Steve1872

Ally McCoist: "We have just heard the sad news that Claudio Reyna's son Jack has lost his battle against Cancer." "On behalf of everyone at Rangers I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Claudio and his family at this difficult time." "Losing a child at just 13 is a tragedy and puts football into perspective

Rangers Fans Fighting Fund badges The RFFF badges are now available to buy over the Internet. Buy one and support the Fund which has performed vital work providing a safety net for the club during the administration process. Registered supporters clubs can order badges for their members and be invoiced for them later. Please email FightingFundBadges@hotmail.com for details. UK Badge Sales 1 badge £3.00 GBP 10 badges £22.00 GBP 50 badges £107.00 GBP 100 badges £213.00 GBP Europe Badge Sales 1 badge £3.50 GBP 10 badges £22.70 GBP 50 badges £107.00 GBP 100 badges £217.00 GBP Rest of the World Badge Sales 1 badge £5.70 GBP 10 badges £24.33 GBP 50 badges £113.00 GBP 100 badges £220.00 GBP The cost of these badges includes postage to your location so please be sure and select the correct option, IE UK badges for the UK, Europe badges for Europe and Rest of the World for all other locations. http://rangersfansfightingfund.com/

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AswggnLLyTnHdDVHckFfU1o4TXVGSEhqS2cwbHFsZ3c#gid=0

GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT There will be a second video address to Rangers Football Club PLC shareholders/supporters at approx 10pm tonight with a general update. GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT MORE important the video address contains NOTICe of an a Part 23 Application to the Chancery Division for leave to petition under s994 CA GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT There is a message to shareholders to OBTAIN independent legal advice in their jurisdiction if they wish to support the application GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT There is also information regarding BPH and Mr Celano

Peterhead duo split over decision to allow newco Rangers entry into Division Three Jul 14 2012 By John Docherty & Euan McArthur Peterhead ground Palmoor FOR Ryan Strachan reckons Balmoor Stadium will be bursting at the seams for the historic visit of newco Gers on the opening day of the Third Division season. The former Celtic youngster admits the Ibrox side will be hot favourites to lift the title after being plunged into Scottish football’s basement. But he warned Ally McCoist’s side not to expect it all their own way – because Jim McInally’s Blue Toon are aiming to go all the way. The 21-year-old midfielder said: “The fact that we are down to play Rangers should bring in a big crowd. “Peterhead is a bit of a Rangers stronghold, our ground holds 4000 and I expect it will be full because history will be made. “It gives our own players the chance to see where we stand and see if we can compete with them for the title. “We will be playing a new Rangers and everyone will be waiting to find out what kind of team they have after losing so many star men. “Playing them four times in the league this season will be a tremendous experience. “But we will not be fooled by the fact this will not be the Rangers side of old. They will probably still be favourites to go up. They are full-time, they are Rangers and will still have a good few players who were there last season. “One thing is sure, McCoist will want to get Rangers back into the SPL as quickly as possible and that will mean winning successive championships. “We’re looking forward to playing them. It’s not every day you get the chance to play a team with the great tradition of Rangers. “I don’t think their players have a point to prove. It was not the players who got Rangers into this situation. It was the previous owners. “Rangers have played before under a lot of pressure, so will be ready for the challenge ahead of them. “I’ve played them a few times. My first club was Aberdeen and I was a season and a half at Celtic. “They will still be strong. At the same time, our aim at the start of the season is to get first place and it still is. “Now Rangers are in our league there will probably be less pressure on everyone’s shoulders.” AGAINST Paul Jarvie last night labelled the decision to send Rangers into the Third Division as the “wrong call” – then insisted the other clubs would be playing for the runners-up slot. The Peterhead keeper is now gearing up to face the Ibrox club on the first day of the new season at Balmoor Stadium. But Jarvie said: “It’s all a bit false. I can’t help but see a huge imbalance developing in our league, so in my view it’s the wrong decision. “We were seriously looking to win the league this season but that prospect has now realistically gone. “Now the best-case scenario from our point of view is a play-off position before a ball is even kicked which sends out all the wrong signals. “I feel a bit deflated by it all. We’re looking at a situation like we had a few years ago when Gretna romped their way through the divisions and Rangers look like doing the same. “Okay, they have lost a lot of players and will be much changed from seasons gone by but when it boils down you’d still expect them to win the Third Division.” Jarvie is a Celtic fan but believes the First Division would have been the best way to resolve the long-running saga. He added: “Even as lifelong Celtic fan, I have to say it would have been better putting them in the First. “I know some Celtic fans were wanting them in the Third but I didn’t go along with that thinking. “If they were to go to the First, it would have been a lot harder for them to gain promotion at the first attempt and there would have been a more level playing field.” Jarvie knows new-look Rangers won’t relish visiting Balmoor and reckons they will find it hard to celebrate victories once the season is under way. He added: “Will they actually celebrate winning games in the new season? “How does a club and its supporters go from the highs of Old Firm games and involvement in the European arena to playing in front of a few hundred fans? “We’ll give it our best shot on the opening day but you’d have to say we’re all playing for second spot.”

