Former Ibrox director John Gilligan has praised the “phenomenal” commitment of the fellow Rangers investors who wrestled back control of the club five years ago this week.
The Scottish businessman and passionate Rangers fan was heavily involved as a group of investors headed by outgoing chairman Dave King established boardroom control at Ibrox back in 2015.
With the ongoing threat of the club’s assets being stripped, this group of Rangers-minded businessmen cobbled together to change the course of Ibrox history forever.
Over the course of the last five years, Rangers have finally managed to steer the ship on the right course and whilst we’re not there yet, the club is a whole lot better off than it was.
Reflecting on the last five years in an eye-opening interview with the Herald, Gilligan has heaped praise on the counterparts, colleagues and friends that made the takeover possible.
“What Douglas Park, Dave King, John Bennett, George Letham and George Taylor have committed to the club in terms of money and time and effort has been phenomenal,” said Gilligan.
“I still talk to them a lot. None of these guys are putting in money to make money. That is the biggest punchline. They put money in because they want to help Rangers. They are all supporters.
“Of course, they don’t want to lose their money and they won’t. But they could make a lot more money somewhere else. Their commitment is fantastic. They have been wonderful for the club.
“It is a fantastic feeling when you see the team beating Braga in the Europa League. In the first game after the EGM, we drew 0-0 with Cowdenbeath. Look at where we were and where we are now.”
Gilligan stepped down from the Ibrox board in 2017 but the former director did his bit to salvage the club whilst serving on the Board in the years previously.
A former managing director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries, Gilligan still regularly attends Rangers matches home and away as a lifelong supporter.
The 67-year-old has seen plenty during his time as a Rangers fan, but he places the takeover above your Helicopter Sundays and your European Cup Winners Cup triumphs.
“I could take Barcelona and Helicopter Sunday and roll them into one and that was still the greatest thing that ever happened to me outside of my daughters being born,” he said.
“I could nearly cry just now talking about it. I actually mean that. I fill up when I think of that day. Knowing that we had got the club back. Oh wow! I remember it vividly.
“I will never forget coming out of Argyle House and seeing all the supporters there celebrating. It was just fantastic. It was sheer relief as well.”
