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NEW Rangers director of football Gordon Smith believes much of the flak he copped during his stormy spell as the head of the SFA was purely down to his background as an Ibrox player and fan. Smith, preparing to start his new job under Rangers owner Craig Whyte later this week, became a Gers supporter as a youth after initially following Kilmarnock and spent two spells on the books at the Light Blues. And he still believes those connections with the Govan outfit made him the target of strong anti-Rangers sentiment within the game during his three years as chief executive at Hampden between 2007 and 2010. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?There was a lot of people not happy about me getting the job. ââ?¬Å?People who are not Rangers fans tend to be anti-Rangers. ââ?¬Å?I was an ex-Rangers player and I got a lot of animosity because of that and I know that. ââ?¬Å?People turned on me because of my background. A lot of people wanted me to fail.ââ?¬Â Ã?¬ I used to have meetings with the Trust at the SFA because I felt the fans should have a say Ã?® Gordon Smith Smith gave a recent interview to the Rangers Supporters Trustââ?¬â?¢s internet TV channel before tying up his surprise return to Ibrox and details his belief that fans should be listened to when directors are developing club policy. That will offer great heart to those Light Blues followers who want to set up a stronger line of communication with the new men on the board following difficult spells with former owner Sir David Murray. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?I think it is very important to try to build harmony. ââ?¬Å?I used to have meetings with the Trust at the SFA because I felt the fans should have a say. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s not necessarily in terms of running the club or picking the team, but fansââ?¬â?¢ opinions should be taken on board in terms of putting policy in place. ââ?¬Å?I am in favour of the Trusts having a say in the clubs.ââ?¬Â Smith was at the SFA when current Rangers keeper Allan McGregor was banned from international duty along with Barry Ferguson for bad behaviour and appointed George Burley as national coach while also lining up hugely- profitable broadcasting deals and changing eligibility rules for the national team. Many will regard his time at the SFA as unsuccessful as he failed to bring in the desired administrative and disciplinary changes now being put into place by current chief executive Stewart Regan. But Smith insists he always had strong views on taking the game forward and those will be put to the test at Rangers in a role that will see him run the rule over the production line of young talent at Murray Park as well as offer help to new boss Ally McCoist regarding contract talks and scouting. Reflecting on his SFA stint, he said: ââ?¬Å?I actually thought I would have more powers. I have my ideas on how the game should be played and how to develop players through all the different levels. ââ?¬Å?If you cannot make the changes and cannot do these things, relying on going to a board or needing votes from a committee, it is frustrating.ââ?¬Â Whyte has made it clear he will defend the club when he sees fit even though he is determined to rid Rangers of sectarianism among the support. Smith has also insisted he was quick to speak out on that particular issue during his time as a radio pundit with BBC Scotland and an Express Sport columnist. He said: ââ?¬Å?There were a lot of complaints to the BBC with people phoning in when I used to talk about Celtic with regard to sectarian singing. They would say that it had nothing to do with Celtic and that it is only Rangers. No, it is across the board. ââ?¬Å?I made it very clear that I felt it was unfair to base it all on Rangers being the problem and that is nothing to do with me being an ex-Rangers player.ââ?¬Â Aberdeen boss Craig Brown works with Willie Miller as his director of football at Pittodrie and reckons Smith and McCoist should operate well together. Brown said: ââ?¬Å?The appointment at Rangers sounds a very good one and I think Gordon would be ideal in that role. I am sure Ally McCoist and Gordon will be friendly and that is a perfect scenario. ââ?¬Å?I think it is a good job to have in most clubs. He handles all the agents who are phoning and intercepts them before they get to the manager. ââ?¬Å?You wouldnââ?¬â?¢t believe the calls and texts I get from agents. It is a full-time job at this time of the season. ââ?¬Å?At Aberdeen, Willie is in charge of recruitment, heââ?¬â?¢s in charge of the youth set-up and Willie will provide any information I request about scouting because he co-ordinates all that. ââ?¬Å?He has never, at any time, presumed to pick the first team or advise unless asked and I think he does the job brilliantly.ââ?¬Â Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/253784/Rangers-links-made-me-hate-figure-says-Gordon-SmithRangers-links-made-me-hate-figure-says-Gordon-Smith#ixzz1PnuPCX5j