Berwick director Jimmy Crease: We have a better playing surface than some SPL teams Jul 19 2012 Berwick RANGERS director Jimmy Crease last night blasted remarks about the state of Third Division grounds and insisted his club’s pitch is better than Hampden Park. Crease hit the roof when Queen’s Park stopper Richie Sinclair tore into third tier stadiums in Tuesday’s Record Sport. The Spiders star claimed going to Berwick would be a “culture shock” for Ibrox giants Rangers. But Crease said: “We have one of the best playing surfaces in the country, that includes all SPL teams. “Newcastle, Rangers, Middlesbrough and other big sides have all played here because the playing surface is so good. “It’s even better than Hampden so it’s derogatory to talk like that about parks like this. “All our dressing rooms were refurbished last year and we even have a picture of the showers at Ibrox and they’re practically identical. “There has been a lot of hard work in bringing our dressing rooms up to scratch. This season we have taken on major refurbishments and have taken away part of the board room and made a dining room for hospitality. “I was a wee bit upset about some of the comments. Berwick were mentioned in the piece but our dressing rooms and playing surface are second to none.” Current Berwick boss Ian Little said: “The changing rooms have been done up and are quite exceptional now and the pitch is also up there. The standard is so high and we have done a lot of work on the park. “I’ve seen some terrible grounds but they have improved a lot over the last three or four years.” The newco Rangers’ plans for the new season were battered after their trip to Germany was cancelled but they returned to action against Airdrie at Murray Park on Tuesday. Berwick have seen two games against Hearts and Dunfermline cancelled because of rain with just 16 players to call on for the new start on August 11. Little explained: “I haven’t really thought about facing Rangers too much. I have had a lot of games cancelled pre-season and I still have 16 players signed so I have a lot on my plate. “I’m convinced Rangers will be in the league but this is the first time I have ever seen pre-season games being cancelled. “I am two games behind already and I can’t look at players on trial. We’re due to play Dunfermline on Tuesday and Livingston on Saturday but it’s worrying. We haven’t got enough games to see everyone before the season starts. “The pitch was waterlogged and games were called off so I am behind.” While a long, painful summer for Rangers fans saw what appeared to be a neverending series of arguments and counter arguments over financial mismanagement and “sporting integrity”, Berwick have continued to cut their cloth accordingly to avoid any sleepless nights. Crease said: “We are a club that got a break a few years ago when we drew Celtic in the Scottish Cup and we have built on that. “We have no debts at all, unlike many others and the playing surface is the envy of many. That’s due to the groundsman.” If you had any doubts – just ask champions Celtic who descended on the sleepy Borders town in the Scottish Cup last year. Neil Lennon’s side won 2-0 at Shielfield Park in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup in January 2011 and Crease points out they had no complaints from them. He said: “Livingston are playing us on Saturday and we have everything in place for that. “Celtic were down here for the Scottish Cup. They have been all over the world and played at some fantastic stadiums but they were more than comfortable with the facilities so what you get here is much better than what people think . “People think we don’t have the facilities to cope with this and we were named in this story but we shouldn’t have been. “We have better facilities than what has been made out and we are up there with the best in Scotland.”

Eglin chief Graham Tatters insists newco Rangers in Division Three will be box office gold for broadcasters Jul 19 2012 By Michael Gannon THE revolution will not be televised. Except for viewers in Scotland. The collapse of Rangers has turned Scottish football on its head and while the SPL cling on to their broadcast deal like a life-support machine, suddenly the SFL is alive with opportunity. There will be 4400 fans crammed into Peterhead’s Balmoor Stadium on August 11 as Rangers kick off in the Third Division. The SFL aren’t daft. They know there will be thousands more in Scotland and further afield desperate to watch. This is a revolution everyone will want to see. Forget build it and they will come, stick it on the telly and people will tune in. If Rangers were big box office in the SPL, they certainly will be in the bottom tier. There is always a scramble by broadcasters to find a potential cup giant killing – Rangers in the Third Division will provide that opportunity every week. Elgin chairman Graham Tatters said: “There is a lot of talk at the moment and everyone I have spoken to thinks some one will pick up the rights. “We are talking about something that has never happened before – Rangers in the Third Division. “I have no doubt their supporters will travel all across the country to watch their team. “It will be a bit of an adventure. But the rest of the country will want to see what happens as well. I’m not saying there should be a live game every week. “But who’s to say there should not be the odd live match and a decent highlights package? There would be plenty of interest.” Elgin are already planning to build a new TV gantry at Borough Briggs but not because they are jumping the gun. Tatters said: “It is something we have wanted for a while. Our cameraman Stuart Crowther does a great job in filming all of our games. “He is getting a bit arthritic, so we’ll put a heater in there for him! We’ll put some press seats in there too, as I expect there will be more than usual here.” Tatters reckons having Rangers move through the leagues could revolutionise the game in Scotland. He said: “When Sky show cup ties at lower league grounds, you are talking about getting £80,000.That is serious money to clubs like ourselves who are hand to mouth. “If we got something like that we could employ youth players, get them on skill-seekers programmes and really build the club from the bottom up. “At the moment the bigger clubs get the lion’s share which helps them get bigger. Maybe now there will be more of a spread. “If the plan to put Rangers in the First Division came off, the SPL were going to buy the rights to all Rangers games for £1million. “That deal is now off the table and any deal will be for all 30 SFL clubs – but the majority should go to the Third Division because we are the ones with the added expense.” Logistics aside, the Third Division are set to welcome Rangers with open arms. Tatters said: “I can’t see any negatives for us - apart from the fact we will probably be playing for a play-off place. “I would expect Rangers to be too strong. They still have players like Lee McCulloch, Lee Wallace and Kirk Broadfoot on their books and they have an outstanding Under-19 team.”

