Source: Team_Talk
Rangers fans' trust reveal concerns
The Rangers Supporters' Trust has called for a meeting with the club's directors after the Gers were taken off the market.[LNB] Owner Sir David Murray confirmed he was no longer seeking a buyer for the Scottish champions after failing to secure an offer which he believes was in the best interests of the club.[LNB]The RST hope the announcement will provide some stability following months of uncertainty surrounding the Glasgow giants.[LNB]But the fans' group has also expressed concerns about Murray's ongoing involvement with Rangers after revealing plans to sell his controlling stake in the club last year.[LNB]A statement released by RST chair Stephen Smith read: "The Rangers Supporters Trust notes that the Murray Group are 'no longer actively marketing its controlling stake' in Rangers FC and hopes this heralds a period of much-needed stability.[LNB]"However we are concerned that Rangers remains in the hands of a reluctant owner who has not constructively participated in the club's affairs since October 2009.[LNB]"Sir David Murray has on many occasions stated his desire to sell the club but there is still an obvious requirement for a strategic plan to deliver long-term financial stability and ensure the success of the last two seasons is built upon."[LNB]A takeover had appeared imminent last week when a consortium fronted by London-based property developer Andrew Ellis announced to the stock exchange that they were in "advanced negotiations" to buy a controlling interest in Rangers.[LNB]But protracted attempts at a buy-out by the former Northampton Town chairman failed to come to fruition after months of speculation.[LNB]The RST statement continued: "The failure to clinch a deal to sell the club also shows the pressing need to consider innovative and creative models of ownership, underlined both by Coalition Government policy and UEFA's 'Fair Play' initiative.[LNB]"Rangers fans are the third largest support in the UK and the only group providing significant year on year investment in the club.[LNB]"Our loyalty and commitment should be recognised through an entirely new partnership, where enhanced fan involvement and engagement generates significant additional revenue to secure the club's financial position and provide solid foundations for a successful future.[LNB]"We will continue to work with partner fans' organisations to ensure the voices of Rangers supporters are heard in challenging, uncertain times and are seeking a meeting with club directors at the earliest opportunity."[LNB]In a statement released last night, Murray revealed plans to push ahead with a business plan agreed with the club's bankers, Lloyds Banking Group.[LNB]It read: "The board of directors of MIH considers that the interests of stakeholders are presently best served by providing the football management team and board of directors with an opportunity to implement its business plan which is supported by Lloyds Banking Group.[LNB]"In these circumstances, MIH hereby announces that it is no longer actively marketing its controlling stake in the club for sale."
