‘Rangers are back in the game’ as 49ers’ plan to blow Celtic away emerges
Rangers’ 49ers Enterprises takeover is progressing with widespread reports claiming a deal has now been agreed in principle.
The US group are looking at a majority takeover and want control of the Ibrox boardroom by buying at least 51% of the club’s shares.
Rangers have struggled to compete with Old Firm rivals Celtic in recent years and have sacked a number of managers in pursuit of parity with their Glasgow neighbours.
This season, the Gers are some 16 points behind their rivals while Celtic are on course to claim a domestic treble.
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has revealed why “Rangers are back in the game” after a takeover goes through, and suggested when a deal could be finalised.
‘Rangers to invest in recruitment and academy under 49ers‘
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted he expects the takeover deal to be signed “in a couple of months”.
49ers Enterprises are also owners of English Championship side Leeds after buying a majority stake in 2023.
Wyness insisted he expects investment in recruitment and in the Murray Park academy system to restore parity with Celtic.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I think it could go through pretty quick.
“I’ve been surprised with the progress that has been made. Talks started, from my knowledge, at the start of the year.
“It’s been quick conversations. I’ve been hammering on about Rangers and a change at board level for a while now, and this is exactly what I’m talking about.
“This is fresh blood coming in, people who understand sports – not just Rangers fans.
“This is great news for Rangers fans, I really believe that.
“I think Patrick Stewart can do a great job with new owners, he’s very capable.
“He’s been hampered by the old board, and the fans understand that. We’ll see investment in recruitment, at Murray Park – it’s great news.
“Patrick will put together a plan and it will take a couple of seasons to challenge Celtic, but that’s what it’s all about.
“Rangers will be back in the game if this goes through – and I expect it to in the next couple of months.”
49ers work on appointing new Rangers boss
Prospective new owners 49ers Enterprises will play a key role in Rangers’ next manager appointment and are working with the club in the background.
| Manager | Tenure |
| Philippe Clement | October 2023 – February 2025 |
| Michael Beale | November 2022 – October 2023 |
| Giovanni van Bronckhorst | November 2021 – November 2022 |
| Steven Gerrard | June 2018 – November 2021 |
| Pedro Caixinha | March 2017 – October 2017 |
The Gers are 16 points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic and have been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions.
Football Insider revealed in January that Derek McInnes and Russell Martin are on Rangers’ shortlist alongside Steve Cooper and Kevin Muscat.
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