Football finance expert explains what Rangers takeover will mean in practice – and how it will end ‘civil war' at Ibrox
Will they sell naming rights to Ibrox?
MONEY TALKS Football finance expert explains what Rangers takeover will mean in practice – and how it will end 'civil war' at Ibrox
ONE of football's leading finance experts has broken down how the Rangers takeover will look in practice.
The new American regime, led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, officially took control of the Glasgow club today.
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New Rangers boardroom leader Andrew Cavenagh, with ex-chairman John Gilligan
Credit: PA
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Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has been speaking about the takeover
The group has pledged to invest £20m immediately, as Gers look to close the gap on rivals Celtic.
Cavenagh will assume the role of chairman with Paraag Marathe also joining the board as vice-chairman.
But several questions still remain.
What impact will Financial Fair Play (FFP) have?
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Will naming rights to Ibrox be put up for sale?
Will the new owners look to make a quick buck?
Footie finance guru Kieran Maguire has answered some of those questions.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Maguire said it's unlikely the US consortium view Rangers as a vehicle for a quick return on their investment.
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He said: "I don't think they are looking for a short-term financial return and it's highly unlikely they'd make one based on historic figures.
"They certainly need to monetise Ibrox but it will be a costly investment."
What next for Rangers after American takeover is confirmed?
Maguire also played down the impact of FFP.
But he pointed to the most recent figures that showed Rangers were operating at a loss and insisted that must be sorted ASAP.
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And he thinks fresh faces on the board should end the years of civil WAR that have engulfed the Ibrox club.
"FFP is less of an issue than the club losing money and they need to address that first," he said.
"They have some big hitters and experienced people joining though.
"It's important to cease the civil war that restricted the club to an extent in the last few years and having majority owners in control can address that."
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Of course, for most Rangers fans, the only thing that matters is beating Celtic.
The initial £20m injection will go some way to helping with that.
"For Rangers it's huge because you now have an indication they're going to be putting £20m of working capital into the club," Maguire said in another interview with STV.
"If I was a Rangers fan, I think I would be very pleased.
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"This deal has been flagged, but it is now over the line.
"The fact there is now additional cash coming into the club at a time they are looking to recruit a manager and for the summer can be taken as positives.
"At the same time, they have a lot of work to do because being second in the Scottish Premiership is nowhere as far as fans of Rangers and Celtic are concerned."
Maguire added: "Celtic have surged ahead on and off the pitch, so it's a mammoth task."
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And what of the rumours of Ibrox possibly being renamed to generate income?
"Naming rights tend to be over-hyped, unless for brand new stadiums.
"Most people use traditional names."
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
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Kris Boyd shares insight to Rangers takeover as Davide Ancelotti becomes next manager favourite – plus a path to glory
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But this fistful of dollars has made it all feel very real. So, have a nice day, y'all... Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
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