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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
5 Rangers takeover takeaways from is £20m enough to SFA delay and San Francisco 49ers benefits
Andrew Cavenagh is the new chief of Ibrox and here Andy Newport lays out his main takeaways from the big takeover The final seal of approval came shortly after 9pm on Thursday night. With one last email from the sixth floor at Hampden, Rangers' new owners were at last given the green light to take control of Ibrox and begin what the blue half of Glasgow will hope is a bright new era. The Gers faithful have been waiting desperately for news on the deal that will see Andrew Cavenagh and his partners from the San Francisco 49ers take control of the club since Record Sport broke the news back on February 19. In the meantime, they've had to deal with radio silence from the men at the top of the Marble Staircase and sneering talk of a fakeover from rivals across the city. In the end, another 99 days would pass from our exclusive front page story before the consortium of US businessmen would be able to put pen to paper. The final stumbling block was SFA approval. But when that dropped late on Thursday, the path was cleared for the American revolution to complete. Ibrox insiders say there was no popping of champagne or pats on the back as the keys were handed over. Everyone involved knows the hard work starts here. The job now for Cavenagh, Paraag Marathe and the rest of the club's new regime is to Make Rangers Great Again. Money to spend Buying Rangers hasn't come cheap. The consortium has had to splash out a significant eight-figure sum in order to buy out former chairman Dave King and John Bennett, plus portions of stakes held by other Ibrox investors. Those transactions have taken the American group to the 51 percent mark required to snatch power on Edmiston Drive. But that isn't the end of their spending, with a promised £20million investment to come next month. A share issue will take place alongside an extraordinary general meeting on June 23 to rubber stamp the fresh injection of cash, that will go primarily to supporting the new Gers gaffer's summer spending spree. That share issue should also see the consortium's controlling stake increase further. There could be additional sums to come later down the line, while existing shareholders like Douglas Park, George Taylor, Stuart Gibson and John Halstead will continue to put money in if needed. Sums like £20million don't go far in today's transfer market but the new board will focus on spending smarter than has been the case for far too long at Ibrox. New man in charge Andrew Cavenagh has been a regular at Ibrox in recent months while leading the takeover talks - and he'll become an even more familiar presence as he takes over as the club's new chairman. The multimillionaire health insurance tycoon has impressed senior figures at the club with his passion for the game and his methodical approach to business. A former colleague soccer player who has travelled Europe to watch football, the Pennsylvanian businessman has been seduced by the Ibrox atmosphere and is now committed to bringing the glory days back to Govan. He plans on making regular trips to Glasgow as he leads from the front. He'll make his first public address to supporters after the EGM on June 23 but his opening mission statement to the Ibrox faithful could not have been any clearer: 'Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs - at the top." Supporting cast Cavenagh will be joined in the Blue Room by four of his American compatriots. Leeds chairman and senior 49ers exec Paraag Marathe will also take up the role as vice-chairman at Ibrox. Additionally, the impressive line-up in the directors box will be boosted by the additions of Boston-based equity firm chief Mark Taber, Andrew Clayton - co-founder of Cavenagh's Philadelphia-based insurance firm ParetoHealth - and Leeds co-owner Gene Schneur. CEO Patrick Stewart stays on in his present role while departing chairman Fraser Thornton will remain on the board to provide a local presence for his new Stateside colleagues. Current directors John Halsted and George Taylor are also staying on but Graeme Park, Julian Wolhardt and Alastair Johnston will step down. There are no current plans for fan representation on the board but talks have taken place with groups like Club 1872 to ensure supporters are kept onside. 49ers benefits Rangers are an institution that have been crippled by poor decision making on and off the pitch for far too long. But the new regime hope to finally bring some savvy thinking back to Ibrox as they tap into the 49ers' sporting expertise. Both in the NFL and down south at Leeds, the San Francisco side of the consortium are no strangers to success on the field. The 49ers have reached three Superbowls in the last 13 years, while their involvement at Elland Road has resulted in Leeds' return to the Premier League this summer. It will be Marathe's job now to make similar overhauls at Ibrox, with the focus on drastically improving performance on the business and commercial sides as well as the club's player-trading model. SFA approval With the 49ers in control of Leeds, Cavenagh and co were forced to get approval from Hampden chiefs before they could complete the takeover. But those close to the deal were always confident of the thumbs up having seen the likes of Hibs also get approval on the back their Bournemouth chief Bill Foley's Easter Road investment Although now part of a multi-club model, there are significant differences to the umbrella arrangements used by the likes of the City Group and Ineos, owners of Manchester United and Nice. There are separate consortiums and structures in place at Ibrox and Elland Road, meaning both clubs will be able to operate independently of each other. New manager hunt The search for Philippe Clement's replacement goes on but expect that process to step up in the days to come. New sporting director Kevin Thelwell officially starts work in Glasgow on Monday but he's already been playing a part as the club works its way through a shortlist of candidates. Gretar Steinsson, the 49ers' football advisor, won't be taking up an official role in Glasgow but will be on hand to offer assistance, as he has been doing during the on-going search for a new boss. Davide Ancelotti remains the favourite for the gig, with Russell Martin, Francesco Faroili and Brian Priske also in the running. Ibrox improvements Gers insiders have laughed off any suggestions that the new board will look to rename the club's home of 126 years. But Cavenagh and Marathe have already started coming up with ideas for how to upgrade the old place. They were given a guided tour last month and while impressed by the ground, they saw plenty of scope for improvements and innovation.
