Source: Team_Talk
Whyte blasts former Gers board
Rangers owner Craig Whyte has blasted the handling of his takeover by former board members and has claimed they left the club "disgracefully".[LNB] Whyte completed a protracted takeover of the Scottish champions on May 6 when he acquired Sir David Murray's 85% shareholding.[LNB]The deal involved wiping out the club's debt of around £20million and pledging £25million over five years to invest in the squad.[LNB]However, just hours after the takeover was completed, Rangers board members released a statement to express doubts over Whyte's cash pledges.[LNB]Former board members Alastair Johnston, who headed the independent board committee to review takeover offers, and Paul Murray both publicly voiced their scepticism - with Murray even launching a rival 'Plan B' which ultimately failed.[LNB]Once the takeover was completed both Johnston and Murray were removed from their positions, however, Whyte believes they should have walked sooner for the benefit of the club.[LNB]"I think it's a pity that some of these guys didn't go gracefully instead of going disgracefully," he told the Scotland on Sunday newspaper.[LNB]"Alastair Johnston had a chance to stand down and refused. And so did Paul Murray.[LNB]"It was unfortunate for them. I really don't know what their problem is. Why didn't they resign?[LNB]"It's what any reasonable person would have done."[LNB]He added: "The statement (immediately after the takeover) didn't help. It was very difficult to work with the people who were behind that statement.[LNB]"It was the most bizarre thing. You couldn't make it up.[LNB]"I don't know, but I hear that some of the previous directors are still sniping away in the background, still trying to cause trouble where they can."[LNB]Whyte also revealed that he did not expect suspended directors Martin Bain and Donald McIntyre to be re-instated, as they await the results of an internal inquiry.[LNB]Asked if there was a chance for them to return, he replied: "No, there's not, no."[LNB]Whyte's immediate concerns have not just focused on internal matters, with Rangers under investigation from the HM Revenue and Customs over a tax issue which relates to offshore payments to players from 2001.[LNB]The new owner has previously stated he is confident of winning the case, however, he warned it may linger over the club for years.[LNB]"The tribunal only starts in November so it will likely be concluded around March-time," he said.[LNB]"Of course, there will probably be a series of appeals after that. This could go on for years yet. If we lose, we appeal and that's another year.[LNB]"If we win, HMRC could appeal, so it's not necessarily going away any time soon. It would be nice if it could go away sooner but it will run for some time yet."