Green ‘vindicated’ as probe finds no Whyte links

FORMER Rangers chief executive Charles Green believes he has been vindicated by the outcome of an independent inquiry which found no evidence that ex-owner Craig Whyte invested in the current Ibrox set-up.

Charles Green denied he had ever been a 'frontman' for Whyte. Picture: SNS

The probe was commissioned by the Rangers board after Whyte alleged he was involved in the Green-led consortium’s purchase of the club’s business and assets after liquidation was confirmed last summer.

The allegations were accompanied by taped recordings of conversations between Whyte, Green and the now former commercial director Imran Ahmad.

Green denied he had ever been a “frontman” for Whyte – who received a life ban from the Scottish Football Association over his running of Rangers – and claimed he and Ahmad had told Whyte what he wanted to hear because they needed his co-operation to acquire shares if the club had secured a Company Voluntary Arrangement.

Green’s version of events appeared to be backed by the findings of the inquiry, which was carried out by law firm Pinsent Masons and overseen by Roy Martin QC. Asked if he felt vindicated, Green said: “I’ve always said that what went on, we did to get the club secure. I’ve always said Craig Whyte was not involved.

“We might be fighting Craig Whyte for the next ten years. It’s just mind-blowing. But the reality is that Rangers are secure and are moving forward.

“I’ve nothing to be guilty of. What I did over the period of 12 months at Rangers was something I’m proud of.

“I left because the club needed to move forward.

“There were constant, daily items of press and media about Craig Whyte. Rangers were never going to be able to move forward until that was gone.

“As we’ve seen from this report, everyone now is clear, apart from one man, who is completely delusional.

“It’s just something that has to be brought to an end otherwise this club and the fans and the institution that it is are going to be hampered fighting spurious claims for the next God knows how long.

“It’s not right.”

Green resigned as chief executive in April as a result of the “negative publicity” but strenuously denied any wrongdoing at the time.

He said today: “I’m just disappointed I couldn’t have stayed to finish what I started.

“I had some great plans for the club and they’re all now in ashes.”

He added: “I’m never finished with Rangers – I got addicted. It does get hold of you. I’m a one-club man.”

Green backed the appointment of former boss Walter Smith as the club’s non-executive chairman.

He said: “Walter’s announcement yesterday is a fantastic thing.

“I got Walter to join the board before I left. I’d asked him twice beforehand.

“He is now where I believe is his rightful place as the statesman of the club.

“Walter is not the businessman to run it, that’s a different job, but that’s what Rangers are needing is safe hands.

“I think it’s great the club are moving forward. It’s not about me, it’s not about Charles Green, it’s about Rangers.”

Smith, who replaced Malcolm Murray at the helm, admits he was surprised by his new role at Rangers.

He told Sky Sports News: “I’m looking forward to the challenge. It simply wasn’t one I was expecting and it wasn’t one I was looking for.

“When it comes around, it’s always an honour to represent the club in any way, shape or form.

“To be the chairman is something I never expected to happen. I look forward to it now.”