Rangers players better prepare for culture shock at some third division grounds, warns Queen's Park stalwart Richie Sinclair Jul 18 2012 By David McCarthy Elgin City ground Borough Briggs SOME of Ally McCoistâ??s youngsters will walk into the dressing rooms of the Third Division over the next few weeks and get the shock of their lives. No longer cocooned in the confines of Murray Park, many of McCoistâ??s kids will have their eyes opened to the raw realities of football when they roll up at the likes of Peterhead, Berwick and Montrose. But Richie Sinclair believes it might just be the making of them. You canâ??t even call Sinclair a journeyman pro because he plays for Queenâ??s Park and doesnâ??t get a penny for his efforts. The 30-year-old makes his living as a plumbing and heating engineer and is currently going through the rigours of pre-season for the 14th year in a row. A Rangers fan, the Queenâ??s Park midfielder admits his feelings of dismay at the turmoil his boyhood heroes are enduring sits uneasily with the delight he feels about the prospect of playing against McCoistâ??s men in the coming campaign. And he believes Rangersâ?? ability to get out of the bottom tier of Scottish football will be determined by how quickly players adapt to their new, primative surroundings. He said: â??Itâ??ll be a real culture shock. Going from the dressing-rooms of Celtic Park and even Dundee United into the Third Division will take a bit of adjusting. â??In some of the changing rooms down here, once the squad is named the subs have to leave to allow the first-team some space to prepare for the game. It can get pretty crammed. The subs are then let back in as the starters are going out the door into the tunnel. â??Itâ??s a tough one for Rangers. Iâ??m led to believe the boys might get massages and stuff like that before games. â??Theyâ??re not going to be able to get that at most of the places because the dressing rooms arenâ??t big enough to fit a table. â??Clubs like Queenâ??s Park and Clyde have good facilities and Elgin have upgraded their changing rooms but itâ??ll be a shock.â? Sinclair refuses to name names because he believes every club in his league does its best to make ends meet, which can often mean the comfort of players coming way down their list of priorities. â??But that will be cold comfort to some Rangers players who will be scrapping for spaces under the odd shower here and there at some of the grounds theyâ??ll visit. He added: â??There are a couple of clubs whose showering facilities are atrocious. â??One club still has the old communal bath. It isnâ??t used for health and safety reasons but itâ??s still there and theyâ??ve stuck five or six showers around it. â??Iâ??ve had a few instances where there hasnâ??t been any hot water but that hasnâ??t happened for a long time. Iâ??m pretty sure the Rangers boys will at least have hot water but thatâ??s not to say it wonâ??t have run out by the time the 16th player has used the showers. â??Theyâ??re coming back to the roots of Scottish football. Thatâ??s the only way I can describe it.â? Sinclair reckons some of the more experienced player who have stayed with Rangers will cope without any worries but believes some of the younger ones might need time to adapt. He said: â??I take my hat off to the likes of McCulloch who is sticking with Rangers through thick and thin. â??Guys like him have come up through the ranks, playing youth football and then been with smaller clubs than Rangers. He knows that not everything is laid on a plate for every player. â??Some of the young guys at Ibrox who will now get their chance have not been wrapped in cotton wool but they have enjoyed the best of training and playing facilities as theyâ??ve come through the Rangers youth system. â??They will no longer be playing on luscious green grass. Come November some of the pitches are like bogs. Games are cancelled and have to played at places like Elgin or Berwick on a Tuesday night. â??Itâ??s hard but itâ??s harder for the rest of the teams whose players are part-time and are having to come from their day-time jobs. But at least we are used to it. â??Itâ??s not going to be all roses for Rangers to come and play in the Third Division. â??The bookies will make them massive favourites to win our league but it will be harder than many people reckon. The assumption will be they will walk through the divisions and be back in the top league in no time, as Gretna did. Iâ??m not saying they wonâ??t do that but theyâ??ll find it hard.â? Sinclair admits he canâ??t wait to face McCoistâ??s men â?? especially when Rangers go to Hampden on December 29. He said: â??Weâ??re the original Old Firm, Queenâ??s Park and Rangers. And now the two Glasgow teams meet again. It has been a while since we met. â??Itâ??s great for me as I look at the tail end of my career. For the youngsters coming through at Queenâ??s, to pitch themselves against players who have played at the very top level will be a great test. â??Even just going to Ibrox and seeing what a fantastic stadium it is, looking at their facilities, can give our boys a sense of where your talent can take you. â??Itâ??s not about financial benefit, itâ??s about seeing how far you can go in your career. Iâ??ve had a look at the calendar and we play them at Hampden on December 29 â?? it will be Glasgowâ??s New Year Derby. â??I am a Queenâ??s man but as a Rangers fan Iâ??m saddened that it has come to this. â??But getting the chance to play against the team I grew up supporting is a dream. Iâ??m not going to lie to you. â??Itâ??s exciting for me but from a fanâ??s point of view, itâ??s terrible that this has happened to Rangers. â??But more than that, we keep reading other clubs will go into administration and you really do wonder what the future holds for the game. â??We need some sort of stability and if that means Rangers going down to the Third Division to put Scottish football on some kind of even ground then maybe the game can start moving forward again.â? http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/sfl/2012/07/18/rangers-players-better-prepare-for-culture-shock-at-some-third-division-grounds-warns-queen-s-park-stalwart-richie-sinclair-86908-23909670/

