Rangers: McCoist welcomes Mather’s permanent role

Craig Mather appointed chief executive. Picture: SNS

Mather was awarded the role on an ongoing basis yesterday after being installed as an interim measure in April following Charles Green’s departure.

There were more changes in the boardroom earlier this week with Malcolm Murray and Phil Cartmell ending their terms as directors months after a formal attempt to remove them was launched. Greenock-based businessman James Easdale joined the board at the same time.

Mather yesterday revealed he spoke to the Rangers manager on a daily basis and enjoyed a healthy working relationship, and McCoist is happy to see it continue.

McCoist, quoted on the club’s official website, said: “I’m delighted about it, absolutely delighted, and I’ve phoned Craig to congratulate him

“I’ve said all along that we need to get stability at boardroom level and at the higher levels within the club.

“I believe we’re getting there now, I really do. I certainly hope so because that’s what we’ve been crying out for.

“The last couple of years have been traumatic to say the least for the football club but things are settling down and that helps.”

McCoist, whose side won 1-0 at Bristol City today, added: “I’ve been working with Craig over players and pre-season and him and I are getting on really, really well.

“It’s important we are singing from the same hymn sheet and while we’ve still got a fair way to go, we’re going in the right direction and that’s good for people to see.”

Rangers chairman Walter Smith felt Mather did enough during his interim spell to secure the job permanently.

He said: “Throughout his time at the club, Craig has demonstrated a deep commitment to the club and has a clear vision of how Rangers should be taken forward.

“He has made an extremely valuable contribution to the club as interim chief executive officer and thoroughly deserves the opportunity to lead Rangers as CEO.

“The board wish him every success as we all strive to take Rangers back to the pinnacle of Scottish football.”

Mather invested in Rangers prior to its initial public offering in 2012 and holds 3.1 per cent of the company’s shares in issue.

His other business interests include a sports management firm and a packaging company.

He immediately stated his desire to take on the position of chief executive on a permanent basis following his interim appointment.

In a statement today, Mather said: “It is a great privilege to serve as CEO of Rangers.

“This is a great football club and is recognised as such throughout the UK and internationally.

“I am wholly committed to playing my part in taking the club back to where it belongs - at the top of Scottish football and competing in Europe.

“The playing and non-playing staff at Rangers have shown extraordinary dedication in the face of challenging circumstances in recent years and we are united in our belief that great success can be achieved by the club in future.”