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I appreciate this is all speculation and must be treated with a pinch of salt, although at first glance there does seem to be some substance to it. I can see the attraction of it to our current board. They're getting no thanks currently, a significant and vocal percentage of our support are quite critical of them and they face further seasons of managed decline, or downsizing at least, with little prospect of that changing short term. Most of them invested with their hearts, I imagine their heads are wondering if that was the right decision now. So this opportunity, if it is is realised, might be very attractive to quite a number of our significant shareholders. Personally it's not how I want to see Rangers owned. I'm naturally wary of any business with the words 'venture capitalist' anywhere near them. I've worked with a number of companies over the years who welcomed investment from venture capitalists but later regretted it. They want a return, that's all that matters to them, it's all about turning a profit. How anyone expects to make a profit out of Scottish football is beyond me. I worry that the plan is to make us a step in a pyramid, a pyramid that will almost certainly have an English side at its apex. That's where the potential to make money lies, so it makes sense that's where the focus is. This group have no love for Rangers. They have no sense of our history, our rivalries, what's important to us, our position in the culture here and our demands and expectations. We'll be an asset, a brand to hawk, a page on a ledger. Someone decried our club as being like a bowling club recently. Perhaps, but at least there's some accountability around a bowling club committee, they need to walk and live among us. I do accept that they won't want to destroy the club, not deliberately at least. They might introduce good governance, new ideas, fresh investment and indeed some success on the park, it's entirely possible. I suspect, not for the first time, I'll be in the minority on this. It's just not how I think football clubs should be owned and run. They're not 'normal' businesses, the emotion tied up with a club precludes it from those 'rules'. In America a club is viewed as a franchise, to be bought, sold and moved for a greater return. That's not how European football is. I hate what's happening to football in England. Clubs are losing what made them great, they're becoming sanitised, tourist versions of their old selves. The same clubs in name only.

My wife and I were married on St Andrews Day, 2006 and departed to the Maldives for our honeymoon a few days later. Bad planning meant I was missing that December's Old Firm game at Ibrox and the remote Meedhupparu Island had no satellite TV whilst the internet was patchy at best and usually non-existent. Nevertheless, I took a hopeful wander over to the communal TV room for a look see and found a few other nervous folk asking the same question. There were three bears and one Celtic fan. We had no joy on any of the Indian TV stations we could receive before an Aussie chef wandered by and asked what was happening. He beckoned us across the small island to the kitchens and we pulled up stools to listen to a battered old radio which didn't have match commentary but did supply BBC updates. The chef found us some cold beer as well before departing to help with dinner service. Celtic scored in the first half and with a Rangers team made up of Svensson, Sionko and Steven Smith, I had minimal confidence we'd equalise and the Celtic fan was jubilant. At the final whistle (we were told), us bears trooped back to our beach huts whilst the Celtic fan bounded off to the bar. My pus was tripping me at the result and the fact we were going home in the next day or two. It wasn't until much later that night (the Maldives are five hours ahead), that I seen the Aussie chef with had a big smile on his face wandering up to me with two silly big cocktails. You'd be happy with that late equaliser he opened with and my mood instantly changed. Turned out he knew Mortimer from a past life. Ultimately we lost the league again that season but just a few weeks after that game, Walter arrived back at the club and the following season we ended up in Manchester. My eldest daughter was also born in October 2007. You never know what's around the corner...

I don't think you are in the minority. Huge numbers of fans in England hate the moneyed clubs, hence the glee with which the demise of Man city is being viewed. I would want to see all clubs being fan-owned with the fans having control not just representation. "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one..."

A very fair and honest post, John. I tend to have a similar view but (and it's a very big but) we're going nowhere under the status quo and, in fact, we're going backwards at a rate of knots. As such if there's credible new interest in ownership - especially in a staged method that they used with Leeds to allow both parties to see the wood for the trees - then that's of interest to me. Our club needs a 1980s style revolution and, as much as success isn't guaranteed with any change, I'm keen to hear more about this and more info should be forthcoming. FWIW, I suspect this leak is more to do with applying some pressure to any hesitant existing shareholders as opposed to anything else. In terms of the ownership model, I also suspect that European league football changes are inevitable so this will make us well placed to take advantage of that.

