Rangers fans group want to be heard

19 November 2010 09:00

The Rangers Supporters Trust want a productive relationship with the club's new owner if Scottish businessman Craig Whyte succeeds with his takeover bid.

The 39-year-old is in talks with Murray International Holdings and, although discussions are at an early stage and a formal offer has yet to be made, a deal could be concluded by Christmas. It is understood the club's debt of around £27million would be wiped out and £25million could be made available over five years for new players if Whyte succeeds in buying Sir David Murray's shareholding.

RST chairman Stephen Smith said: "We will want to look at how the Whyte consortium sees the involvement of the Rangers support in taking the club forward. We are very interested in that and we are optimistic in engaging in a dialogue with him about the issues and concerns we have."

He added: "As a lifelong Rangers fan he will be aware, I'm sure, of what most of them are.

"We hope that whoever is the major shareholder of the club would understand the value and the sense, particularly in this economic climate, of working closely with the support and making sure the 'Rangers family' operates as effectively and efficiently as it possibly can."

Smith has no concerns about the involvement of property-developer Andrew Ellis, who was previously part of a buy-out bid which fell through earlier this year.

Ellis is working in partnership with Whyte and would have a 25% stake if the takeover goes ahead.

"If Andrew Ellis wants to invest in this, we won't prejudge that," said Smith.

"We will wait and see exactly what it looks like when all the details come out.

"We would be quite happy to speak to him or Craig Whyte about a constructive and progressive partnership in the best interests of Rangers because that's all we're interested in."

Source: PA