http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=416:gersnet-investigation-into-sectarianism-bill-sham&catid=1:articles&Itemid=67 As we’ve covered on our @GersnetOnline Twitter account over the last few weeks the SNP’s new ‘Sectarianism’ Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Friday). I’ve not used its full name (you can find that below) as I wanted to use the one word you won’t actually find anywhere in the draft legislation as no-one (5 years and millions of pounds of public money down the line) can define what this is or what terms are actually covered by it – the real secret shame indeed. Onto the Bill1 itself and while any reasonable person would agree further debate and discussion is certainly required to rid our national game (and society) of this scourge; any reasonable person would also agree the rushed and flawed way this Bill has been progressed is not the way to go about doing so. Indeed, everyone from the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, to the Catholic Church, to the Law Society and even the Justice committee charged with ensuring the draft Bill is suitable to be passed (in the next two weeks incredibly) have said as much. Let’s look at the initial comments from the Justice Committee:

I don't know if I am going to be shocked with the level of debt we have when announced but Whyte does seem to be getting things going.

RANGERS supremo Craig Whyte last night turned on boardroom enemy Alastair Johnston and told him: You're yesterday's man. Whyte broke his silence on the damaging boardroom feud at Gers with a stinging broadside at former Ibrox chairman Johnston. And he rapped: "Alastair Johnston has his opinion but he is yesterday's man and he is irrelevant to Rangers now. "He is not someone we will ever deal with again. "I took a lot of flak from him and others when the deal was being done but why should I get involved in a slanging match then? I feel I retained my dignity. "Every time I sat down with Alastair he was extremely nice to me then he goes and stabs me in the back." Whyte was infuriated by a report in one of our fading rivals accusing him of preparing to raid season ticket money to buy players. He said: "What we were doing was the OPPOSITE of what we were accused of." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3647204/Whyte-Youre-nobody-Johnston.html#ixzz1PnojQ5jR

RANGERS boss Craig Whyte has revealed his sensational masterplan to transform Ibrox stadium into a stunning retail and leisure development. In an exclusive interview with the News of The World, the new chairman spoke about his plans for a complex to rival top clubs in Europe. His vision includes a luxury hotel, shopping centre, restaurant, sports centre, and upmarket apartments. Whyte revealed he has already had talks with Glasgow City Council chiefs and wants to get work started ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Last night Motherwell-born Whyte, 40, told us: "We see a mix of retail, hotels, leisure and residential. Man with the plan...Craig Whyte "This area needs to be revitalised and we hope to make some progress before the Games." Under the plans, the 40-acre site around the Govan stadium would be turned into an Ibrox village. Whyte (left) is also adding state-of-the-art stadium screens and opening fast food outlets. He said: "Refurbishment has already started. We are working on the fast food outlets now and expect to sign a contract to have new mega screens installed shortly." The life-long Gers fan wants to keep 50,000-capacity Ibrox's reputation as one of the best stadiums in Europe. The red-brick facade, designed by Archibald Leitch, is one of the most iconic in football. But Whyte envisions a future development to rival that of European Champions Barcelona's prestigious Nou Camp sports and retail complex. He added: "There will be an ongoing process of upgrading Ibrox to ensure it retains its status as one of the best stadia in Europe." It's all part of a series of changes being implemented by Whyte, who this week appointed ex-Gers star Gordon Smith as Director of Football. News Of The World

Branding the tax case website crap is nice to see. Also saying the right things for me currently.