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Nico Raskin and the big Rangers transfer dilemma as we debate the 'keep or sell' question
The Belgian's stock is rising with some standout displays and Record Sport's Scott McDermott and Andy Newport have differing views on what the club should do with their prized asset. He received a standing ovation when he left the Ibrox pitch on Sunday. Another man-of-the-match performance - and maybe another couple of million on to his valuation after smashing home in the 3-1 against Dundee United on Wednesday night. Nico Raskin is fast-becoming Rangers' most prized asset and that could give the club a major decision to make this summer. With new American owners set to take control and launch a squad rebuild, the little Belgian midfielder could be a key part of their strategy moving forward. Raskin has been Gers' best player in a disastrous campaign and has excelled recently under stand-in boss Barry Ferguson. With two goals and nine assists from a deep-lying role, the 24-year-old has also been rewarded with national team recognition this term. But with two years left on his contract at Ibrox, US tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, new sporting director Kevin Thelwel l and the 49ers Enterprises could have a dilemma on their hands. Do they get Raskin signed up on a long-term deal and build a Rangers side around him? Or if a big offer comes in from England or Europe, do they cash in and use the profits to fund a squad overhaul? Record Sport writers Scott McDermott and Andy Newport take differing views on whether the club should accept a mega-money bid if clubs chase Raskin this summer: Andy Newport - Keep Nico Raskin has a lot to learn. Barry Ferguson himself says so. But we've seen glimpses of what the little Belgian can do with the right tutoring. And recently, those flashes of aggression, control and incision have been getting more and more regular. I wrote in these pages last week that Raskin would have to play at a far more consistent level if he was to justify the £20million pricetag some Rangers fans have already slapped on his back. I stand by that, even more so after watching his man-of-the-match performance against Aberdeen. The performance levels he reached recently against the Dons and before that in the Old Firm draw with Celtic are exactly the heights the Ibrox fan base believe he is capable of. In fact, both Ferguson and teammate Leon Balogun this week expressed their full confidence that the new Red Devils cap will only get better and better. But both caveated those statements with the requirement that Raskin continues listening and learning, that he takes on board the words of wisdom from his coaches and uses those pointers to tighten up the weak spots in his game. And there have been plenty of occasions when those weak spots have been exploited this term. Rangers' trophy-less status this season is proof enough of that. So too his absence from the Player of the Year voting. Of course the blame for the Light Blue's nightmare campaign does not rest solely on Raskin's shoulders but neither is he immune to criticism. For every game where he has dominated a Callum McGregor, you can point to an afternoon where he failed to get the better of a Premiership plodder. But Raskin is certainly improving and right now, his value is only going up. That, though, will only continue if he does as his boss Barry and buddy Balogun suggest and works to improve on his shortcomings. And for me, Ibrox is the place to do it. It's been a grim season down Edmiston Road but the impending US takeover has finally sparked a ray of light at the end of the dark tunnel the Ibrox faithful have been trudging through. With the right decisions and the right investment, they will hope their side can finally emerge from Celtic's shadows sometime soon. And Raskin could be the man to carry the torch forward if can can built on the burgeoning displays he's put in this term. With a fresh wind behind him, this could be Raskin's time to shine. Who knows what will happen with James Tavernier this summer but if the skipper goes, Raskin certainly looks like the No1 candidate to inherit his armband. Raskin has learned the hard way at Ibrox this season but he's steadily emerging as the man the club should be building their team around next term. Scott McDermott - Sell Every player has his price. Especially at the Old Firm where a successful player trading model is the key to success. That's why, if Rangers receive a huge bid for Nico Raskin in excess of £10 million this summer, they HAVE to take it. Of course, their prospective new American owners 49ers Enterprises, along with Andrew Cavenagh and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, would love the keep the Belgian long-term. He's been Rangers' best player in what has been a horrible campaign for the club. And maybe with a US cash injection, the club could reject offers for their star midfielder. But there's a bigger picture here. The 49ers Enterprises are coming here to run Rangers properly as a business - and start making profits. Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart can't bang on about player trading - and then not put it into practice when presented with an opportunity. Raskin was signed for around £1.5 million plus add-ons just over two years ago. As much as his current form is excellent, he hasn't been able to drag Rangers to trophies. By all accounts, his attitude is excellent and even at 24 he has become a leader in the Ibrox dressing-room. In a perfect world, he'd be an integral part of a new-look side under the next permanent gaffer. But one of the reasons Celtic are so far of Rangers right now is they know when to move players on - at their optimum level and when the price is right. They've done it with so many over the years like Kieran Tierney, Kris Ajer, Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard, Josip Juranovic and Jota. They wouldn't have wanted to lose any of them. But if a suitable bid is on the table, either Glasgow club has to consider it - and they should have their replacement already teed up. Rangers lost out big time by not doing that with Alfredo Morelos or Ryan Kent - and they can't afford to make the same mistakes again, even with a new regime at the helm. Raskin is a top player who might excel and kick on under a new manager. If he's still at Rangers for the start of the next campaign, the fans will be delighted. But if any side from England or Europe goes above that £10 million mark with an offer, it should be a new brainer for Cavenagh and Co to accept and use it to fund more additions.
Daily Record
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Rangers next manager clues decoded by the Jury with four high profile names pitched to Ibrox takeover kings
If you had to pick a Rangers manager with no previous connection to the club, who would you go for? Scott McDermott: Sean Dyche. He's out of work, has vast experience of the British game and will be aware of the demands and expectations at Ibrox. He'd bring organisation and discipline. Also, going up against Brendan Rodgers won't faze him. Andy Newport: Jose Mourinho gave a glimpse of his box office value during his run in with Gers earlier this year but the Special One will require a special wage packet. Marco Rose is a name that won't go away and shouldn't be discounted. He's averaged almost 2 points per game as a boss and has big club experience. He's worth considering Scott Burns: I would try for somebody like Gareth Southgate. He did well with England. He has a profile and a presence and really progressed their national team. He has also worked in a high-pressured environment where results are everything. Can you see Brendan Rodgers giving some of his fringe players a chance over the final three games? Scott McDermott: He doesn't like tinkering too much with a huge game around the corner and he'll want momentum going into the Scottish Cup Final in a fortnight. I'd expect Yang to get some minutes and it would be nice to see Johnny Kenny get a chance to impress. Andy Newport: He's already made clear the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Callum McGregor will get a rest so expect the likes of Dane Murray, Luke McCowan and Johnny Kenny to get some minutes. Scott Burns: I would expect the likes of Auston Trusty and Luke McCowan to get more game time over the final three league games. They can give their manager something to think about ahead of the cup final. Do you think St Mirren can get back into Europe or do you expect Dundee United to end their dream? Scott McDermott: I've got a sneaky feeling the Buddies could win at Tannadice and put themselves right in contention for that Euro spot. United have gone off the boil a bit whereas St Mirren are playing with nothing to lose. A victory on Tayside could set up some finish. Andy Newport: It's certainly in United's hands with a five point lead and three games to play. A draw would pretty much secure fifth given Saints go to Parkhead on the final day so maybe the Buddies shouldn't be in a rush to dig out the passports. Scott Burns: If St Mirren can win at Tannadice then the cat would certainly be amongst the pigeons. Dundee United have injury problems but I think they can still avoid defeat against the Buddies this afternoon and that should get the job all but done. Ross County are currently in 11th place in the Premiership. Who do you think will finish in the relegation play-off position? Scott McDermott: I can't see the Staggies getting out of 11th. If they pick up something at McDiarmid Park today they'll give themselves a chance but I think Kilmarnock and Dundee will have enough to steer clear of the dreaded play-off. Andy Newport: It will come down to next Wednesday Dens dust up between Tony Doc's Dark Blues and Don Cowie's Staggies. I fancy Simon Murray to provide the goals that edge the Dees clear of danger.
