Scottish Championship side Rangers fans on Wednesday "demanded greater transparency" from club shareholder Mike Ashley
and "told the board to stop blaming them for their financial woes," according to McLeod & Ralston of the Scotland DAILY RECORD. A new marketing deal, welcomed by the board as a "visible demonstration
of the Sports Direct support and long-term commitment to Rangers," has
also seen Ashley "give up the Ibrox naming rights." The move "highlights the deepening financial concerns" at the club and "boosts Ashley's clout." Rangers supporters "demanded to know the end game." Union of Fans spokesperson Chris Graham said, "On the surface it's great
Ashley has dropped naming rights to Ibrox but what has he been given in
return?" Rangers blamed supporters for the "need to seek another loan, with attendances down on the back of a season ticket snub by 15,000 fans." Graham: "They're effectively blaming fans. It's disgraceful as they
knew a year ago they would not have sufficient funds to see out this
season" (DAILY RECORD, 11/13).