SCENE ONE. Enter stage right the Whyte knight of Rangers. His takeover deal is sealed and he strides purposefully towards Ibrox alongside his father Tom as adoring fans holler their thanks and rush to hug him. SCENE TWO: Far from the madding crowd in a quiet room in the bowels of Murray Park, Gers' �£14million training complex. The new chairman plots the transfer swoops he prays will secure a fourth championship in a row with boss Ally McCoist - the striker he once hailed as a hero from the Copland Road. FREEZE FRAME: We sit round a table in a Glasgow restaurant and Craig Whyte admits his Rangers story so far has felt like a script from a Hollywood movie. In the weeks since he swept into power at Rangers, to end Sir David Murray's trophy-filled 23 years in charge of the SPL champs, Whyte has faced the fiercest of scrutiny. The old regime went down kicking and screaming. Former chairman Alastair Johnston told Gers fans to be vigilant, that the new owner was worth watching. Whyte will have his say on those wounding words in SunSport on Monday, but yesterday he was relishing the challenge of being the new Mr Rangers too much for that. A wry smile played on his lips as he admitted: "I knew there was a circus that exists around Rangers, but I thought it would die down after two days. I know better now. "There are still times when I am sitting there planning our next move with Coisty at Murray Park where it feels like we are in a movie. "It's not what I expected to be doing at this stage of my life, but I am relishing it. "It is something to savour and enjoy for all the pressures it brings with it. "I have had to sign the first autographs of my life - normally I just sign cheques - and I still find that a bit surreal. "That walk down Edmiston Drive before the Hearts game will live with me forever. "To get applauded that way was amazing and I have to admit it was like living outside yourself and looking at someone else starring in a movie. "I think that is a very good way to describe it. "Mind you, I know if things go wrong then I could be getting the opposite reaction one day!" That is the nature of life in the Old Firm jungle. Whyte knows he will be judged brutally should his regime falter even in its early days. For now all the 40-year-old financial expert asks for is a chance to get his feet under the desk in a job he feels will challenge him to the limit. He added: "There are times in life when you either grab opportunities like this or you don't have the balls to do it. "Buying Rangers was like that for me. "I think there is great potential and I can add value to this fantastic club. I feel we can develop the commercial side and enhance the brand of Rangers and keep achieving where it matters most - ON the pitch. "It is is not the biggest business deal I will do in my career, but it is the most life-changing one. "I could have gone on living my life under the radar, but this felt right." This is Plan B. When Whyte first became involved in the bid to buy Rangers he planned to be the money man in the background. Former Northampton chairman Andrew Ellis was at first poised to be the front man with Whyte the financial muscle. But Ellis, the son of former QPR chairman Peter Ellis, carried too much baggage from the failed adventure into the Rangers quest though. He faded into the background and it was boyhood Gers fan Whyte, educated at Knowetop Primary School in Motherwell, who was thrust into centre stage. From the hedge fund to the transfer kitty, London's Square Mile to Govan's square go. Whyte has had to adjust to his new job rapidly in a climate of suspicion in some circles - and outright animosity from departing chairman Alastair Johnston. Whyte said: "The fans have been supportive to me and I will be judged on how the team perform. "Rangers fans know there have been issues with the previous board. "There were those on that board who would have wished this deal didn't go through. That was obvious. The negative stories came from those sources." Whyte must now also wrestle with the spectre of sectarianism as Gers face up to a travelling ban of one away game in Europe after a UEFA crackdown. It's clear that while he will fight to banish bigtory from Ibrox the new Gers supremo will stand behind his law-abiding supporters. He added: "I will be 100 per cent behind our fans and I will defend them. We're going to make things happen and I feel we have done a lot regarding sectarianism already. "I don't think changing the law will change the culture of the west of Scotland, but I have had talks with Alex Salmond. "I just want even-handed treatment for Rangers fans and that's what we will be monitoring." For now, though, Whyte will plot the way ahead with McCoist after the drama of a title finale he will always cherish. He pointed out: "During the games in the run-in this time I was just a fan willing Rangers to win. "At Kilmarnock I was sitting there desperate to see us lift that trophy. "I woke up that morning certain we were going to go to the last ten minutes. "Then six minutes in we were three up and we were champions, and those were six of the best minutes of my life. "It was brilliant and it was something I will remember for the rest of my time on this earth. "Then we had 35,000 people back at Ibrox for the party and that's when it comes home to you how important this club is in the lives of people. Once you've had memories like that you want more of them." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3645693/I-walked-down-Edmiston-Drive.html#ixzz1PbYGnxvp

Another 48 hours!

ALLY McCOIST has told Ibrox owner Craig Whyte to make Dundee United star David Goodwillie his summer signing priority. SunSport can reveal the Rangers boss returned from his Argentinian spying trip more determined than ever to nab 22-year-old Scotland striker Goodie. McCoist saw 10 top Argentinian teams in action as he tried to unearth a hidden gem that would fit into his strict signing budget. Reports he was ready to swoop for Paraguayan winger Marcelo Estigarribia of Newell's Old Boys are well wide of the mark. Instead McCoist will now await the outcome of the rape charge that has hung over Scotland's Young Player of the Year Goodwillie since January. It is understood that the striker has privately told friends he'd jump at the chance to fight for the right to partner Gers star Nikica Jelavic. McCoist left Argentina most impressed by 29-year-old Arsenal de Sarandi ace Ivan Obolo. The striker, on the fringes of the international team throughout his career, has left his homeland before to star for Piacenza in Italy and Burgos in Spain. He was also a massive hit in Sweden where he shone for Celtic No2 Johan Mjallby's club AIK Stockholm and won the league and cup before moving home. Obolo is the player McCoist identified as the pick of what he saw but at 29 and with possible work permit problems I understand any swoop for the gifted frontman has now been ruled out. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3633215/Forget-Argies-I-want-Goodie.html#ixzz1P8Wmuc4v

