‘Rangers could be bigger than Leeds United after 49ers deal agreed’
Rangers’ US-backed takeover has finally gone through to herald a new era at Ibrox after years of underperformance.
49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh completed their majority buyout last week (31 May) and confirmed they will invest £20million via a share issue.
The 49ers are also majority owners at Leeds, leading to speculation that Rangers could become a feeder club for the newly-promoted Premier League outfit.
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 had his say on the new relationship between the two footballing giants.
‘Rangers can be bigger than Leeds’ after 49ers takeover, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted the two clubs will be treated as “separate entities” – and added that Rangers “could end up being bigger” than Leeds under the 49ers’ ownership.
The Ibrox club are virtually guaranteed European football every season and could play Champions League football if they can navigate three rounds of qualifying.
Wyness insisted “the future can be bright for Rangers” under their new ownership.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “The 49ers seem to be decent owners, they’re certainly stable enough.
“Paraag Marathe coming in as vice-chairman is a good sign.
“I don’t think Rangers will end up being a feeder club for Leeds. It’s a separate entity, and it could end up being bigger than Leeds in many ways.
“But for the first time in a while, I think the future can be bright for Rangers.
“I’ve been hammering them all season, and quite rightly so. But they’ve got a chance to turn it around.
“They’ve been lucky to get the 49ers, but they’ve got a big chance to go forward.
“Let’s just wait and see if the Old Firm rivalry gets more interesting next season.”
Rangers transfer plan revealed
Football Insider has revealed (2 June) that Rangers’ new owners are expected to make big transfer funds available to their new head coach this summer.
Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti are among the front-runners to take the job at Ibrox.
Big changes are expected at Rangers this summer with Kevin Thelwell starting work as the club’s new sporting director in recent days.
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