Dave King urges Rangers fans not to boycott away games

Dave King has urged Rangers supporters to reconsider their calls for a boycott of away grounds this season.

Rangers chairman Dave King believes away support will be vital to the club in the new season. Picture: John Devlin

The Ibrox side are preparing to return to the top flight for the first time in four years but many Rangers fans remain bitter over the reaction to their 2012 financial meltdown.

Some have even vowed not to attend opposition stadiums but the club’s chairman claims that may only hurt the club’s title chances.

Now Rangers chairman King wants the supporters to move on from their liquidation crisis and hopes their rivals will do the same.

In the latest of his replies to fan questions, the South Africa-based businessman said: “A number of you have also expressed views on the unwillingness to support other (sometimes specific) SPFL teams by not attending away games.

“I do not feel qualified to speak on behalf of individuals as to how each feels about the treatment that Rangers experienced over the last few years. But what I can state is that the club wants to put the past behind us and I believe that other SPFL clubs feel likewise.

“Sometimes a strong Rangers away support can influence a match in our favour and I hope that those Rangers supporters that can afford to travel to away games will do so and support the team.

“As we know from years gone by every point (and even every goal) can make a difference at the end of a long hard season.”

Meanwhile, King has also promised to update supporters by the weekend on whether they will be able to purchase the club’s new kit.

In May, Rangers stepped up their battle with Mike Ashley when they tore up the intellectual property licence and rights deal signed with Rangers Retail Limited, partly owned by Ashley’s Sports Direct company.

That left the club’s merchandise and retail operations in limbo and supporters are still unable to buy the new Puma-designed strip which will be worn by Mark Warburton’s team this season.

Several of the club’s summer signings have been seen posing with the 1980s-style jersey but King – who has responded to a number of supporter concerns on the club’s website in recent days – aims to clarify the situation in the coming days.

He said: “The only item outstanding thereafter will be the significant one dealing with the club’s retail operations and, in particular, replica kits. I have deliberately left this topic to the end as I want to be in a position to give the very latest update on what has been a rapidly changing landscape. I will do this by the weekend at the latest.”

Click here for the latest results, fixtures and stats>>>