Franchise Notes: Jurors Told To Keep 'Cool Heads' In Rangers' Craig Whyte Trial

Jurors in the trial of former Scottish side Rangers Owner Craig Whyte have been urged to keep "cool heads" as they prepare to consider a verdict. Whyte, 46, denied "acquiring the club by fraud" in May '11. He also denied "another charge under the Companies Act." Defense QC Donald Findlay described Whyte as "the fall guy" in the case. In his closing speech on Monday, Findlay told the court that former Rangers Owner David Murray wanted to protect his legacy at the club but was "badly let down" by others who advised on the sale (BBC, 6/5).

Millionaire businessman Alan Bowers gave recently-relegated National League side Leyton Orient until 9am on Tuesday to "complete a deal for his takeover." An offer which could rise as high as £3.3M ($3.9M) "has been on the table for a week" after former professional footballer Bowers met Owner Francesco Becchetti. The club "faces a winding up order in the High Court on June 12" (SKY SPORTS, 6/5).