Andrew Ellis blames Rangers' size for delay in club takeover

ANDREW ELLIS has insisted his proposed takeover of Rangers is taking time to come to fruition only because they are a "massive club" and not because of any problems with the bid.

In a rare public comment, Ellis hit out at Alastair Johnston after the Rangers chairman raised serious doubts over the prospect of him finalising his takeover.

A "sceptical" Johnston claimed he had twice been denied meetings with Ellis since his interest in the club, which has debts of about 30 million, surfaced in March.

The US-based chairman argued that Ellis's period of consideration had gone on "way too long" but the property developer maintains the delay is only natural given the details involved.

Rangers last month confirmed they were facing action from HM Revenue and Customs, with some reports claiming they have been hit with a 24m tax demand.

Responding to Johnston's comments, Ellis said:

"I wasn't very happy when I learned of his comments and I think he is being unfair.

"I don't understand where he is coming from. I've never had a meeting arranged with Alastair Johnston and he has never requested a meeting with me. The club have my number but he has never phoned me.

"If I have offended him then I apologise and I apologise if it is taking longer than normal. It is taking time because there are an awful lot of things to go through. What you have to remember is that Rangers is a massive club. It is an institution.

"But the next time he is back in the United Kingdom then I will be happy to have a meeting with him."

Johnston last night insisted he had tried to set up meetings with Ellis's financial team via officials from majority shareholder Sir David Murray's company, Murray Group. The Ibrox chairman said: "He can say what he wants but I am working for Rangers' community of fans and if Ellis comes through with a bid, I will welcome him with open arms.

"This has gone on way too long without something coming to the table."

Ellis had previously declared his intention to offer Walter Smith a new contract when his takeover was completed but the manager is still unsure over his future.