Rangers owner fears clubs toughest times ahead

Published: 05 Feb 2012 - 13:46:53

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Rangers owner fears clubs toughest times ahead

Rangers owner Craig Whyte fears the Scottish champions are set to face the most difficult period in the club's history.

The Glasgow giants are awaiting the verdict of a tax tribunal which could leave them with a bill of as much as £49 million ($77.5 million) should they lose their dispute with HMRC.

Rangers were forced to sell star striker Nikica Jelavic to Everton on transfer deadline day in a bid to bring in some cash and boss Ally McCoist admitted on Friday that, because of their shaky finances, the welfare of the club is more important than results right now.

Speaking in an interview with Scotland on Sunday, Whyte said: "I agree with him (McCoist). This has the potential to be the toughest few weeks in the club's history.

"I wouldn't say crisis is the right word. Not at the moment. But we're certainly in the toughest time in the club's history. The next few weeks. I'd definitely say that much."

Whyte says he has a plan in place if the verdict goes against Rangers but declined to divulge the details.

"I play my cards close to my chest. Ally and I work closely together and if that situation arises he'll be the first to know about it. We're talking about hypotheticals here," Whyte added.

"I'm not nervous at all. There's a plan in place for any eventuality.

"I couldn't go into it. If I publicised it then it would potentially jeopardise what we're working on.

"But, remember, I bought the club with this thing hanging over it. I've been thinking about it since day one. The long-term interest of the club is what I think about every day."