Dave King response to takeover talk could lead to fresh impact at Rangers
Dave King provided an explosive response to spurious claims that he was set to team up with the much-maligned Easdale brothers to gain a controlling influence at Rangers.
Given that King was one of the three figureheads, along with Paul Murray and John Gilligan, to save the club in 2015 from associates and allies of the Easdales [The Athletic], it appeared far-fetched, to say the least.
King’s retort to the claims provided a resounding vote of confidence in the new leadership of chairman John Bennett and incoming chief executive officer, James Bisgrove which could lead to a fresh impact for the South Africa-based shareholder at Rangers.
As reported by the Herald late on Tuesday evening, it had been claimed that King had held discussions with Sandy and James Easdale.
“It was suggested that the Greenock businessmen will have around 20 million shares in RIFC plc returned to them following a court order,” it said
“And it was then bizarrely claimed that King and the Easdales – who were forced out of Ibrox following regime change in 2015 – could work together to attempt a boardroom coup alongside unnamed American investors.”
The initial claim was always going to gain traction quickly due to the perception of the brothers and their roles at Ibrox during a very dark period for the club.
Whilst King’s firm answer was one that was largely expected, it was the extent of his support for the new decision-makers that will create another talking point.
He was previously looking to offload his shares after an agreement with fan-shareholding vehicle Club 1872 had to be shelved and he was a vocal critic of the leadership of Douglas Park.
Now, he appears to share in the vision and ideals of Bennett and Bisgrove, which creates an interesting prospect.
Whilst a permanent return to Glasgow and the day-to-day running of the club is not likely at all, there could yet be a seat at the table for the maverick businessman.
His New Oasis Asset Limited entity is currently in the gift of 14.12% of stock in Rangers which confirms his existing role as an important minority shareholder.
He will continue to be a prominent, outspoken voice on all matters off the pitch, as well as occasionally on it, for some time yet.
In other Rangers news, the club is said to be close to striking a deal to sign another player after Sam Lammers, with a £5m transfer on the cards.