Rangers will be in the draw for the first round of the Scottish Communities League Cup when it is made on Friday. The Third Division side will be unseeded as they enter the competition. 29 teams from the Scottish Football Leagueâ??s three divisions will be joined in the draw by SPL club Dundee. Rangersâ?? participation is dependent on the Scottish Football Association granting Charles Greenâ??s newco the necessary membership to play football. Alex Salmond will conduct the draw, which will take place at Stenhousemuir's Ochilview Park at 12.30pm on Friday. First round games are currently scheduled to be played on Saturday, August 4. The seven Scottish Premier League clubs not participating in European competition this season will enter at the second round stage. Celtic, Dundee United, Hearts, Motherwell and St Johnstone join in the third round. The League Cup trophy has returned to Ibrox a record 27 times since the competitionâ??s formation in the 1946/47 season. Celtic have won on 14 occasions, followed by Aberdeen (five), Hearts (four), Hibernian, Dundee, East Fife (three) and six other winners. Kilmarnock are the current holders, having won the tournament for the first time in their history when they defeated Celtic 1-0 at Hampden in March this year http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/rangers/111560-rangers-unseeded-in-fridays-scottish-communities-league-cup-draw/

off RM De Laurentiis to invest in Rangers? 17/07/2012 19:15 to Naples Magazine Source: Parliamocidicalcio Objective: Invest in Scotland, briefing in place. Mission: To return a big club to its former glory. Location: Scotland. Objective: Rangers Football Club The Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, is considering the idea of buying a club abroad. The choice of the filmmaker is on the historic Scottish club of Glasgow Rangers, Scotland, holder of 54 titles, 33 Scottish Cups, 27 Scottish League Cups and one Cup Winners' Cup, making them the team with the most titles in the world. However, there have recently been financial woes that led to bankruptcy and winding up on June 14, 2012. After the company was forced to start from the fourth division, there has been a mourning from the whole football world on the importance of the club. De Laurentiis has indicated his intention to export the Napoli model abroad and is considering the transaction costs. The idea is to renew and follow the experience with the Rangers, recorded by a court to the tune of 25 million euros, and return the Rangers to the top flight in a few years. Not only is it the the same project and the same aspiration, but there is also another point of contact with the past: Edy Reja, the man who dragged the Napoli from Serie C to Europe, is interested. Can he implement and succeed with this in the land of kilts, bagpipes and sea monsters? http://www.napolimagazine.com.cn/?action=read&idnotizia=134420

