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James Bisgrove must overcome Ibrox fiasco after latest Rangers boardroom news
New Rangers chief executive officer James Bisgrove must overcome the shadow of the Sydney Super Cup fiasco, as outlined by Jonny McFarlane of the Rangers Review.
Changes to the executive team at Ibrox were confirmed on the club website yesterday, with the news that managing director Stewart Robertson will leave the club on 31 July 2023, to be replaced by Bisgrove on the same date under the new title of CEO.
The existing commercial director was involved significantly in the initial decision to play Celtic in the Sydney Super Cup tournament during last year’s World Cup break but the club later withdrew amid reported contractual issues and ferocious supporter opposition.
The article set out how Bisgrove will bring a fresh, modern approach to the critical role in the boardroom aided by his previous approach to a major issue.
“While some will point to the deal struck to see Rangers take part in the Sydney Super Cup as evidence of his failings, he also fronted up to the flak coming his way,” said McFarlane.
“He appeared on Rangers fan media podcast Heart and Hand to face the music and explain the thought processes behind the deeply unpopular agreement while others remained silent amid online fury that was glowing white hot.”
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The Sydney debacle remains on the minds of the fans at Ibrox.
It was a key factor that drove opposition to Robertson and sporting director Ross Wilson, who along with Douglas Park, have resigned from their roles.
Bisgrove brought the Sydney proposal to the board but from there it should have been rejected. It is not his fault that it wasn’t but mud sticks. As stated, he was the one to come out and front up and it is important to recognise that.
He has earned his promotion by excelling in his role as head of commercial although the ways to bring money into the club haven’t always been popular or reputable. Examples of the likes of Bitci and Sportemongo appearing on the team kit still cast a shadow.
Ultimately, he has met his brief and then some. Bisgrove will need to hit the ground running in his new position, banishing memories of Sydney and getting the fans back onside.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist delivers a ‘phenomenal’ verdict live on talkSPORT amid latest Gers transfer news.