Rangers investment prediction as Pat Nevin shares big-money 49ers claim
49ers Enterprises are getting closer to completing a takeover of Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window.
Rangers have had a tough season and sitting miles away from Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership highlights how far the Light Blues have fallen.
Therefore, there is plenty of excitement at Ibrox ahead of the arrival of the new owners in the hope that more optimistic times lie ahead.
The 49ers are expected to invest more money into the side than they have seen in recent years and put a focus on competing at the top in the hope of becoming winners.
Rangers warned ahead of takeover
Supporters at Ibrox have made no secret of their disappointment with those higher up at the club throughout the campaign.
Progression in the Europa League had been the saving grace, but having been knocked out against Athletic Bilbao, attention very quickly turned to the lack of domestic form this season.
| Team | Position | Goal Difference | Points |
| Celtic | 1 | 75 | 81 |
| Rangers | 2 | 33 | 66 |
It’s not just investment that is getting supporters excited ahead of the takeover, but also an emphasis on competing at the top and becoming a sustainable and successful side.
The appointment of Barry Ferguson as interim boss until the end of the campaign has certainly brought some peace to Glasgow as the former Gers captain has tried to increase pride throughout the squad once more.
However, Pat Nevin has warned supporters that the future may signal a move away from the feeling that has recently been restored.
Speaking live on BBC Radio Scotland (25 April), he said: “Yes, you get change very, very quickly, but do you always get the change you want, is the other question?
“There are plenty of clubs down in England who have had American investors come in, with lots and lots of money, which everyone thinks is a great thing, but plenty of negatives come with that as well.
“Sometimes you get pure businessmen coming in who don’t have an understanding of the concept of the club, its history, how it works and that can really upset folk.
“There are good and bad aspects. But, the hope is they buy into the club, not just financially but emotionally as well.”
Rangers can still get excited about the 49ers
Nevin makes some good points about investors in football and there could well be worries over a loss of identity at Ibrox.
However, supporters in Glasgow would surely feel as though that sense of pride and identity isn’t present in the hierarchy at Rangers anyway so it wouldn’t be taking anything away.
Furthermore, if you look at what the 49ers have achieved with Leeds United, it suggests that they are owners who are keen to provide success while keeping hold of the historic identity of their sides.
Supporters can not expect change overnight, especially if they are looking to achieve a sustainable future that brings success and therefore, patience will be key.
Nevertheless, the prospect of what the 49ers are offering is much more positive than what is currently being delivered and will no doubt bring more success and happiness to those at Ibrox.