Walter Smith reveals blueprint WALTER SMITH last night revealed the blueprint he felt would have saved Rangers and secured a prosperous long-term future. Earlier this month Smith fronted a consortium that wanted to buy the troubled club to save it from more potential damage. The former Ibrox boss teamed up with wealthy Scottish businessmen Jim McColl and Douglas Park but they were told the asking price was £20million. Negotiations with English-based company Zeus Capital then came to an abrupt halt. That has left Charles Green – whose own consortium paid just £5.5m for the club’s assets – in control of Rangers but the future looks bleak. Big-name players have quit and supporters are refusing to buy season tickets. The sorry situation has left Smith frustrated as he believes all of this would have been avoided if the current owners had sold to his consortium. Smith, McColl and Park have now walked away from any future dealings and have no intentions of getting involved in further discussions with Green’s people. Walter said: “We were really disappointed. Although the bid was late coming in, we were led to believe there was an opportunity for us to take over. “When I was approached by Douglas and Jim to go into it I was delighted to do so because I felt – and still do – that having the two of them effectively owning the club would have been the best thing for the future of Rangers. “Despite their attempt, we didn’t manage to get it. Right from the start, Jim and Douglas were perfectly clear what their intentions were. We were going to make the bid and hopefully take over. “It wasn’t going to be a situation where there would be a massive influx of cash. The club was going to have to settle down and get two years over with. They were going to be really hard years. “The beauty of what they were trying to do was that they were prepared to buy the club, to put themselves out and to put a proper structure in place. “And they weren’t looking for anything in return. That is the big difference between them and other people that have been involved. “They were prepared to help with the running of the club over the next few years, which was going to be important, but every penny that would come in from season tickets and all other areas would go directly into the club. “There was no money going to be taken out at any time. “When we talked about it, the three of us were quite clear that there was never going to be any protracted negotiations in the takeover. “We’d make the bid that we felt was right for the club, the right amount of money for everybody involved, and we would get on with it. “I was disappointed these two people didn’t manage to gain control of the club and I still think both of them represent by far the best option for the future. “Despite a bit of criticism for the lateness of the bid, I can assure you there was plenty ground work done prior to and during the few days that we made the decision to withdraw. “Right at the very start of this, we decided we didn’t want long-winded or protracted aspects to anything. “They were disappointed but I stress to everybody that both Jim and Douglas deserve credit for the attempt and for the fact that it wasn’t financial. “It was to make sure Rangers Football Club get back to where people would associate Rangers being. “We were perfectly clear in what we were doing and what was going to happen. “The main thing is the disappointment that the club itself is not going to benefit from the knowledge of two of Scotland’s better businessmen. Rangers needed them. But that is now it over.” Several other parties also asked Smith to back their moves to buy Rangers. He refused to go public with any of them but it was different with McColl and Park. He felt they were right. They decided tough decisions had to be made, including slashing the first-team wage bill to £5m per year for the next two seasons. That would have meant reducing it by two-thirds but they were keen to clear the decks and make sure the club never again entered administration. Smith’s group would have told the fans of their plans. Transparency was of paramount importance to them. But at this stage, unfortunately, too many key questions remain unanswered from Green and his men. Smith said: “What we were going to do was put in a management team. I wouldn’t have been the chairman, I wouldn’t have been taking any money. I’ve made a good living already out of Rangers. “It would’ve been a management team turnover in terms of hopefully a few years. Then we would have gone and looked for investment. Jim and Douglas could have stayed in or withdrawn.” More drama and potential heartache now await Rangers. SPL clubs are certain to block the newco’s application this week and Gers will be forced to sweat it out to see if they can get into the First Division. Rangers may have to start again in the Third Division and that strikes fear into Smith’s heart, not only for the club he loves but the Scottish game as a whole. He stressed: “We’re now looking at no Old Firm games. That’s a drastic circumstance for Scottish football. People have to say that, whether they like it or don’t like it, the Old Firm are a major part of Scottish football. “I know that a lot of the time from other clubs there’s a resentment of that. “I don’t think Rangers would want different treatment from anybody else. But the whole circumstance has been badly handled. “Ten years ago we had an administration aspect at Motherwell then we had a liquidation at Gretna. “So any sanctions that they were going to take against any club should’ve been put in place at that time. “That aspect has been negligent from the SFA – that nothing was put in place. So what we have now is something of a free-for-all with Rangers. “A lot of the stuff that is coming out wouldn’t have happened if there had been proper statutes in place. “Everyone is going to start to have a fear now about the very future of Scottish football. “Everyone can posture, it might be good to have a wee kick at Rangers at the moment. “However, the bottom line is that if Rangers go to the Third Division – or even the First Division and are not competitive – then it’s going to affect the whole of Scottish football in a drastic way.”

Prices agreed for Ramsdens Cup tie are Adult £16 and Concession £8 for both home and away fans. Rangers tickets will be available from Ibrox from Monday, Brechin City tickets will be on sale at Glebe Park from Monday evening. Brechin City season tickets will apply for this fixture. Further details to follow. Saturday 28th July with a 3.00 pm kick off

Royalists’ glamour game hangs in balance Published on Wednesday 18 July 2012 16:24 DOUBTS surround Saturday’s proposed pre-season friendly between Hawick Royal Albert and Rangers. Talks between the troubled Glasgow club and the Scottish Foorball Association are continuing with a view to Ally McCoist’s men obtaining a licence to play. And without the licence the weekend’s glamour match at Albert Park can’t go ahead. Although Albert officials remain confident it will be played, those at Ibrox are more pessimistic although they have stressed, if cancelled, the game would be rearranged for a later date.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18893159 mather interview here half way down page

