With just three almost meaningless games to go for Rangers, there is only one thing on the lips of fans of The Famous.
The imminent takeover by the San Francisco 49ers joined by health tycoon Andrew Cavenagh came out of the blue but could well save a club that was in serious danger of drifting towards the pack.
Despite the Old Firm results, the 17-point gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table says it all with Dave King very vocal in his criticism of the current custodians.
In his mind, it is they who are responsible for sustained success not returning to Ibrox after 55 which is why Rangers’ biggest shareholder looked for outside investment.
- READ MORE: Three Rangers manager race contenders after 49ers make criteria change to rule out Steven Gerrard
Dave King reveals how much money 49ers could bring to Rangers
Speaking on Talksport with Jim White and Simon Jordan on the 7th of May, King explained how fellow shareholder and key player in the 2015 takeover, Paul Murray, contacted him after learning of his attempts to find investors with deeper pockets:
“He then put me in touch with Andrew [Cavenagh], we chatted, had a couple of initial meetings and then I asked him the one question which is when a lot of these things fall apart, which is can you give me proof of funds?
“Before I take this forward, engage with other shareholders and board members, can you give me proof of funds that you have the cash to not only buy out the existing, weak shareholders we’d like to get out, but also enough to put new money into the club?
“It was only after they’d satisfied me through their bankers. I’m not going to disclose the figure, but the amount of money was very, very substantial.
“It was the amount of money I thought was needed not only to get this deal done, but to fund the club for the next two years and to bridge what I see to be the gap between us and our competition at the moment.
“Once they provided the proof of funds, we then started serious negotiations with other shareholders and directors to see if they could package something that would allow them to come in and take control.”
How wealthy 49ers group can propel Rangers to next level
Rangers, as has been well documented, have been burned before by individuals making lofty claims without the resources to back them up.
Craig Whyte and Charles Green set Rangers back years on and off the pitch and only now is it in a position to take a proper step forward after years of litigation and investment in neglected infrastructure.
Football has changed in that a wealthy owner can no longer bankroll a club, but what they can do is use their resources to invest in things like the stadium or training ground saving other revenue for much-needed transfer funds.
That the 49ers owners are listed by Forbes on their rich list and key stakeholders like Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe are easy to Google makes it a lot easier for fans to get excited.
And who wouldn’t? King is a straight shooter and very rarely indulges in hyperbole, however, he’s made the sort of claim that should see the blue half of Glasgow dreaming big, and the green half maybe just a little less sure of themselves.