Daily Record
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Who will win Rangers vs Celtic? Our writers deliver predictions for derby showdown at Ibrox
Celtic cross the River Clyde with a whopping 15 point lead over fierce rivals Rangers. And yet the Hoops are looking to avoid a third straight defeat against the Light Blues. It would be the first time in history that either of the Big Two has beaten their rivals three teams and not ended up as top dogs in Scotland. It will almost certainly be Barry Ferguson's final match in charge against Celtic before the takeover by the 49ers is completed. How will this one go? Record Sport's top team have delivered their predictions for the Ibrox showdown. Andy Newport Rangers have had the edge on the new champions in these Old Firm head to heads lately but with this season all over bar the shouting I'm not expecting a classic. Bragging rights are at stake but it doesn't matter much in the bigger picture. Rangers 1 Celtic 1 Gavin Berry With the title already in the bag, Celtic can just go out and enjoy it but there is a slight bit of pressure to avoid a third straight derby loss. Rangers have already shown this season they can get at this Hoops defence and given this is a dead rubber the players will also play with a bit of freedom which could lead to goals galore. Rangers 3 Celtic 3 Michael Gannon The handbrakes are off for this one for both sides and it could lead to another wild afternoon. Rangers look demoralised right now but Ibrox will be rocking and they do know how to hurt Celtic. The Hoops will have revenge on their minds though and won't fail to turn up this time. Rangers 2 Celtic 3 Craig Swan Celtic go into the game full of verve having clinched the title and with a point to prove after losing the previous two matches against Rangers. Barry Ferguson 's side are out of form and up against it. Rangers 0 Celtic 3 Scott Burns The title race might be over but this match is still both will want to win. Rangers won the last one and Brendan Rodgers 's men will want to avenge that. I expect it could be a share of the Ibrox spoils. Rangers 1 Celtic 1 Graeme Young It's the fixture where tipping a goal fest is no leap of faith and the smart money is on thrills at Ibrox. Rangers have a template which has worked in recent games, however, Celtic appear itching to write some perceived wrongs in the last two defeats. Expect a corker but this time it's the champions who find a way to win. Rangers 2 Celtic 3 Ryan McDonald It's mind-boggling to think Rangers could end the season with three derby wins and still finish miles behind Celtic. Gers have shown they can compete in one-off games, but the champions will have revenge in mind and should come out on top.
Daily Record
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic crowned the award season dominators by the Jury as Lennon Miller bucks the trend
Who gets your vote for player of the season? Michael Gannon: Callum McGregor. Team-mate Daizen Maeda has been superb but the Celtic captain makes the side tick and has been the driving force this season. Andy Newport: Daizen Maeda. The Celtic ace has had an outstanding season combining relentless graft off the ball with a devastating scoring touch on it. He's the clear candidate for the prize. Scott Burns: It is hard to look beyond Daizen Maeda in terms of his goals and assists for Celtic. Nicolas Kuhn would've been in the equation but he tailed off for a long spell. Simon Murray and Sam Dalby are honourable mentions. Who would you back for manager of the season? Michael Gannon: Brendan Rodgers. The Celtic boss is 90 minutes away from the Treble and has done a brilliant job maintaining the sky high levels at Parkhead. Andy Newport: It's always hard to make this choice before the season has played out but as things stand with his side on course for a Treble, Brendan Rodgers gets my vote. Scott Burns: As it stands you would have to go for Brendan Rodgers as he already has a double in the bag. David Gray and Jim Goodwin have also done well, while Jimmy Thelin could eclipse them with a third place finish and a Scottish Cup. Who do you think should be named Scotland's young player of the year? Michael Gannon: Lennon Miller. The Motherwell youngster is been a touch of class and it's no wonder there is a ton of interest. Andy Newport: Lennon Miller continues to grow in stature at Motherwell. He got stick for his comments after joining the Scotland squad but it was a show of confidence from a kid we should all be hugely excited about. Scott Burns: Motherwell's Lennon Miller would probably shade it from James Wilson of Hearts. Hearts are looking for their third new boss of the campaign. Who'd be your pick? Michael Gannon: Derek McInnes and Stephen Robinson are right under the Jambos' noses and both would be bankers to have Hearts challenging in the top four. Andy Newport: Stephen Robinson. The St Mirren gaffer has worked wonders on a shoestring in Paisley and deserves a crack at one of Scotland's biggest clubs.
