Rangers have finally put an end to years of High Court battles with Mike Ashley and Sports Direct as an out-of-court settlement is reached.
The Ibrox side’s retail operations were hamstrung for years by a poorly weighted retail deal that infamously saw the Gers getting only 7p of every £1 of merchandise sold.
Fans would go on to boycott the kits with the original deal – signed by the previous regime with Mike Ashley a shareholder in the club – viewed as going against the best interests of the club.
What followed were years of bitter court battles between the new regime – led by Dave King and the Three Bears – and Sports Direct.
The entire thing appeared like it would never end and until this week it had continued to hang over the Rangers retail operations, with Sports Direct claiming back money lost as per the terms of the previous arrangement.
In practice this basically meant Mike Ashley wanted a cut of the club’s retail arrangements with firstly Hummel and then Castore.
Rangers finally rid of Sports Direct after out-of-court settlement
Rangers’ retail has had a painful recent history for the club and the remnants of not only the Sports Direct deal, but the one with Hummel and Elite, continue to hang over the side.
But when it comes to SDI, Rangers have officially settled things out of court even if the clubs are being decidedly tight-lipped over what it may have cost them.
Ahead of the Europa League Final in Seville, managing director Stewart Robertson was pressed on the situation but insisted he was in no position to answer questions on it.
“No, I can’t comment on that,” said Robertson [Rangers Review].
Rangers’ retail operations have since been flourishing under a new partnership with disruptor brand Castore which has almost certainly served both parties well.
Whilst Rangers have been able to rebuild their retail reputation with a fledgling new company, Castore have used their exposure with the Gers to sign more footballing contracts.
One of those saw the retailer at the centre of a major footballing controversy this week, as a jersey leaked online.