A Russian powerbroker who bought into English football by landing Championship club Portsmouth had already failed with a bid for Rangers last summer, Sportsmail can reveal. Vladimir Antonovââ?¬â?¢s company, Convers Sports Initiatives, completed a takeover of the Fratton Park outfit from their Asian owners after months of negotiations. But Sportsmail understands that the London-based businessman initially eyed Ibrox, with Sir David Murray ultimately deciding not to pursue preliminary discussions last August. Former Leeds United chief executive Chris Akers was involved in the Andrew Ellis bid for Rangers last summer, and was named alongside Antonov and Roman Dubov as Pompeyââ?¬â?¢s new owners. It is believed the Antonov interest arose four months before Motherwell-born Craig Whyte arrived on the scene to finally purchase Murrayââ?¬â?¢s controlling stake just before the conclusion of the SPL season. The 36-year-old Russian has interest in various sports ventures and claimed Portsmouthââ?¬â?¢s potential to return to the Barclays Premier League ââ?¬â? after relegation last summer under Avram Grant ââ?¬â? had influenced his decision to buy the Fratton Park club. ââ?¬Ë?We have conducted extensive due diligence and held detailed negotiations with a number of clubs in the English Premier League, Championship, League One and Scottish Premier League over the past 12 months,ââ?¬â?¢ said Antonov. ââ?¬Ë?We ultimately selected Portsmouth because of its history, loyal fan base and potential to return to the Premiership. 'The supporters are among the most passionate in the game and that gives the business a strong foundation to build on.ââ?¬â?¢ Antonovââ?¬â?¢s CSI company have interests in the World Rally Championship, PowerPlay Golf, Spartak Moscow ice hockey team, Ferrari Team Russia and the Isle of Man TT motorcycle race. As for the Rangers interest, it appears Murray simply decided against taking further the initial interest from the Russians ââ?¬â? brokered by middle-man Akers. Portsmouth chief executive David Lampit said: ââ?¬Ë?In CSI, I believe we have found owners who will take a long-term view.ââ?¬â?¢ Meanwhile, Rangers signing target Tomer Hemed has attracted interest from FV Mechelin in Belgium and a Serie A club. Manager Ally McCoist has asked Ian Durrant to watch the Maccabi Haifa player make his Israel debut in Euro 2012 qualifying action against Latvia this weekend. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393339/New-Portsmouth-owner-tried-buy-Rangers.html#ixzz1O7UZ6CZq

Taken from Follow Follow http://www.kelvinsideacademy.org.uk/latest-news/latest/craig-whyte-1987-buys-majority-share-in-rangers.html

CRAIG WHYTE, Rangersââ?¬â?¢ new majority shareholder, has responded bullishly to the demands made by deposed chairman Alastair Johnston that he must ââ?¬Å?walk the walk and not just ââ?¬Å?talk the talkââ?¬Â by reiterating his financial commitment to the club. Johnston, axed on Monday night along with director Paul Murray after the pair refused to resign, had called on supporters to ââ?¬Å?remain vigilant and continue to exert pressure on Mr Whyte to support the club financially as he has publically committed to doââ?¬Â. In a statement yesterday on the clubââ?¬â?¢s website, however, Whyte confirmed that Rangersââ?¬â?¢ debt to Lloyds Banking Group had been cleared, and insisted he remained committed to backing new manager Ally McCoist financially with a view to improving the squad. ââ?¬Å?It is a huge privilege and honour to have become the majority shareholder at Rangers Football Club,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?My commitment to take the club forward is unwavering and, like all Rangers supporters, I want to build on the tremendous success achieved by the team in recent years. ââ?¬Å?I believe most Rangers supporters understand that, as a result of the takeover, the clubââ?¬â?¢s debt to the Lloyds Banking Group has been cleared and I have repeatedly stated to the board my intentions to invest in the team. ââ?¬Å?I have had discussions with Ally McCoist regarding his ambition to secure players already playing for the club and also to bring new faces to the squad. These discussions will resume when Ally returns to Ibrox this week. ââ?¬Å?These are exciting times for Rangers and the clubââ?¬â?¢s supporters. This past seasonââ?¬â?¢s achievements were truly great and I am determined to continue that success for Rangers and our supporters around the world.ââ?¬Â As well as removing Johnston and Murray from their positions, Whyte has also suspended Martin Bain, Rangersââ?¬â?¢ chief executive, and Donald McIntyre, the finance director, pending an internal investigation. Whyte, who assumed ownership of the club on May 6, would not expand on the reasons behind their suspension, but tried to assuage supporters that changes were always inevitable following upheaval on this scale. Fears that Bainââ?¬â?¢s removal from office, and Whyteââ?¬â?¢s inexperience in running a football club, would leave Rangers rudderless with the transfer window set to reopen shortly, were dismissed by a source close to the new owner. ââ?¬Å?It is business as usual,ââ?¬Â said the source. ââ?¬Å?He has a team around him who are more than capable of dealing with contracts, financial matters and any other immediate business.ââ?¬Â Whyte will send a document to all 26,000 club shareholders before a deadline of June 6 explaining the background to his takeover, the financial commitments and other crucial details. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/rangers/whyte-reiterates-his-unwavering-commitment-to-invest-in-rangers-1.1103530

