Rangers newco: Yes, no and don’t know - how SPL clubs plan to vote

Aberdeen

Mibbees Ayes, Mibbees no. Reported to have reached a ‘no’ decision yesterday morning, but this was quickly denied by chairman Stewart Milne. The outraged reaction of many of their fans to this perceived timidity likely to convince the board there is only one decision to make.

Celtic

No decision yet from the Scottish champions but, like Aberdeen, might not have an option in terms of the strength of their fans’ feelings. The loss of the veto afforded by their partnership with Rangers thanks to the 11-1 voting structure might have to be the price worth paying. Chief executive Peter Lawwell has also shown little sympathy with Rangers’ plight.

Dundee United

Released a press statement late on Thursday night after consultation with supporters’ groups leaving no-one of any doubt of their intentions to block Rangers’ path back into the SPL. It was a view chairman Stephen Thompson seemed to have begun to adopt in recent weeks.

Hearts

Owed £800,000 from the transfer of Lee Wallace to Rangers and so hardly minded to be generous to the Ibrox club. Owner Vladimir Romanov missed few targets in his statement on Thursday, which lined BSkyB up against the wall with Rangers, who he accused of “destroying” football with “hollow” victories.

Hibernian

Chairman Rod Petrie has already stated, on live television, that sporting integrity has to be the guiding principle when the clubs gather to vote. Has maintained his more customary silence since then, but unlikely his view – or the stance of his club – has changed.

Inverness CT

Chairman Kenny Cameron has reacted bullishly to those who surmise that Inverness could ill-afford the absence of two visits from Rangers to the Caledonian Stadium. Stated that those who predict his club’s stance on the issue must have a “crystal ball”. Apparently still to make a decision.

Kilmarnock

Chairman Michael Johnston has made it clear he is very conscious of the drop in revenue resulting from Rangers’ demotion, and as recently as this week contemplated the difference in ticket sales between a visit of Rangers and one from Dundee on the first day of the season. He estimated it would be a 4,000 drop and therefore has to still be considered a ‘yes’ voter.

Motherwell

Have confirmed they will put the question to their fans, who will be asked to vote on whether the club should support or oppose a newco’s entry to the SPL. All adult ‘Well Society members and the small number of existing minority shareholders who have yet to join the society will be granted a vote. It seem unlikely that the majority will go for anything other than a ‘no’ answer.

Ross County

Chairman Roy MacGregor has planned for the absence of Rangers in the SPL as his own side makes a first appearance in the top tier. Has not nailed his colours to the mast yet but previous comments suggest he is a man for whom sporting integrity counts for a great deal.

St Johnstone

Have balanced the books well for many years now, and would probably be expected to look unfavourably on any special dispensation being given to Rangers. Chairman Steven Brown has, however, been quoted as decribing the loss of the Ibrox club to the top flight as a “disaster”. It seems, therefore that they could still be swayed and must be considered a ‘maybe’.

St Mirrren

Imminent fans’ buy-out of the club has been postponed until after the crucial July 4 vote. But fans power could still sway the current board’s thinking and they released a statement to that effect earlier this week.