Rangers hit by new Ibrox stadium ‘worry’ after crushing blow – Keith Wyness
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted it would be a “real worry” if Rangers were relying on Champions League income to pay for Ibrox redevelopment work.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed the Gers must now take a “long-term” approach to on-pitch matters after failing to qualify yet again.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (14 August) that Rangers have missed out on earning an extra £40million in revenue following their elimination from the Champions League.
The Glasgow giants were beaten 3-1 on aggregate by Dynamo Kyiv after losing 2-0 at their temporary Hampden Park home on Tuesday (13 August).
Philippe Clement’s side, who will now play in the league phase of the Europa League, are currently playing away from Ibrox due to ongoing work on the Copland Stand.
Champions League exit could be ‘real worry’ for Rangers, says Wyness
Wyness insisted he “feels sorry” for Rangers – who also failed to emerge from qualifying last term.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “This is the problem Rangers are having every year now – they have to get through this qualifiers.
“They would’ve spent the money at the last minute if they had gone through.
“It’s a real squeeze in terms of timing.
“Rangers needed the money for several things. I would hope the stadium work was already budgeted in.
“If that isn’t the case, I would really worry.
“They have to now try and find a way to build for the long-term because they’ll have the same problem again next year.
“Even though I’m an Aberdeen fan, I do feel sorry for the Old Firm because this is a real challenge they face.”
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