Ex-Rangers Player John Brown Wants Fan Group To Buy Relaunched Rangers

Former SPL Rangers FC player John Brown hopes "to lead a group to buy the relaunched club on behalf of supporters," according to the BBC. Brown, who recently resigned as a Rangers scout, has "questioned whether Charles Green holds the title deeds to Ibrox Stadium and Murray Park." Brown said, "We don't want to buy in with Charles Green. Rangers fans are going to buy out Charles Green's consortium." Housebuilders and property developers Allan Stewart and Stephen McKenna said last week that they "planned to bid" about £11M ($17M) for the club. McKenna since said that he had an £8.7M ($13.5M) bid rejected, but "insisted that he is not involved with the new group now being fronted by Brown" (BBC, 6/27). The SCOTSMAN reported that Green has "accused players who have refused to transfer" to his Rangers newco club of "opportunism." The squad is due to report back to Murray Park for pre-season training Thursday, but only players Lee McCulloch and Lee Wallace have indicated "they plan to commit to the new regime." However, teammate Dorin Goian "could follow suit." Asked whether he expects more players to try to quit the club, Green said, "I've learnt not to expect the expected at Rangers" (SCOTSMAN, 6/27).

GROUP OF NINE: In London, Roger Blitz reported that the Rangers will open camp without "nine of their senior players." The club said that it has alerted the Scottish Football Association that they would be filing claims for breach of contract. A club statement said, "It will be a big legal battle." Lawyers representing seven of the players said "they were prepared to raise their cases" at the Scottish court of sessions if the players were not allowed to move to other clubs (FINANCIAL TIMES, 6/27).