Concern over newco Rangers FC's finances "has prompted" Aviva Premiership Sale Sharks Owner Brian Kennedy to make a £5.6M ($8.7M) bid "for a controlling interest," according to Jim Traynor of the Scottish DAILY RECORD. The bid was made on June 25 and although rejected, it "remains on the table." One of the main planks of his model was a rush by fans to buy season tickets, but so far no one "has been trampled in the stampede to the box office." There is still a "wide credibility gap" between Green and Rangers supporters. They remain unconvinced by the Yorkshireman and his people, and so it seems do investors, even though an English sports agency said last week that they "want to pay" £1M ($1.6M) for a 10% share (DAILY RECORD, 7/23). In a statement, Kennedy wrote: "I have recently had several confidential meetings with a gentleman representing the shareholders of Sevco, with regards to my interest in purchasing a majority shareholding in Rangers Football Club. The details of these meetings, and the written offer I have submitted have been disclosed from within the club. Now that this has leaked, I have no alternative, but to confirm that what is reported in the Daily Record regarding such matter is accurate. I have no further comment" (Sale Sharks).
TICKETS SLASHED: The DAILY RECORD also reported that Rangers fans "will pay up to 50% less for season tickets in the Irn-Bru Third Division." The Ibrox newco announced their prices for next term, although they "will not sell season tickets until they secure Rangers' Scottish Football Association membership." Full adult and concession prices have been reduced by a third, and children's tickets have been cut in half. Prices start at £65 ($101) for juveniles and £258 ($401) for adults (DAILY RECORD, 7/23).
HELPING HAND: In London, Esplin & Peach reported that football agent Paul Stretford is "assisting" Rangers newco, which confirmed the story. Green is using the services of the agent, who was banned in '08 for 18 months and fined £300,000 ($469,000) for a number of misconduct charges relating to how he acquired the right to represent English footballer Wayne Rooney. Stretford's link with the Ibrox club is revealed as Manager Ally McCoist "prepares to bolster his squad for life in the Irn-Bru Third Division next season." On acceptance of SFA membership the manager "will have until Sept. 1 to sign players" before a 12-month transfer embargo begins (LONDON TIMES, 7/23).