KENNY MILLER has refused to rule out a sensational return to Ibrox this summer - for a THIRD time. The Scotland skipper admitted: I miss Rangers. Miller, 31, quit Gers in January after Bursaspor offered him a staggering deal worth �£50,000 a week, but his family haven't settled. Miller said: "Things can change in football and if opportunities arise you have to look at them. I said that for the last year and a half at Rangers. You never know what's around the corner. "If something popped up out of the woodwork then you have to look at it. "There is no point in dwelling on anything when there is no decision to be made. As things stand I have two years left at Bursaspor. "Obviously you hear about things being said back home. "I don't think it will happen, although you never know. "I loved my two and a half years at Rangers in my second spell. "I was placed in a position in January where I only had one option - and that was to go. "I saw them lifting the League Cup and while I was delighted for the lads it was hard watching it. "I felt I was such a big part of it in the last year and if I'm honest I have missed it. "I missed working with the gaffer, I also missed working with Coisty, Kenny McDowall and Ian Durrant every day. "I missed playing with the lads at Ibrpx. To have those special days at the end of the season when you are going for a title is something else. "The last day of the Turkish season was on the same day as Rangers' last league game at Kilmarnock and within five minutes of kick-off it was all over. "All I was thinking about then was what the party was going to be like. "It was another medal and it meant so much to the club. "You do miss it. I wouldn't be human if I didn't feel that." Miller knows things could now be different for him had he stayed at Gers with new owner Craig Whyte now handing bigger and better deals to the SPL champions' star men. He added: "You never know, it might not have changed anything. I don't see too much happening so far yet, nothing much has changed. "Whether it might have changed I'm not sure. It would drive you crazy if you started thinking about things like that. "I do miss being there, but at the time I felt I had no choice but to go." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3599239/Miller-I-miss-Gers-so-much.html#ixzz1NJa03Ny8

Posted on the official site this morning.

