‘Arrogant’ AGM angers Rangers fans

Rangers board members (L-R) James Easdale, David Somers, Derek Llambias and Sandy Easdale. Picture: PA

Chairman David Somers struggled to be heard at times as he became the focus for the anger of shareholders. While Somers was reappointed, he received only 61 per cent backing of those shareholders who voted, compared to 81 per cent for James Easdale, reappointed as director.

New chief executive Derek Llambias, introduced to shareholders for the first time since his appointment, received 90 per cent backing. Perceived as being put in place by Sports Direct retailer and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, Llambias requested a chance to prove himself.

“Not everything I do will be popular, but everything I do will be in the club’s long-term interests,” he said. Often described as Ashley’s right-hand man, Llambias denied that he still has a formal relationship with the Newcastle owner.

Ashley’s influence at Rangers is the subject of a Scottish Football Association hearing next month, with the governing body having charged the Newcastle owner with two breaches of rules about dual involvement in clubs. Llambias is due to hold “informal talks” with the SFA today.

“As for the SFA, due to the charge we are unable to comment on that until after the hearing – we are seeing the SFA tomorrow and hope to have a clearer indication of what they are expecting of us,” Llambias said. Yesterday’s events further raised the prospect of Ashley becoming increasingly involved in Rangers – if permitted.

The Ibrox club’s shareholders voted in favour of a new share issue. Crucially, however, a proposed resolution to “enable the Directors’ authority for the dis-application of pre-emption rights” failed by a 55-45 majority. This mean any non-shareholder looking to invest can only purchase unsold shares. Existing shareholders have first option.

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“The Board is disappointed that Resolution 9 was not passed as it limits its options for future funding,” said a statement released by the club to the London Stock Exchange yesterday, once the agm votes had been collated.

Somers had already issued a chairman’s statement, which he attempted to relay amid barracking yesterday morning at Ibrox at the start of a stormy 90-minute meeting.

He expressed disappointment at legacy issues that have continued to hamper the club’s attempts to return to a sounder financial footing. Somers also pointed to a “lack of appetite” among current shareholders to invest further in the club.

Later, during a rowdy question-and-answer session, he accused South Africa-based businessman Dave King, a former director and potential new investor, of costing the club “millions of pounds” with his calls to boycott season tickets.

Somers also claimed that there is an “anti-Rangers feeling” in Scotland. He blamed the media for constant negative reporting of the club. “In these past 12 months, I have been surprised at a number of things,” he said. “Firstly, the highly negative aspect of most of the media reporting regarding Rangers.

“Secondly, because it is clear to me that a stronger Rangers is good for Scottish football, I have been very disappointed to realise that outside of Ibrox, there sadly still exists a great deal of anti-Rangers feeling, perhaps [although I hope not] even in the football establishment. Even this attempt to unify supporters and shareholders against a perceived common enemy was greeted by jeers.

The hostile atmosphere was intensified due to the events of the previous evening, when a statement confirmed manager Ally McCoist had been placed on gardening leave by the Ibrox club.

McCoist tendered his resignation earlier this month but was willing to honour a 12- month notice period. Llambias attempted to explain the events of the preceding 48 hours.

As recently as Friday, McCoist expressed his desire to remain in charge for the rest of the season at least.

However, the day after leading Rangers to a 2-0 victory over Livingston, an association stretching back four decades with the Ibrox club was over. Kenny McDowall is now in charge of first-team affairs.

“I had a chat with Ally – he felt he had done his time, and he needed to move on,” said Llambias. “He was willing to work his notice. We took time to reflect on the decision and do what is best for the club. We spoke to Ally, we said we would come back for him. It was business as usual because we had a game at the weekend [v Livingston].

“Yesterday Ally came in to prepare for the AGM,” Llambias continued. “He left to deal with a family problem. He came back in the evening to see James [Easdale] and myself. We felt it was for the best to take this opportunity to put Ally on gardening leave and give him time to reflect and spend time at home. We all have to look forward.

“But it was Ally’s choice to leave the club, not ours,” he added. “When someone makes a choice to leave in that position in football we all have to move on.

“We respect what Ally has done and please respect what the club is trying to do now – Kenny will be in place until the end of the season and maybe beyond.”

Malcolm Murray, who was Rangers chairman between 2012 and 2013, later questioned why McCoist was “conveniently” put on gardening leave so soon before an AGM where he was expected to attend, with the inevitable result of further rallying shareholders against the present boardroom incumbents. “As a Scottish mathematician I know coincidences do not happen,” said Murray.

“So disappearing on a Sunday evening before the AGM is a bit bizarre, and pretty distasteful. Coincidences do not happen.”

Murray criticised Somers’ handling of the event. At one stage, after an announcement he would take questions two-at-a-time was met by jeers from many of those in attendance, Somers told shareholders: “When you are chairman of Rangers, you can do it your way.”

“It is the most arrogant display I have ever seen in a third of a century of attending AGMs,” Murray said. “There was complete disregard for shareholders and fans. They say they will operate without fans. We actually ended up knowing less than when we started, which takes a bit of doing.”

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