New Pompey owner tried to buy Rangers as Convers Sports takes over English side

[ian1964 10,415]

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 Antonov�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 Pompey�s new owners.

 

It is believed the Antonov interest arose four months before Motherwell-born Craig Whyte arrived on the scene to finally purchase Murray�s controlling stake just before the conclusion of the SPL season.

 

The 36-year-old Russian has interest in various sports ventures and claimed Portsmouth�s potential to return to the Barclays Premier League � after relegation last summer under Avram Grant � 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.�

 

Antonov�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 � 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

[calscot 0]

Something to be thankful to SDM for. I think, despite all the fears, we'd have squeakier bums had this Russian guy taken over instead. SDM has his very obvious flaws but you have to give him some credit for the way he sold the club for a quid to what looks like the best candidate on paper.

[Bluedell 5,329]

Why note that Whyte was born in Motherwell? Makes me think that the article originated in Scotland and therefore probably Murray, so i'd take it with a pinch of salt. Chances are that the Russians walked away.

[Guest Dutchy]

I do think, or at least I believed that SDM was always careful about who he handed power over to. That's why I'm confident that Whyte will be good for the Gers.

 

I bloddy hope so anyway, as we all do I'm sure.