BITTER acrimony broke out at Rangers yesterday as the new regime dismantled the old board with the removal of the chairman and a director, and the suspension of the chief executive and another director. Alastair Johnston, who has openly questioned new owner Craig Whyte's plans for the club, was ousted after delaying his departure, and last night he responded by warning Whyte he will watch the venture capitalist's every step from now on, and challenged the new owner to "walk the walk and not just talk the talk". On a day of major ructions at Ibrox, it has emerged that chief executive Martin Bain and finance director Donald McIntyre have been suspended from their posts, pending an internal inquiry. The nature of the inquiry is not yet known. Another director, Paul Murray, was unsurprisingly removed just weeks after launching a counter-bid for Rangers at a late stage in the takeover. Johnston had been asked to tender his resignation by Whyte during a board meeting on Monday. When Johnston refused he was removed. "It was anticipated that I would be stepping down, in fact I thought I would be stepping down earlier but the board felt I should stay on until the takeover process had settled down," he said last night. "I was asked to resign but I said no as a matter of principle. I can't walk away from an assignment which I was asked to undertake." Johnston has clearly been riled by photographs of Whyte holding the Scottish Premier League trophy, won by the club just nine days into the new owner's reign. The deposed chairman said: "I'm not going to make any comment with respect to the current circumstances at the current time, except that I will say - as a lifelong Rangers fan and a real one - that the 26,000 other shareholders in Rangers, as well as the hundreds of thousands of other supporters need to remain vigilant and continue to exert pressure on Mr Whyte to support the club financially as he has publicly committed to do. "As far as I'm concerned, the next time we see a photograph of him holding up the SPL trophy, let us all hope - especially me - that he has earned the right to do it." Johnston had expressed doubts about Whyte during the protracted takeover of Sir David Murray's majority shareholding and put his name to a statement from the independent board committee, publicly revealing a shared scepticism over the new owner's ability to fund his pledges for Rangers. Johnston had indicated previously that he would step down at the end of the season. This was later delayed with the agreement of Whyte, pending the disclosure of more details about the buy-out to shareholders. This information is due on or before 6 June but Whyte has nevertheless acted to sever Johnston's ties to the club prior to the submittal of this circular. "I think the biggest force for change at Rangers is for Mr Whyte to appreciate that there are thousands of fans who are going to police his activities," added Johnston. "Not what he says, but what he does." Some fans will not shed a tear over the new board's actions in regard to Bain, whose relationship with the Ibrox support has often been strained. His suspension, pending an internal inquiry, could bring to an end the Ibrox career of one of the club's most high-profile officials of recent years. Both Bain and McIntyre were told to stay away from Ibrox during a board meeting on Monday. They remain on the board at this stage but have been suspended on full pay. Bain is currently in the United States on a charity white-water rafting expedition with Walter Smith and Ally McCoist, between whom the managerial reins have recently passed. Reports published online yesterday speculated on the reasons behind Bain's sudden suspension, but lawyers acting on the chief executive's behalf contacted newsdesks in the afternoon to alert them that the claims were being treated as "grossly defamatory". Yesterday's events will heighten speculation linking Ali Russell to the club. The former deputy managing director of Queens Park Rangers, who was commercial director at Hearts and head of marketing at the Scottish Rugby Union, was present in the Ibrox directors' box for Whyte's first game in charge, against Hearts, and is said to be close to the new owner. Whyte has already made one new appointment at the club, immediately bringing on board his business partner Phil Betts when the takeover was completed. Further appointments to strengthen the board are expected to be made in the next two to three weeks. Directors John Greig, John McClelland and Dave King will remain on the board for the time being. Club legend Greig and former chairman McClelland, the vice-chairman of the influential European Club Association, were present in the room to hear Johnston and Murray being instructed to resign via a conference call. The news of Johnston and Murray's departure was confirmed in a statement to the stock exchange yesterday morning. "The board announces that on 23 May 2011 Alastair Johnston and Paul Murray were removed as directors of the Rangers Football Club PLC," read the statement. "The directors of the Rangers Football Club PLC accept responsibility for this announcement." Rangers also announced yesterday that Cairn Financial Advisers LLP PLUS has been appointed as corporate adviser to the company with immediate effect. Asked to expand on the reasons for the departures and suspensions, a source close to Whyte said: "Craig Whyte has no comment to make on what is an internal matter." http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/sport/Ructions-at-Rangers-as-old.6773931.jp?articlepage=2

New Rangers owner Craig Whyte is set to take a major hands-on role in the running of the Ibrox club ââ?¬â?? by succeeding Alastair Johnston as chairman. Johnston is set to stand down this week after successfully overseeing what has been a turbulent period in the Glasgow clubââ?¬â?¢s history. And, in a significant development for the Scottish champions, it appears Whyte is poised to assume his responsibilities. The multi-millionaire businessman kept a low profile during his take-over of his boyhood heroes and had been widely expected to take a back seat in the day-to-day running of Rangers. However, it seems that the Motherwell-born venture capitalist is keen to play an active part in ensuring the continued success of the club on and off the park. To be appointed chairman, he will have to show he is a ââ?¬Ë?fit and proper personââ?¬â?¢ and prove that in the last five years he has not been debarred as a director of a company. Johnston said: ââ?¬Å?As it stands, I am still chairman, but thatââ?¬â?¢s merely procedural and because of paperwork being worked upon with Craig Whyte. ââ?¬Å?My two-year stint is ending and Iââ?¬â?¢ll simply go back to being a fan. I was in the Far East on business last week, but managed to get back to the game at Kilmarnock before attending the SPL title party. ââ?¬Å?It was a great way for Walter to sign off as manager. He has very much been a cornerstone for the club over the past few years and has shown great leadership.ââ?¬Â Johnston, a senior executive with IMG, was delighted to leave the club after Smith, whom he persuaded to stay on for a final year, had led the club to the Co-operative Insurance Cup and Clydesdale Bank Premier League. And he expressed confidence that Ally McCoist, who has now taken over from his mentor as manager, will prove a success He said: ââ?¬Å?Martin Bain had been working hard on Walter during that period to try to keep him because we all knew how important that could be. ââ?¬Å?I then came into it with my own input and I would very much like to think I had some influence.ââ?¬Â Johnston added: ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t think Rangers can replace him as a figurehead and a leader, but I do think Ally McCoist can be successful as manager. ââ?¬Å?He is strong-minded, but will need to be. Heââ?¬â?¢s had an apprenticeship with one of the best and hopefully that will be prove significant.ââ?¬Â http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/craig-whyte-set-for-role-as-rangers-chairman-1.1102414?90022

