Green claims he and his consortium are committed to Rangers for the "long haul" as he attempts to allay suspicion over their intentions.

Green on Friday named two of his colleagues after continuing his meetings with Rangers fans. He said his group includes Far East businessman Jude Allen, who appears to work in the hospitality trade, and Mazen Houssami, who he described as a Middle Eastern lawyer.

"It's a great asset of the club that the fan base is so strong, so intense and so willing to get behind the club, but it is something that took me off guard," Green told the club's website. "All I am trying to do is be open and honest and I think people respect that. They don't want the lies and the distrust that they experienced over the last few years."

Gers fans have been stung by financial mismanagement of their club in recent years. Little over a year ago, Craig Whyte promised to clear up the debt left by Sir David Murray but he did so by mortgaging future season ticket sales before failing to pay £13million in tax ahead of the club's descent into administration.

So Green understands why there is scepticism over his group, and he added: "Progress is being made but there are huge hurdles to overcome from the media point of view because there has been a lot of mistrust, doubt and scepticism, which is understandable.

"There are also a lot of regulatory issues to overcome and the huge financial hurdles.

"If you look at my duties over the last five days - it seems like a month - they are the three key areas that have been occupying my time. I have never experienced anything like this in my lifetime."

Green plans to put £8.5million into the creditors' pot along with £3.5million owed to the club and any potential transfer fees they receive in the coming weeks, although he hopes to persuade players to stay at Ibrox.

If that deal is rejected by creditors, he will push ahead with attempts to form a new company and buy the club's assets.

Green, who has signed an exclusive deal with Whyte to buy his shareholding for £1, said: "We are here for the long haul regardless of the situation. If someone wanted to turn a fast buck there would be a lot quicker and easier ways of doing it rather than investing in Rangers in its current situation."

Source: PA