Paraag Marathe ‘to leave Leeds United’ for Rangers boardroom role
Paraag Marathe may have to leave Leeds United to take up a boardroom role at Rangers once the takeover at Ibrox is complete.
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises are getting close to buying controlling shares at the Gers, with several changes expected at the Glaswegian outfit.
Marathe visited Ibrox recently, but there’s still no clear indication of his potential role at the Light Blues once the US consortium complete their deal.
The 49ers’ chief is the chairman at Leeds, who won the Championship title and will play in the Premier League next season, and he might need to leave to be a constant presence at the Bears.
49ers to have representative in Rangers boardroom after takeover, may not be Marathe
Marathe may not be a regular part of the Gers’ boardroom unless he leaves his role in West Yorkshire, Michael Gannon says.
The Record journalist expects the 49ers to have their representative at Ibrox, but it’s difficult to envision the Leeds chairman personally being involved.
| Major shareholders | Percentage |
| New Oasis Asset Limited | 12.96 |
| Douglas Park | 11.54 |
| George Alexander Taylor | 10.22 |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.53 |
| John Bennett | 7.11 |
| Borita Investments Limited | 6.69 |
| Perron Investments LLC | 6 |
Gannon doesn’t see the possibility of Marathe holding dual roles at Leeds and the Glaswegian outfit, with enough on the American’s plate at the Whites.
Speaking on Game On (2 May), he journalist said: “I can’t see [Marathe] holding dual roles at Leeds and Rangers. Leeds have got enough on their plate, having gone up to the Premier League.
“It looks to me from the outside he’s a kind of middleman that’s helping smooth the wheels for others. I’d imagine the 49ers will have a man on the ground in the boardroom. Whether it’s him, I doubt. Unless he leaves Leeds.”
Leeds United success to encourage Ibrox faithful
Leeds’ success under the 49ers arguably bodes well for the Gers, with fans hopeful of their future once the takeover is complete.
The Elland Road faithful had suffered heartbreak after being relegated from the Premier League, but the American owners have turned the tide at the West Yorkshire outfit since taking over in 2023.
Barry Ferguson’s future at Ibrox seems sealed, and it’s unlikely that the former Scotland international will continue beyond the current campaign.
Rangers need to decide who their next permanent manager will be, and the 49ers, through their links with Red Bull, may be able to attract some decent head coaches.
The appointment of a permanent boss will undoubtedly be imperative in determining the Gers’ transfer strategy next summer.
Gretar Steinsson is leading the search at Ibrox for the next head coach, and it remains to be seen who will lead the Bears next season.
Kevin Thelwell will also be the new sporting director at the Glaswegian outfit once he leaves Everton at the end of the campaign.
Exciting times are ahead in G51, and the developments will be worth watching.