SASA PAPAC insists there's NO chance of Nikica Jelavic quitting Rangers this summer. The Bosnian defender kicked off Ally McCoist's first week in charge of Gers by signing a new one-year deal yesterday. Then he revealed close pal Jelavic plans to be with him when the new season begins. Croat striker Jelavic has been the target of interest from top clubs down south. But Papac said: "Nikica is happy here. He said to me that this has been the best thing that's happened in his career. "He doesn't want to leave - he wants to stay for another couple of years. It's very important he stays because he's a special player for us." Papac signed under Paul le Guen in 2006 and had been chased by clubs across Europe but insists he never wanted to leave. The deal he's penned is the same as the one he was offered in January. But the Bosnian reckons the future of the club has changed dramatically after Craig Whyte's takeover. He said: "I always believed this would happen. I said all the time my priority was Rangers. "For me Rangers is the best club in the world. I have everything here. I will be a Rangers supporter for the rest of my life. "A new situation is here, a new owner is here and I'm so happy I will be staying for another year." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3586370/Im-staying-at-Gersand-so-will-Jela.html#ixzz1Meuh0y4L

I really hope it's not for us. It is time for someone else.

From STV New Rangers owner Craig Whyte has promised to build on the success of departing manager Walter Smith. Whyte, who completed his protracted takeover of the Scottish champions last week, said: "It is a great privilege to be part of Rangers and while we celebrate this title and our success in the League Cup our thoughts will turn quickly to building on this success." Whyte paid tribute to Smith and assistant Ally McCoist, who will take over from his mentor next season. "Today's title win is a truly great achievement by a club whose hallmark has been success throughout its proud history," he said. "I would like to congratulate Walter Smith, Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall for their brilliant leadership. "I also pay the highest possible tribute to the players who have shown great skill and determination in turning their desire for success into the club's 54th league title - the highest number attained by any club. "The supporters want to see success and they deserve that success for the way in which they have stuck with the team." Rangers chief executive Martin Bain, who presided over the takeover after a three-year spell in which the club have struggled financially, praised the work of Smith and also backed the fans as "the lifeblood of the club". He said: "Like all Rangers fans, I know how much this win means to every member of the Rangers family. "The achievement of Walter, Ally, Kenny and the players over recent seasons has been nothing short of miraculous, given the challenges the club has had to meet. "They responded in the true Rangers way by standing up to be counted when the odds were stacked against them. "I would also pay tribute to the staff at the club who have supported the team in every possible way, always believing the success of the club is the most important thing. "Finally, I would also like to thank our fans who have backed the club through thick and thin in recent years. "They are the lifeblood of the club and their tremendous commitment to Rangers and Scottish football deserves to be recognised."

Today was glorious - a championship winning performance from the best team in Scotland, but thanks to Craig Whyte the summer isn't one of uncertainty, it's one of looking ahead and building and expanding. We have money now, we presumably are no longer in debt, we have a new manager now who has learned from the best. We're in the CL, we have some great players who we don't have to sell. We're the champions, we'll be getting in more money. We will make new signings, we'll see a change in some of the squad; but it's great to look forward with a degree of stability rather than the fragile state we've been in for too long. watp.

From the management right down to the youngest player , hats off on what has been a fantastic achievement so far , to have the Championship within our own grasp with 1 game left , and to display the attitude and desire , especially in the first 35 minutes when we scored our goals , really augers well , this never say die attitude and the new found hope that Craig Whyte's takeover of the club has brought will surely see us home and what a way to do it . From adversity hopefully comes victory and a magnificent number 54 , with 3 in a row , I will be off stateside but my heart will still be here , even better if I can get to to the big apple bears come Sunday morning ... Just remember we are the people

