Mather in for the long haul

24 April 2013 13:50

Rangers interim chief executive Craig Mather is determined to dispel any doubts fans may have about his appointment, as he revealed he wants the position on a permanent basis.

The 42-year-old - who is a shareholder and has been the club's director of sports development since October - was confirmed as Charles Green's temporary successor in a statement to the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday morning.

Mather acknowledges that some fans may be wary of him following another turbulent period off the field but has vowed to have a positive impact, and he said: "Rangers fans have been outstanding in their support for the club during the most difficult of times and I know they don't know me and may have some doubts. I hope to dispel all of those if that is the case."

Green resigned from the role with immediate effect on Friday, amid allegations by former owner Craig Whyte that he was involved in the Green consortium's acquisition of Rangers last summer.

The Yorkshireman has denied any wrongdoing, while the Rangers board has commissioned an independent investigation into the claims by Whyte, who was in charge when the club went into administration last February.

Mather added: "I know there have been rumours about who is supposed to be connected with whom but I prefer to distance myself from all of that.

"I know what my own hard work has achieved over the years and where it has taken me and I will use of all of my experience and knowledge to help improve Rangers.

"I could not stand here and tell you I have always been a Rangers fan but I can say, with profound honesty, that I have been around football all my life and I have known of Rangers and their huge successes for many years. But then who hasn't?

"I am well aware of what this club means to so many people. I have been working at Rangers for the last year or so and the commitment and passion from the supporters never ceases to amaze me.

"They deserve so much better than they've been getting of late. My job will be to make sure the work is put in to make them even prouder to be Rangers fans."

Source: PA