MyGers has been a hugely controversial innovation by Rangers, however, it is proving to be a profitable one.
With the 2022/23 season, thankfully, almost at an end, preparations for next campaign have begun with season ticket renewels and now MyGers – the Rangers fan membership scheme.
Seen as a season ticket tax by some, the scheme sees a points-based system used to allocate tickets for in-demand events.
The more points you have, the better the chance there is of you getting the tickets that you want.
It is, of course, more than just a tax on supporters though and the latest announcement has revealed why the commercial department, led by new CEO James Bisgrove, were so keen to introduce it.
At this latest count, there are 53,000 members paying £40-£50 for adults and junior non-season ticket holders having to fork out £20.
A lot of money on top of a season ticket but some quick maths indicates just how invaluable this is for the club.
Even at £20 a head it works out at over £1m a season, so the real figure will be closer to double this.
Free parties for young members and opportunities to meet players, executives and be involved in discussion groups are an added benefit.
MyGers is here to stay for Rangers
The scheme is still in its infancy and will no doubt evolve through the teething problems in time so that those who can afford to “buy” points don’t end up being the only fans who ever get to attend finals and major European games.
James Bisgrove is a forward thinking executive and for all that all of his ideas might not be universally popular – the Sydney Cup for example – what he does do is bring serious money into the club.
Between MyGers and New Edmiston House, when it is fully up and running, we could, one day, be looking at upwards of £4m a season in additional revenue given previous projections.
When we are competing with a team that has 10,000 extra seats in their stadium, that sum could be the difference between success and failure.
The bigger picture might not always be shared with fans, but it’s clear that there is one hidden in an office at Ibrox, somewhere.
