Ibrox View: Brechin rebuttal could pose SPFL probe problem for Rangers
RANGERS OPINION
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to call whether or not Rangers will get their wish of an independent investigation into the SPFL at Tuesday’s historic EGM.
When the Gers released their dossier of evidence last week, and the governing body dismissed it for not containing a “single shred of evidence“, it felt as if the odds were heavily stacked against them.
In the past few days, however, there seems to have been something of a shift in opinion.
Whether it be Davie Provan slamming the SPFL for their “ridiculous” handling of the past few weeks, Kris Commons admitting that he has performed a U-turn in his opinion and is now backing a probe, or the likes of Aberdeen and Stenhousemuir committing to vote with the Gers in favour of an inquiry, it feels as if our argument is gathering momentum.
But before we start celebrating too soon, it’s important to recognise that there is still sizeable opposition to an investigation.
The Scottish Sun journalist Bill Leckie has emphasised that he is staunchly against a probe, while Chris Sutton has savaged last week’s dossier – labelling it “weak” and “embarrassing”, and accusing Ibrox chiefs of “deflection” tactics.
Perhaps most concerning, however, is Brechin City’s furious reveal that they plan to vote against the Gers on Tuesday.
The League Two club claims that the Gers’ dossier alleges that they tried to influence other sides in the division into voting for the campaign to be brought to an end early.
A statement from the club reads: “Brechin City FC and our chairman are being subjected to unnecessary scrutiny and wholly unwarranted abuse”.
The club also state that other teams in the division are willing to testify in their favour if they are required to.
And that could be a worry for the Gers.
Not only does it cast doubt over the strength of Rangers’ allegations, but it also shows that there is notable opposition to their demands.
All it takes is for a few sides to swayed into doubt by Brechin’s impassioned rebuttal, and the wheels could come off entirely.
It’s impossible to know for sure which way the vote will go right now, but this is a timely reminder any optimism must be tempered with caution.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox Exclusive: Alex Bruce backs Gerrard to stay with Gers next season.