Tuesday 20 January 2015 14:21, UK
Former Rangers director Paul Murray has called on supporters to join him in his battle to oust the current board at Ibrox.
Murray, who will be part of Dave King's new-look board should he be successful in removing the incumbents via an EGM, is joining two fan-backed initiatives designed to buy a say in the future direction of the club.
I would urge as many of this club’s fans to sign up to either one or both if possible. The fans can play a hugely significant part in forcing change through votes.
Along with former chairman Alastair Johnston, Murray was removed from the oldco Rangers board in May 2011, shortly after Craig Whyte bought the club for £1 from previous owner Sir David Murray.
Murray has been scathing in his criticism of those in charge at Ibrox since and believes, with the fans backing, he can have Rangers 'functioning fully again,' while giving the supporters 'ownership and representation'.
Between them, Rangers First and the Rangers Supporters Trust have around a two per cent stake in the Scottish Championship club.
In a statement, he said: "I have today taken out life membership of both the Rangers Supporters Trust and Rangers First. Whilst I would like to make special mention of the RST, who have supported our cause tirelessly over the last few years, I wish to make it known that I fully support these two groups in their desire to help safeguard the future of our club.
"Along with many of the people who have been working behind the scenes to ensure Rangers can again function fully, both on and off the pitch, I believe the supporters should be able to participate significantly in the club’s rehabilitation.
"Dave King, John Gilligan and I are committed to introducing meaningful fan ownership and representation at the club and that is one of the reasons I have pledged my support to both groups.
"RST and Rangers First have bought not insignificant amounts of shares and must be recognised by those of us who are striving to remove the current directors and begin the process of repairing the considerable damage caused by a constantly changing boardroom.
"The club and not the needs of individuals must be put back to the top of the priority list and the supporters can help us achieve that goal. Rangers First and RST will always have the best interests of their club at heart and they deserve as much support as we can give.
"I would urge as many of this club’s fans to sign up to either one or both if possible. The fans can play a hugely significant part in forcing change through votes.
"They are the most loyal supporters any club could wish for but have been disregarded by a succession of directors in recent years, and I for one recognise their contribution in the struggle to end the disgrace and level of mismanagement within Ibrox.
To ensure Rangers can again function fully, both on and off the pitch, I believe the supporters should be able to participate significantly in the club’s rehabilitation.
"There is now a demand for a General Meeting and our fans can make a difference in that process, which hopefully will bring about the changes necessary. We have seen what happens when directors with no feel, no understanding and no real concern for Rangers are in control.
"In the lead up to the General Meeting the usual suspects will attempt to undermine our cause because they realise their days could be numbered. The truth is that for the first time in years there is a group of people capable of rebuilding and repairing our club and malicious speculation will not deflect us.
"Rangers have to re-engage with Scottish football and take our place again at the top table. We need to be financially stable again and accept our responsibilities to the game in general. Change will come and we can all emerge from a black period in this fantastic club’s history."
And former Rangers striker Nacho Novo has thrown his weight behind the Rangers First movement claiming as many of the Ibrox faithful as possible should join the cause.
'Together'
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Novo, who will be taking part in Fernando Ricksen's Tribute Match at Ibrox this Sunday, said: "I feel with everyone together it should make us stronger. I just want to try and help the club get back to where they have been before.
"For me, these fans are the best. When I have been here they have always given 100 per cent whether good or bad times, and I feel like I support them 110 per cent and that is the way it is going to be... everyone fighting together for this club, the best team in Scotland."
On Sunday's match, Ricksen has distanced himself from reports which suggest former Rangers manager Ally McCoist will now be welcome at the game.
Neither Rangers nor me have banned Ally McCoist from the game. I was shocked to read it in the papers just like everybody else.
In a statement, he said: "Neither Rangers nor me have banned Ally McCoist from the game. I was shocked to read it in the papers just like everybody else.
"Ally McCoist is a great man who has my greatest respect. He is a Rangers legend and all-time goalscorer. He has done amazing things for the club as a player and coach.
"If there are problems between Rangers and Ally McCoist then it's between them. This should be settled between them and not the papers. Neither should the Tribute Game or me be dragged into this... and I really hope to see Ally McCoist there on Sunday."
