Rangers takeover: Administrators’ 23 April statement in full

RANGERS administrators Duff & Phelps have issued a statement on the current status of the club’s takeover process.

David Whitehouse, joint administrator, said: “We have continued intensive discussions with interested parties over the weekend.

“The Blue Knights and Bill Miller have asked for a further short period of time to finalise their plans for the Club prior to any announcement on a preferred bidder. At this stage neither party has currently made an offer that is capable of acceptance by the administrators and we can only move forward when we have an offer on the table that can be concluded following a period of final due diligence.

“In broad terms, the Blue Knights are trying to resolve issues regarding the structure of their proposed funding partnership with Ticketus as well as conducting further analysis of player contracts.

“The proposed bid from Mr Bill Miller is, as he made clear on Friday, subject to specific conditions.

“Both bidders have raised with us their strong desire to attain greater clarity on potential footballing sanctions the Club may face and these remain issues to be resolved.

“We believe that both bidding parties have the best interests of the Club in mind and, frustrating as though it is for fans, it is better that these complex issues are addressed now rather than later. It is imperative that whichever offer is taken forward can be delivered. For the avoidance of doubt, neither bid involves liquidation.”

Paul Murray, of the Blue Knights, said: “Frustrating though this is for everyone with the interests of the Club at heart, the Blue Knights are supportive of the administration process and we think it is right the administrators are giving parties left in the race the opportunity to finalise their plans.”

Rangers manager Ally McCoist commented: “It has been a frustrating time for everyone associated with the Club but I would ask our fans to stick with us for a few more days as we should have a clearer idea of where we are.

“The administrators are working hard behind the scenes in very difficult and complex circumstances to ensure the future of Rangers Football Club.”

Andy Kerr, president of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, commented: “Our fans are frustrated by the further delay but hopefully the issues can be resolved in the next few days. I’m sure every effort is being made to make progress and it is vitally important that we have clarification soon. It would be helpful if supporters allow Duff and Phelps to get on with their work at this crucial time.”

David Whitehouse added: “Because of what has happened at Rangers, the football authorities too have a difficult task as there are many unprecedented issues to deal with.

“This is a complicated administration due to recent and historical events at Ibrox and while everyone wants to see a solution brought about quickly there is a need to grasp the reality of the situation.

“It is all very well for some parties to talk in terms of delivering a Company Voluntary Arrangement. That is an administrator’s primary objective. However, that can only be delivered successfully if it is agreeable to creditors and it is fair to say that certain bids that have been submitted may not have been approved by creditors. It is deeply regrettable that some parties have continued to present their bid as being a solution when it clearly was not the case.

“In terms of timing, we believe that should an unconditional bid be made that would meet creditors’ approval and a CVA process could begin, the Club could emerge from administration within a period of two months and certainly prior to the commencement of next season.

“If we proceed with an offer that is based on a sale of the business and assets, then we would expect the Football Club share to be transferred within a matter of weeks, with a preference of prior to the end of the current season.

“We fully understand and share the frustration of the fans. However, we cannot ignore the fact that while they wish to see an exit from administration there is a not a bid on the table now that will deliver that.

“Everyone should also bear in mind that if that is not achievable then we have to look at all options to keep the Club going.

“What would be the worst outcome is neither party deciding they wish to carry on. It is therefore not in the Club’s interest for people - failed bidders and concerned supporters - to be generating hostility to bidders who are trying to secure the Club’s future.”