The most recent man to buy into Rangers newco has told BBC Scotland that his investment is an emotional one. Nottingham-based Craig Mather has bought 10% of the Ibrox club for around £1m and will now assist in the club's youth development at Murray Park. Mather owns a sports management company and is investing with his business partner Guy Gisbourne. "It's the first emotional investment I've made. It's long-term - who knows what's around the corner," said Mather. Mather, who also owns a packaging company based in Nottingham, confirmed to BBC Scotland that his investment in Charles Green's consortium is about £1m, and he has attended Old Firm matches in the past. "I met Charles Green a while ago and we have a few common contacts," said Mather. "He put the idea to me, and I've always been a lover of football. "I've been to a number of the Old Firm clashes and I remember going there as a younger boy and having goosebumps listening to the roar, and I couldn't imagine that it would never happen again. "That was how it started. I had various meeting with Charles and the team and had a look at the facilities at Murray Park - and it went from there." Green has come under pressure in recent weeks to name the backers behind his Sevco consortium, and the Scottish Football Association has requested additional information about the people behind the newco's finances in order to satisfy its 'fit and proper person' test. Mather insists his role at the new club will not be in the day to day running of the business affairs, but will focus on the club's Murray Park training facility and bringing through youth players. Use accessible player and disable flyout menus"I also have a business which is a sport-based company, based on youth development, Simply Sport Management which is purely youth-based talent development," explained Mather. "My forte and future role with Rangers will be based on youth development side. So, spending more time at Murray Park rather than the Ibrox side of the business. "From discussions we've had to date, there is an intent for me to have a seat on the footballing board, looking at that side of things. I'll be working with the staff there. Continue reading the main story â??Malcolm Murray and I nipped round to the Loudon Tavern, met a few locals and had a drink with them - the reception was quite positiveâ? Craig Mather Rangers newco investor "When you look at the youth football, there are some amazing talent already up there - my main concern is that we don't want to blood them too early and damage their future careers. The facilities are first class - it is up there with the best of them." With Rangers newco involved in discussions to decide what sanctions, if any, are levied against the club, Mather is keen to build a positive relationship with fans and press forward with the football element of the club - even going as far as meeting a group of fans in a local Govan pub to discuss the way forward. "We're hoping Rangers fans will buy season tickets, will want to see Rangers play football," said Mather. "And we are very much willing and able to cut the cloth accordingly depending on what we need to achieve. "Malcolm Murray (chairman) and I nipped round to the Loudon Tavern, met a few locals and had a drink with them - the reception was quite positive. "I don't think it's everyone out there who is sceptical and negative - the tide is turning - there's much more positivity towards this. People just want to see their team playing football, as I do. "I can't believe Rangers would fail to exist - it's beyond my brain capacity. "We have to go back to basics, go back to what we're good at as a team and do the job."

It is also understood Sky Sports News are interested in filming the game and showing highlights, with Kelty having to construct a camera gantry to accommodate their request

Fife junior side Kelty Hearts are set to take on Ally McCoist's new-look Rangers in one of the fallen Glasgow giants' first pre-season fixtures. The Central Park side, who finished fifth in the East Super League last season, have been lined up to face the Ibrox club next Wednesday to mark Kelty stalwart Stefan Winiarski's decade of service to the west Fife outfit. While the Rangers stars may have been used to going to grounds like Celtic Park in the past, Winiarski's testimonial will be played at the 3,000-capacity Central Park in a game that is sure to give the demoted Gers a taste of things to come. Such is expected to be the interest in the fixture, Kelty have had to make the match all-ticket on police advice. Club treasurer George Mctrusty said the game had been organised some time ago but had taken on added significance in the past week or so. ''It looks like it will be the new Rangers' first game so needless to say everybody and their granny is wanting tickets,'' he said. ''We thought it might just have been a young team they sent but now it looks like it could be quite a strong team they are going to put out. They won't have many games before they start the season for real so it should be a great game for us and the supporters. ''It'll be a night to remember for Stefan, who's a local lad and deserves it.'' It is also understood Sky Sports News are interested in filming the game and showing highlights, with Kelty having to construct a camera gantry to accommodate their request. The Hearts, who were formed in 1975 and turned junior five years later, play their home games at Central Park, which so far has had a highest attendance of 2,450 for a Scottish Junior Cup quarter- final against Montrose Roselea in 1999. Winiarski, who was born and bred in Kelty, was capped for Scotland under-14s and signed for St Johnstone at 16 before being loaned to his hometown club. He went on to have spells with East Fife, Montrose and Hill of Beath throughout his career but has returned to Kelty a number of times, with his proudest moment in the maroon of Kelty Hearts coming in 2003 when they lifted the Fife League title. Now the 34-year-old is preparing to pit his wits against players who were regularly playing SPL football last season but have found themselves facing games in the lowest tier of the senior setup this term. Charles Green's newco Rangers may have been accepted into Division Three last week but uncertainty still surrounds the club's future as SFA still need to agree on sanctions imposed on Rangers before they can take their place in the league. Nevertheless, both parties are optimistic a consensus can be reached. The SFA said: ''We aim to meet with the club this week with the intention of achieving a satisfactory outcome for all parties so that we can focus on football in time for the new campaign.'' If the game does go ahead, tickets can be bought in person from The Lyndsey Tavern in Kelty and from the Kelty Hearts Social Club which is open Friday to Sunday this week. Winiarski and Kelty have decided to donate a percentage of the gate money from next week's testimonial to the Rangers Fans Fighting Fund. http://www.thecourier.co.uk/Sport/Football/article/23959/kelty-hearts-to-be-among-the-first-to-face-newco-rangers.html