Now being reported that they are very close to acquiring their 1st batch of shares from a major shareholder (believed to be King).

Currently we at least have the pretence of independence and we're not forced into service for just one club. But the point you make is fair, we're a step on the ladder, not the destination for most players. There are examples of good and bad ownership in football, full stop. We've had bad ownership in past that had nothing to do with America. It's not that they're American it's that they own Leeds already and have no emotional connection to us at all. It's just business to them.

I think the multi-club model is just a formal arrangement for what already happens: we're already a feeder club to English sides. There are examples of good and bad American ownership/investment, throughout Europe. We have to judge it on its own merit.

I think the excitement is merely a sign of getting away from a situation, rather than the unknown situation that we may be running towards.

My default position is, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In the meantime...

Look, as a Rangers fan, it's not just a hobby, it's ingrained. It's the inherited stories, the first match, the feeling of Ibrox on a European night. It's more than just following a team; it's a connection to something bigger. Our traditions aren't marketing slogans. They're the shared experiences, the matchday rituals, the sense of belonging. It's the songs, the colours, the understanding between fans. It's what makes us us. Think about it – the anticipation before a big game, the roar of the crowd, the shared frustration or elation. That's tradition. It's not something you can buy or manufacture. It's earned, passed down, lived. Now, we hear talk of takeovers, of new ideas. Change happens, we get that. But some things are fundamental. Our traditions are what define Rangers. They're what connect us to the past, to each other. They're the bedrock of the club. And they're worth protecting. Because without them, it's just another team. And we're not just another team. We're Rangers.🔴⚪️🔵

It is official. Chris McLaughlin has just appeared on BBC Scotland's lunchtime news, standing on his preferred Hinshelwood grassy knoll. The main stand is over his shoulder and the eyes are twitching, straining for expected snipers when he uttered, "there exists a broad agreement among all parties". I was expecting him to burst into a chorus of, 'I left my heart in ................. Papworth General'. Speculation will mount, Chris has(had) a heart?

I echo multiple posts on the thread. This group may think we are a best option to pitch their brand in the Champions League as Leeds arent getting there anytime soon. The investment needed in RFC is a fraction of what would be needed for Leeds to become a top 4 Premier club. Therefore that could be positive. On the flip side this group didnt invest in the Leeds playing squad to remain in the Premier League 2 years ago - although there is the fact Bielsa only likes to operate with a small squad but he was gone before the went back down. Its quite intriguing and Im looking forward to more news.

Oh well. Looks like this is on. Lets hope for the best.

Last time I played Fantasy Football was 10 years ago, after that, my interest in what is going on in the EPL essentially vanished. Hence, I am mildly shocked and surprised when I do see the odd highlight from England: teams like Brighton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Wolves, and dare I say it Forest and Newcastle are challenging for Champions League places. Teams which I associate with 2nd to 4th tier in my memories. Their supporters probably live the dreams of their fathers, grandfathers and even great great grandfathers. Maybe we should ask them whether they lost any of their traditions and histories, their rivalries etc.? The simple fact is that we are still caught in our goldfish bowl that won't get us much revenue, or the revenue required to play with the sharks out there. It is highly doubtful that any US or other cash will change this in the foreseeable future. What it can change is the current plight of not being able to overcome the Scottish clubs to get us straight entry into the CL riches. IMHO, we are actually not that much worse than them, yet we don't play to our strengths and/or don't have players that give us continuous level of the performance required. Hence, we do need investment. It is quite bizarre that Rangers teams who can't beat Scottish dross on a regular basis can beat multi-million teams on their way to the EL final or the last 16. One might even be willing to give credit to them for taking BL leaders Bayern almost to extra time. Might. The foundations are there, yet we need some change to the status quo, or the attempted skyscraper will just remain a nice detached house ...

I don't doubt your first point but having the correct ownership and ability to invest means we'll at least be part of the conversation as opposed to being so far outside the tent, we'd be as well being back in the Third Division.

