By Andrew Warshaw
February 15 – Administrators in charge of Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers are confident the club will not go out of business, citing “very good progress” within the first 24 hours of taking over the running the 54-times league champions.
A footballing institution, Rangers were sensationally placed in administration yesterday because of severe tax debts but administrators say they hope to reach a stage “as soon as possible” whereby the club can operate independently again.
Saturday’s (February 18) Scottish Premier League game against Kilmarnock will go ahead as planned, while the administrators expect to hold meetings with the club’s staff at least once a week throughout the process.
“Our first priority has been to ensure that the football club continues to function and this is being achieved with the help of staff, players and management at the club,” said a statement.
“In particular, we would like to thank the club’s business partners who are going the extra mile to ensure that Saturday’s home match against Kilmarnock goes ahead as scheduled.
“We had extremely constructive discussions with Strathclyde Police and we can confirm the match will take place.
“We fully recognise this is a difficult time for players and staff at the club and are extremely appreciative of their reaction to the situation.
“We will be holding meetings with the staff on a weekly basis at least to inform them of developments.
“In broad terms, supporters can be reassured that Rangers will continue as a football club and we hope to reach a stage as soon as possible where the club can emerge from administration.
“We have had expressions of support across the political spectrum in Scotland within the last 24 hours and there is clearly a desire to see Rangers come through this situation successfully.”
Despite the expression of optimism, Rangers’ league season is effectively over.
The club were immediately docked 10 points after entering administration, putting them 14 points behind arch-rivals Celtic.
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