Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has paid tribute to outgoing Ibrox chairman Dave King after the businessman gave “five years of his life up and dedicated it to Rangers”.
The Gers manager was speaking as the Ibrox club prepare to face Feyenoord in Rotterdam and he could not have made his feelings about King clearer.
For Gerrard, the South Africa-based businessman has been a rock for him in Glasgow and King is someone the Scouser has “massive respect for”.
“I met Dave on Saturday night and had dinner together where he told me about his decision. I’ve got massive respect for Dave and the job he’s done chairing the board,” said Gerrard [Rangers].
“The positive thing is he’s not going anywhere. He’ll still be a shareholder and still be about. I think it’s important that I’ve got that relationship.
“Dave is somebody that I trust very much as he’s given me fantastic support. He was big influence on my decision to come here in the first place.
“The main thing that came out of meal was the relationship won’t change. He’ll still be there for me and that’s very important.
“I don’t think the games moving forward will impact his legacy. You saw the reaction at the AGM and the reaction since the news.
“He deserves that. He reluctantly went into that role in the first place and he’s given five years of his life up and dedicated it to Rangers to put it in a better position than when he took over.
“I’ve got nothing but admiration and respect for him from a personal point of view having got to know him. He’s a good guy – a good type who cares about this club and its supporters.
‘I’m sure the club and board will continue to move forward and it’s important that he’s staying.”
Gerrard’s comments come after an outpouring of support for King following the announcement of his decision to step down as Rangers chair in an emotional speech [Rangers] at the club’s AGM.
Considered by many to be the saviour of Rangers during a time of tumultuous boardroom battles, the club is in considerably better condition on and off the field than it was when King took over.
His role in getting Gerrard to Ibrox cannot be understated, and neither can his motives for taking over at Ibrox.
Dave King took over at Ibrox because of his love for Rangers. That’s something which has clearly washed off on Gerrard.