Move Tav to linebacker; he will also be our place kicker expert. As for quarter back - could we get Charlie Adam back?

Given the meltdown on Celtic fan Twitter pages, it's either happening or the best operation tango since the day we won the league at Tannidice 😀

Believe nothing until it is officially denied, or until Humza Yousaff pours scorn upon the very suggestion.

At last, somebody who appreciates statistics. In common with the recruitment/draft system in the NFL, I am told that, as far as the cheerleaders are concerned, the ugliest supporters get first dibs......

We have to give the Union Bears some credit here; maybe they knew what they were doing with their 'MAGA' pun.

Timz & media won’t like this if potential good news for Rangers. I’m sure Liewell will have summoned his generals( or should that be genitals) & told them in no uncertain terms what he expects from them. Dumbcaster & MacLennan at the sPFL, Mulraney and his gang at the SFA and the numerous mhedia puppets. And the low level paper gatherers at Harper Macleod will also be getting themselves ready for action if needed. Stand back and get ready for the fallout…😎

There are examples of owners integrating quite well with their clubs, getting into the club culture, etc., like Birmingham, Burnley and Wrexham. Probably unlikely in our case as we wouldn't be the only club. It is just business, but if that makes us well-run it's not undesirable. Marathe (sp?) talks of return on investment, but he also means that the club gets value for money, like utilising data in recruitment, like FSG at Liverpool. Again, we'd need to judge the deal on its own merit rather than comparing it to others. If FSG came in, I'd bite their hand off; If John Textor came in, I'd run the other way. I don't know at this moment where 49ers sit.

Indeed, Citeh had some cads before they landed with the billions, but even at that, I hate what the likes of they and Chelsea et al have become. However, it's where football is going. Sadly.

Exactly how I feel. We are heading slowly into oblivion under the current regime if nothing changes. 1 title in 14 years is as big an indicator as any as to how far we have fallen (some mitigating circumstances in a few of those seasons). I said when King et al saved us from the clutches of the Spivs that I'd be ever grateful (and I am) but also said they weren't what we needed medium to long-term. Whilst all investments / take overs come with a risk, is it any riskier than letting the status quo continue?

I think I have mentioned this before? The Sultans of Oman are absolute monarchs, best described as benevolent despots. During 1988, the incumbent was Qaboos bin Said and he was particularly benevolent. After attending Sandhurst in the early 60s, he served for three years in Lanarkshire's regiment, the Cameronians. In the late 70s, he financed the construction of the Royal Military Academy's olympic sized swimming pool. When you enter the building you are reminded of his benevolence by the life sized oil portrait of the Sultan replete in Cameronian number one dress. The border between Oman and Yeman remains largely undefined. These last sixty years, the Sultans have been conducting a Hearts and Minds exercise based on both education and health. Concurrently, well financed paramilitaries within Yemen have been conducting an insurgency of low intensity to run interference on schools and clinics. The Sultan's counter is a grouping of controlled patrols protecting said centres and the necessary supply lines. He prefers the Company and Battalion designations to be commanded by British officers. Thus, in August'88 I was leading a patrol company on a ten day visitation to villages and hamlets. The purpose was to ensure a couple of Kiwi nurses achieved access to conduct vaccinations and well women clinics(effects of female circumcision - don't ask). On the fifth evening we left a village and headed several klicks to a wadi with the intent to establish an overnight patrol harbour. I knew Rangers had played ra Yahoos that afternoon at Ibrox but, had maintained professional discipline. After stand-to I returned to my basher and asked my signals Sgt to rig a whip antennae knowing I was being unprofessional. It was silent hours and I tuned to the BBC World Service for the wonderful Paddy Feeny's football roundup. The desert revealed a starry, starry night and I listened as Paddy enthusiastically narrated, "all the action from the game of today at Ibrox". The ensuing five minutes were torture as Paddy played a sequence of 15-20 second commentary sections. He began with, "we were treated to a six goal thriller" and promptly followed with the commentary of McAvennie notching the first goal. I thought we have lost six nil. The next two commentary clips revealed we had secured a 2-1 half time lead. The descrition of Ray Wilkins 25 yard volley had me screaming, SILENTLY! When we scored our third, my thought was it will finish 3-3. When Mark Walters ran the fifth, I was in the Derry, the East Enclosure, the District Bar, ................ doing the bouncy whilst silently screaming. It will always remain the warmest of memories given the circumstances, even a cold scoff of tinned pilchards did not diminish my cheerfulness at cuffing ra Yahoos 5-1. It was another month and a return to Muscat before I saw video highlights.

