Dave King blasts Douglas Park as he reacts to new Rangers development

Rangers's former chairman Dave King has slammed the lack of ambition from Douglas Park amid rumours of an American takeover at Ibrox.

Speaking to the Rangers Review (27 August), King dismissed reports that US investors were looking into buying the club [City A.M., 27 August], which is valued at £150million among current shareholders.

Holding a 14.12 per cent stake in the club, King is the largest shareholder ahead of Douglas Park on 11.74 per cent, and said that the latter's lack of ambition is the root cause of their current issues.

King said: “There is no truth whatsoever to the rumour that a USA billionaire – or anyone – has expressed any interest in acquiring Rangers.

“The club is going through a difficult phase that was largely self-inflicted, and commenced with Douglas Park refusing to back Steven Gerrard’s ambition to kick on from title 55.

"Self-interest should never be put ahead of our club – I am hoping that John Bennett turns things around. I know he will do everything in his power to do so.”

Would Rangers fans want change in the boardroom at Ibrox?

Despite seemingly being backed to the hilt by King to turn things around, it's clear that John Bennett faces a difficult task to lead the Gers on the path to becoming a regular Premiership winner once again.

Bennett's leadership in recent months has been slammed following the club's forced relocation to Hampden Park at the start of the new campaign, due to delayed redevelopment works at Ibrox.

Although Bennett admitted in a rare interview that returning to their spiritual home by September was an "aspiration" [RangersTV, 29 July], Gers fans still want to see more action both on and off the pitch amid a frustrating summer.

Philippe Clement's overhaul of the squad hasn't quite been as 'en masse' as the Belgian would have hoped due to an enforced sell-to-buy policy, but he's still hoping for more additions before 30 August.

However many incomings and exits play out in the coming days remains to be seen, but the feeling that actions upstairs continually limit the team's potential to lift another title will remain – until, of course, someone can repeat the achievements of Gerrard's 2021 side.

In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist has given his verdict on the fortunes of both Old Firm sides ahead of the season's first derby.

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