SFA chief Stewart Regan demands Mike Ashley talks

SFA boss Stewart Regan has urged Mike Ashley to meet with him to discuss his plans for Rangers.

Clarification: SFA chief executive Stewart Regan. Picture: John Devlin

Regan admitted on Tuesday that the governing body were keeping tabs on the situation at Ibrox, as the club’s AGM was scheduled for December 22.

And the SFA chief added that he was seeking talks with Newcastle owner Ashley after dialogue with his representatives.

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Regan told STV: “We’ve been in regular dialogue with Mike Ashley’s lawyers through MASH Holdings.

“It’s still ongoing at the moment, we are still in dialogue. The next stage is to meet with Mike and his advisers and obviously get some clarification around some of the concerns we have got.”

Regan explained the clause that prevents dual interests in football clubs, adding: “We gave Mike Ashley the ability to have up to 10 per cent shareholding in the club.

“As part of that, there was a commitment there would be no management or influence at Rangers Football Club. Clearly, we want to have a better understanding of his position in that regard.”

Ashley has had two of his allies - former Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias and Sports Direct executive Barry Leach - installed at the club after loaning Rangers £3 million.

Campbell Ogilvie, SFA president, revealed at the start of November that Scottish football’s governing body had written to Ashley demanding information regarding his involvement.

Rangers are not thought to have the money to see them through the new year, with a round of redundanciesalready undertaken.

Regan is keen to establish what exactly is going on at the troubled club.

“Obviously it is concerning for the Scottish game,” he said, adding: “We would all like to see Rangers improve their financial position in order to bring money to the game of football in Scotland.

“Rangers have got a strong economic impact, not just for Glasgow but for Scotland generally.

“I know the fans are desperate to see success again. They are desperate for stability.

“They’ve had a number of years of ups and downs now and I think they are hopeful they will get some certainty and stability in the future.”

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