"It's going to happen at some point. There has been enough work put in on it to suggest that it is going to happen", "This is far enough along the line to really start taking it very seriously" "I would say it's well advanced." - Chris Jack on RR this morning ------- BBC saying it'll be completed by June at the latest ----------

Inside the 49ers deal that will see sweeping Rangers board changes | Rangers Review

Currently in Ross hall waiting room, I'm bound to bump into one of our players, see if there's ocht in it.

I lifted it directly from Daily Express 😀

Cammy is my source. ITK in chief. In all seriousness. Not one specific source, but the lack of it being shot down by the usual sources etc. Looks like it is a goer.

There are so many US based consortiums buying up European football clubs that they will now have some real voices at the table, and some voting power when it comes to deciding matters. My personal fear is that it is a matter of time before the football we all know and love is gone and some kind of Americanised garbage, like the changes to the CL, Europa and Conference Leagues have all turned into an NBA style format. I know some people like it, but its not for me. And it wont be the last step. It will morph into asuper league over time. They are just boiling the frog slowly. This is true, my concern is that we get the Leeds young foreign signings that couldn't get work permits for England and end up developing their talent pipeline with no say. We seem to have more relaxed foreign player signing criteria than the English clubs since Brexit. As it stands we get some autonomy over signing, using a selling our players.

The 20p was confirmed by Davie Edgar on the H&H daily update.

Sounds bad to me.

These predictions are to easy! Great result for Arsenal, its title race on if they win their game in hand.

Would be better if it was The Bears or The Patriots right enough. Anyway, if Chris Jack is running with this, must be something in it.

Better this than any one single billionaire / US-oligarch type of chap with only business in mind. Mind you, my local ice-hockey team is owned by the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which in turn owns all these Uber / Barclaycard Arenas and O2 Worlds in Europe, as well as the L.A. Kings, L.A. Galaxy, Hammarby IF, Los Angeles Lakers etc. ...

Can't wait for Leeds to be our feeder club.

Presumably the investors turning loans into shares. There seems to be a question over the accuracy over the accuracy of the £18 million amount paid figure, as this would mean they are paying £1 per share whereas previous issues have been around 25p. It could be that the amount on the form is incorrect, but it would be nice if it was accurate.

Apparently they made a mistake on that form, the shares were at 20p each. So 18m shares @ 20p, raising £3.6m. I'm guessing its a conversion of a loan to shares, but I'm sure we'll get more details in due course.

They haven't been the problem so much this season, that's mainly down to poor away form, and our players lack of focus against the 'smaller' teams.

Yeah, we've been back and forward so many times over the past few years that I don't have any confidence that whatever model they end up with will be effective as they've already decided in the recent past that it wasn't the right one for us.

I am not sure you can improve our overall play while drastically downsizing the way we have. I have a feeling the internal KPI's would have changed with the squad rug pull in the summer. I suspect individual player improvements are more important than team performances this season due to trying to get back in the black player trading again. Not saying this is what I agree with, it just seems pragmatic given the circumstances.

Not politically correct these days m'laddo

Wait until you have to explain "Snow off a dyke" to New England academics.

I was once at a conference in America a few years ago and at a dinner in the evening the conversation moved to teenage music. Scottish guy I was with told a story about him and his mates meeting up in a youth club where they'd "sit round a tranny sharing a fag, listening to the charts". This sentence, which made perfect sense to me, led a guy from San Diego to get quite annoyed with him. I'm not he ever believed our innocent explanation.