Rangers prepare for 49ers arrival as cash injection confirmed – Keith Wyness
Rangers fans’ excitement will be building as the 49ers Enterprises takeover moves forward following years of decline under the status quo.
The US consortium, which includes Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe and health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, is looking to secure a majority takeover and wants control of the Ibrox boardroom by buying at least 51 per cent of the club’s shares.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 12 March Rangers have received a £5.3million injection from their current owners in the form of a new share issue.
Rangers’ owners injected £3.6million into the club last month in a similar transaction.
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 share issue at Ibrox.
Rangers board give 49ers ‘blank page’ with £5.3m injection
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed the injections will give the 49ers a “blank page” to work with when they arrive.
Rangers increased revenue from £83.8million to a record-breaking £88.3million in 2023-24, but their net losses surged by £4.1million to £17.2million.
Wyness insisted he believes the 49ers will be “great custodians” at Ibrox.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “This is the second share issue in recent times.
“The last one was around £3.6million, so about £8.9million in total.
“It’s certainly not significant money, it’s swapping debt for equity.
“This will be housekeeping with bills to be paid, giving the 49ers a blank page to work from when they get in.
| Shareholder | Shares (%) |
| Dave King | 13 |
| Douglas Park | 11.5 |
| George Taylor | 10.2 |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.5 |
| John Bennett | 7.1 |
| Julian Wolhardt | 6.7 |
| John Halsted | 6 |
“It’s more housekeeping. I believe there are around half a million shares in circulation now, and I think there will be great value in those shares going forward.
“I think the 49ers will be great custodians. It should herald a good new era for Rangers.
“It’s a big challenge to get back on par with Celtic, we know that, but I think they can charge on.”
Ferguson ‘in the reckoning’ to land permanent Rangers job
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 March) that Barry Ferguson is in the reckoning for the permanent job at Rangers after wins over Fenerbahce and Celtic.
The ex-midfielder can enhance his reputation with further progress in the Europa League and a home win over Celtic after the split.
Ferguson replaced Philippe Clement at Ibrox at the end of February on an interim basis.
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