6 days ago
'We can go forward from here': Rangers fans at Ibrox 'excited' over takeover
RANGERS fans flocked to Ibrox today to share their excitement over the club's takeover.
Gers fans couldn't contain their joy over the news that the San Francisco 49ers Enterprise-led consortium is taking a 51% share in the club.
They've also promised a multi-million pound investment in the Glasgow side to boost the start of their tenure.
The Glasgow Times was outside the Ibrox today to hear fans' reactions to the news.
Richard McKenzie, 62, from Kelvindale, said: "Oh, it's been a long time coming, but it's going to be a great thing for the club.
"I think the club's got to move forward, and I think this is a great opportunity for them to move forward, and I think they can build on some of the success they've had in the past and perhaps maybe catch up with other teams."
Richard McKenzie, 62, outside Ibrox (Image: Newsquest) Speaking about the £ 20million investment that's been pledged, Richard added: "Well, it's probably not enough, but we probably need to try and get some of that into the youth as well to try and bring our own players through. I think that's a good place to start."
Young fan from Govan, John Ferguson, 6, just came out of the shop with a new scarf. He said, "I'm excited."
When asked what he hopes to see the club do going forward, he said: "Score goals."
John Ferguson, 6, outside Ibrox (Image: Newsquest) Alan Kennedy, 63, is originally from Possilpark but now lives in Canada. His four children all have Rangers tattoos and are big supporters of the club.
Alan said: "Very excited about it. Hopefully, a lot more investment in the club, get us some better players and start winning some trophies."
Alan Kennedy, 63, outside Ibrox (Image: Newsquest) Alan was visiting for the week and shared that his dad's ashes are buried behind the Copland Road stand goals.
Speaking about the emotional connection, he said: "It's always nice to come back, and every time we watch a game and a save is made at that goal, we know dad (Alan Kennedy) had something to do with it."
Lynsey Downs, 34, had just completed the stadium tour where her now-fiancé, Emma Nicoll, 28, proposed to her.
Lynsey, from Renfrew, said: "Yeah, I think it's great news. I think it will bring in a lot of new players.
"Hopefully, a great manager and things will start looking up for us because at the moment it's kind of a bit dreich, so hopefully it will get better."
(L-R) Ryan Gormley, 30, Lynsey Downs, 34, and Emma Nicoll, 28, outside Ibrox (Image: Newsquest) The happy couple's friend, Ryan Gormley, had joined them on the tour on the 'perfect' day.
Ryan, 30, from Paisley, said: "It will bring major investment to the team, whoever comes in and whoever comes out.
"Very positive, and here's hoping we can go forward from here."
A statement from the club confirmed that the consortium was seeking a controlling stake, with sources close to the deal suggesting it would be finalised by June.
Key figures in the takeover include Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and chairman of Leeds United, and American health tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, who has been a frequent visitor to Ibrox.
The completion of the deal, announced today, marks a new era for the club.
Mr Cavenagh told the Rangers website: "We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers board, shareholders, staff, and supporters.
"This club's history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn't win matches.
"We know that the true way to honour the club's heritage will be to drive performance.
"Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs - at the top."
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart added: "From my earliest conversations with Paraag and Andrew, I have been excited and confident in the shared vision and what it could mean for the future of Rangers.
"Our focus now is on the hard work ahead, preparing thoroughly for the new season, appointing the right men's head coach, and ensuring we have the structures in place to support success on the pitch."