John Brown has urged Charles Green to show the Ibrox and Murray Park ownership documents to his Rangers for Change group's lawyer. Former Rangers defender John Brown has urged Charles Green to show the Ibrox and Murray Park ownership documents to his Rangers for Change group's lawyer if he wants to move on from the issue. Green, whose Sevco Scotland company bought the assets of Rangers for £5.5million last month, on Tuesday called for an end to the "distraction" and pointed out he had shown some documents to others. But Brown, who is attempting to put together a takeover consortium, is not satisfied with those assurances and wants his Rangers for Change legal representative to view the title deeds. Sevco have still to assume Rangers' membership of the Scottish Football Association amid talks over the identity and propriety of their investors and directors, as well as possible sanctions that the club might have to accept. Brown said: "Our lawyer knows what he is looking for. Why has he not been allowed to see them? "I have left about 18 messages with Malcolm Murray and Charles Green without a reply. "We have chased them and chased them and they have refused to let our lawyer see the documents. "At the Rangers Fans Fighting Fund meeting two weeks ago Charles Green promised on the way out that he would show the documents to our legal representative on behalf of the fans if we signed a confidentiality agreement. Why has he not shown us them?" Brown and Donald Findlay QC were due to meet Ibrox chairman Malcolm Murray on July 2, but Murray called off the meeting. Sevco have shown documents to members of the RFFF, which was set up in conjunction with the club to help Rangers through the administration period. "Andrew McCormick and Billy Montgomery have seen it after signing confidentiality agreements and say everything is in order," said Brown, who has enlisted the support of former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson in his bid to launch a fans' takeover. "Andrew is an accountant, and he's my accountant, and Billy is a fan. They are honest guys and Rangers fans through and through but they are not lawyers. "They are not qualified to go through it with a fine-tooth comb. "When I buy a house I get a lawyer to check the documents to make sure everything is in order, not an accountant." Speaking on Tuesday, Green said: "We still have these rumbling issues with John Brown. "We took the proof of title for Murray Park and Ibrox that showed Sevco owned them - and that Craig Whyte was not an investor. "These things are distractions and we need to end them so we can move on." A spokesperson for Rangers declined to comment on Wednesday

a new adventure begins

The consortium in charge of the new Rangers is threatening legal action against the administrator who sold them the old club's assets. Sevco Ltd claims that Duff and Phelps renaged on a deal to pay back around £500,000 put up by the consortium to help fund working capital when it agreed to buy the club back in June. But Duff and Phelps has denied that the money should already be paid back. They say they have a legally binding agreement which they have adhered to. The Sevco consortium led by former Sheffield United chief executive Charles Green bought Rangers assets for £5.5m after failing to prevent the club heading for liquidation. Rangers crisis explained �Rangers went into administration owing up to £134m to unsecured creditors and will eventually be liquidated �As a result its registrations with the Scottish FA and Scottish Premier League were terminated �Charles Green led a consortium which bought Rangers' assets for £5.5m �The former Sheffield United chief executive is reforming Rangers as a new company �But the 'newco' did not get the required votes for re-admittance to the SPL �Instead, the new Rangers will start life in Division Three Sevco were denied a place in the Scottish Premier League and the fresh dispute comes in the middle of negotiations with the Scottish Football Association for a membership that would allow the new club to start life in Division Three. A consortium source told BBC Scotland that an agreement was in place whereby it provided the £500,000 to the administrator with the promise of most of it being returned by mid-June. But the consortium has yet to see any of the cash and says it is still awaiting an explanation from Duff and Phelps despite numerous calls and emails. "Shortly before the takeover, Duff and Phelps asked us to make an additional payment of £500,000 to pay for operating costs from 1 June to 14 June," said the consortium source. "This was on top of the original £250,000 and £5.5m. "D&P said they expected to spend only around half of the money, that they'd give a breakdown of all that was spent and that the remainder would be returned a couple of days after the 14 June. "All we have is an indication that most of the money has been spent, with no breakdown." Duff and Phelps, who remain in charge of the old Rangers until it goes into liquidation, refuted the allegations. "It was made clear to the consortium that the balance of running costs from the end of May to June the 14th would be repaid at the earliest opportunity," the adminstrator stated. "These costs and liabilities are being finalised before the balance is being returned. "This is happening within a perfectly normal time frame and there is absolutely nothing untoward here. "There will be full transparancy on all the costs." http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18881004?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT CAN I thank from the bottom of my heart the 227 people that have emailed me to help re the research I will answer each tomorrow. Info GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT coming in from all quarters of the globe and its vital info it traces what has gone on..I will update all tomorrow. We will have a skype GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT conference over the weekend or sooner anyone that has emailed me does not have skype would be useful to have. Mine is devils_advokat GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT have no problems with transparency and hope others will follow we must get out of the habit of hiding our identity lest we become automotons

GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT I am contemplating building a team if researches sifting through documents and info coming in anyone genuinely interested contact me pls GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT It's just preliminary thought but there is over 50 million involved and two centuries of history I don't want to sound like GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT Simon Weisenthal but his way of working paid off and so i think it may be solution all volonteers and let me clarify neither Do I seek or GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT Would accept a farthing from anyone in fact would find it offensive but a good research team may prove useful GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT anyone interested in joining small research team on Rangers investigation email me their details pls g.distefano1955@virgilio.it

GIOVANNI DI STEFANO‏@DEVILSADVOKAT More information has now been passed to me by what I will call a "whistleblower" and the D&P files now locked under strong room security But some vital info has been given to me before the RFC PLC files sealed... Thank you to the anon whistleblower I will update tomorrow

Three members of Sevco - Malcolm Murray, Imran Ahmed and Brian Stockbridge - met SFA officials this afternoon while chief executive Charles Green set off for meetings with UEFA in a bid to ease the burden of demands to repay about £3million of football debts. Sevco are looking to persuade the SFA to shelve a transfer ban but they were also asked to provide more details on the identity and propriety of their investors and directors. The SFA received an information pack from Sevco on June 29, seven days after the company submitted a letter of application to take the place of Rangers after buying the stricken club's assets for £5.5million. But they are still looking for answers. The SFA banned Rangers owner Craig Whyte from Scottish football for life after he was ruled unfit to hold an official role in the game and subsequently changed their approach to the matter. In a question and answer session posted on their website, the SFA tackled the issue surrounding the fit and proper person report for the new owners and the identity of the main investors and directors. The governing body said: "The Scottish FA has received private and confidential documentation from Sevco Scotland Ltd relating to the above. "We have asked Sevco to provide further supplementary information and will consider that information this week. "Under new Scottish FA rules, it is a requirement of the outgoing club directors to conduct a full investigation under the fit and proper guidelines. "Given Rangers FC's insolvency event, it has been incumbent on the administrators, Duff and Phelps, to carry out the necessary checks on the proposed new directors, as well as our own investigations. "Charles Green, chief executive of the Rangers newco, will not attend the meeting as he has set off to meet UEFA officials in an attempt to agree a repayment settlement for the old club's football debts of about £3million." Green might have to accept the 12-month transfer ban handed to Rangers before they were consigned to liquidation. Rangers successfully challenged the sanction in court, arguing it was not open to the SFA, but reconvening the independent appeal panel could spark more severe punishment including suspension or termination of membership. The registration embargo and £160,000 fine were handed down for a range of offences, mainly the club's failure to pay tax under Whyte. The governing body said on Tuesday: "Now that the Scottish Football League have made a conditional acceptance of Rangers FC in Irn-Bru Division Three we will now consider the club's application for membership transfer this week. "The Scottish FA has been in dialogue with Rangers FC in respect of the outstanding disciplinary sanction. "The decision of the Court of Session to set aside the 12-month registration embargo was complicated by Rangers FC's administration and subsequent request from Sevco Scotland for a transfer of membership of the Scottish FA. "Again, now that the club's status has been confirmed by the SPL and SFL, we will consider the award of transfer once Rangers FC satisfy the necessary criteria." The association also highlighted the relevant article, which reads: "Transfer of membership will be reviewed by the board, which will have the complete discretion to reject or to grant such application on such terms and conditions as the board may think fit." With Dorin Goian, Carlos Bocanegra and Maurice Edu set to follow the likes of Steven Naismith and Steven Davis out of Ibrox after the club was consigned to the Third Division, Green has argued that a transfer embargo is not feasible given manager Ally McCoist had previously lost a full team of players. And the former Sheffield United chief executive will seek a deal over repayment of transfer fees and other debts owed to clubs by the soon-to-be-liquidated Rangers. Green told Sky Sports News: "Part of the conditions for the newco to meet to satisfy SFA membership is that there are certain old club debts to European clubs. "It is not inconsiderable, it is about £3million that has been accumulated as part of the historical baggage. "We don't want them to be waived, we don't expect them to be waived and part of me says why should a club waive its debts when it's done its thing honourably. "Equally I think I would like the clubs and UEFA to recognise these are not my debts, this is a gesture and for them to work with us where we can come to some amicably agreeable settlement and move forward together as friends." http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/165/7906105/rangers-sfa-talks-to-continue

Gary Hynds‏@GaryHynds Stewart Regan has personally intervened to announce that Rangers actually lost 5-2 tonight