Rangers rebuild ‘could take 5 years’

Paul Murray has admitted it may take another five years for Dave King to rebuild Rangers. Picture: SNS

The Glasgow club have endured three nightmare years since former owner Craig Whyte first plunged them into administration in 2012.

However, fans hope an end to their troubles is now in sight as former Blue Knight Murray backs South African-based businessman King’s attempt to oust the unpopular Ibrox board at a general meeting later this month.

If successful, Murray - an ex-oldco director - will join King and former Tennent’s brewery boss John Gilligan on a new three-man board.

But he warned it will not be a quick fix.

Murray, speaking at a press conference in Glasgow, said: “Our focus has to be on the future and how to move forward. Our plans have short-term, medium-term and long-term priorities.

“But we also have to look at the past and see if there has been any impropriety. We will forensically look at some of the key contracts.

“But the key focus is the future rather than the past.

“The last four years have been chaotic - but we now have a three- to five-year plan to get us back to a level where we are competitive in the Champions League.”

King declared he would like to see Rangers restored to their former “dominant” position, capable of challenging Celtic for the Scottish title.

• Rangers: Dave King steps up campaign to oust board

But former Deutsche Bank executive Murray insists the Glasgow giants must also look to reclaim their position in the corridors of power on the continent.

He said: “In amongst the chaos, Rangers has lost its role not just in Scottish football but in European football.

“At one point, Rangers was a key player in terms of developing and enhancing football at a more strategic level.

“That will take time to rebuild again.

“But phase one is to stabilise the club and its finances and coaching structure, phase two is to rebuild the club and phase three over the longer term is to expand the club.

“But it will take time to do that. What we will need as board members is patience and support.

“What we can offer is total honesty, total transparency and total trust. We need to build this club back up brick by brick.”

Gilligan, meanwhile, admitted he, King and Murray could drag Rangers back to their top by themselves.

“I have no doubt we will be good for the club but I also think it’s really important other people come on to the club,” he said.

“We need marketing, finance, PR and political expertise - we need a multi-skilled board that can address all the issues that the club hasn’t faced for three or four years.

“But not only do we want to do the right thing, we will do the right thing. There is just no question that the club will improve under ourselves and the people we bring on.”

Rangers rebuild ‘could take 5 years’ - Paul Murray