http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/248162-whyte-confident-rangers-will-win-tax-case/ Rangers owner Craig Whyte is confident his club will receive a favourable outcome from their tax tribunal with HM Revenue and Customs. A verdict on a case against the club, relating to the payment of monies into offshore employee benefit trusts to subsidise wages, is due in the coming months. Various amounts have subsequently been reported as to how much Rangers could be liable for, which go well into eight figures, with the potential for further penalties from HMRC if the tribunal finds in their favour. Rangers accepted liability for a Ã?£2.8 million tax bill prior to Whyte's takeover, relating to a similar issue which occurred between 1999 and 2003. But the new man at the helm at Ibrox insists the advice he has been given suggests his club will emerge intact from the more severe case. ââ?¬Å?At this moment in time, there is no liability to HMRC,ââ?¬Â Whyte told RangersTV.tv. ââ?¬Å?There is a tax tribunal that has been ongoing for some time. Our advice is that we are going to win the case. ââ?¬Å?I am confident we are going to win the case and there will be no liability there. ââ?¬Å?That is not going to be determined for a while yet but I am very confident that we are going to win that case.ââ?¬Â Less than two hours after Whyte's purchase of the majority shareholding in Rangers was concluded on Friday, the independent sub-committee set up to ratify the takeover used the club's website to outline their concerns the businessman had not clearly set out how he intended to cover any financial penalties rising from the case. The tax issue was one of a number of reasons cited for the protracted nature of the deal to assume control of Murray International Holdings' shares, which continued for over six months. Given that time, Whyte maintains he and his team have sufficient knowledge of the potential implications and that there is confidence across the board Rangers will not face any sanctions. ââ?¬Å?It's something we have gone into in quite a lot of detail,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?I have spoken to the legal counsel dealing with the case who is very confident we are going to win.ââ?¬Â

CRAIG WHYTE has revealed his joy at finally taking over at Rangers and insists the key is to bring more trophies to Ibrox. Whyte finally took his seat in the Ibrox stand as the club's new owner for yesterday's 4-0 win over Hearts. And he was delighted at the reception he received from the fans as Gers took a massive stride towards Three-in-a-Row. He said: "It was absolutely fantastic and a really enjoyable day. I received a good reception from the supporters. Sir David Murray"It has been a long time coming as it has taken more than six months to conclude this deal. So it was a good moment for me. "It was a fantastic performance from the team - better than I could have hoped for. Now we just need to make sure we win the next two games to retain the league. "Rangers are a fantastic club and we can achieve a lot. "We can expand the commercial activities and the branding but it all comes down to doing well on the field. That's the most important thing. We need to keep winning trophies. "I'm a passionate Rangers supporter and that's a big part of the reason I bought the club. "At various points, to be fair to Sir David Murray as well, I think both of us kind of said: 'Let's forget about this and walk away.' But I persevered and I'm glad I did." Whyte paid tribute to Murray and outgoing gaffer Walter Smith as he prepared to launch a new era under manager-in-waiting Ally McCoist. He said: "What David has achieved has been tremendous. He was involved with the club at a unique period when it was possible to buy the best players in England and bring them here. "Unfortunately that's more difficult to do these days. So what David has managed to do for this club shouldn't be underestimated. "Walter is a legendary manager and Ally knows he has a hard act to follow. Let's hope he can do just as well." Whyte brought his father Tom to Ibrox yesterday and recalled how they attended games 30 years ago. He said: "My dad used to bring me here when I was nine or 10. We sat in the Copland Road stand. "So it was nice to be back here today, only this time as owner of the club. "I always enjoyed coming to the games. It was great beside the fans. "You can't sing songs when you're in the directors' box so in some ways it's more fun to sit in the stands. "Watching the football is nice but this is also a business. I plan to get under the covers of the business and there will be a lot to look at. I still have to meet the management team and speak about their plans. "But the focus in the next week or so is to win the league. I don't want to do anything to jeopardise that." Whyte has inherited McCoist as the club's next manager but has no problem with that. He said: "Ally is a Rangers man through and through. I'm sure he'll do a great job. "I had a very brief meeting with him a few months ago but I expect to sit down with him in the next few days. "I think we might need four or five players. I'll do what I can to help." So far i like what i hear. No over the top statements.

For Craig Whyte. He must have been on cloud 99 today. Greeted as a hero outside Ibrox, then sits down in the Directors' box as a lifelong Rangers fan and watches us hammer Hearts. Imagine how he must feel as a true bear, to actually OWN this whole club. Wow.

http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/247592-statement-from-sir-david-murray-in-full/ I believe there is more though according to this site: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/scottishpremier/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/05/06/SOCCER_Rangers_Murray.html