Rangers adminsitration: Administrator remains ‘positive’ and praises supporters, business partners and other clubs

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 00:00

ADMINISTRATORS have described the situation at Rangers as “positive” after they took control of the running of the club last week.

Financial firm Duff and Phelps were called in last Tuesday over an unpaid tax bill accrued since Craig Whyte’s takeover of the Scottish champions last May.

They have praised the continued support of fans, business partners and sponsors – as well as the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football Association – as they work towards securing the club’s survival.

David Whitehouse, joint administrator, said in a statement last night: “Overall, I would describe the situation as positive. Everybody recognises the plight that the club is in and have come to the table to help and assist where possible. We have also had very good support from the football authorities and have met with both the SFA and the SPL.

“Generally other clubs are sympathetic. I think clubs realise this is a difficult time for the football industry in general and Rangers isn’t unique in its financial position. They are very supportive of the survival of the club which is critical to Scottish football.”

Rangers attracted their biggest home crowd of the season for last weekend’s game against Kilmarnock at Ibrox – their first match since going into administration.

Whitehouse added: “The Rangers fans have been absolutely tremendous over the last ten days and it’s vital to the administration process that we continue to receive the support we have had thus far.

“The fans are clearly extremely loyal to Rangers and by coming to matches at Ibrox they are directly contributing to the club’s future.

“We are hopeful that we can enhance revenue streams in the coming months through a variety of means and we have been very encouraged by the support of the business partners who have helped in that regard already. The club’s suppliers are also working with us to improve income flows where possible and the sponsors have also been tremendously supportive.

“We are in discussion with them to see if we can enhance the packages that we currently have in place.

“This is obviously a very difficult period for the club but those who come to the fore and support the club will obtain tremendous publicity which is what sponsorship is all about.

“Right now, it is quite simple – income now will help secure the future of Rangers. Our focus is on generating income but there is also a focus on costs and the steps we are taking in terms of the cost base of the club will evolve during the next week.”

Meanwhile, it is understood the SPL are looking into the match delegate’s report in relation to alleged unacceptable conduct by Rangers supporters during that 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock.