Ex-Rangers director King could kill TV deal

Dave King’s war of words with the Rangers Board could cost Scottish football millions.

Rangers former director Dave King has ramped up his increasingly volatile spat with the Ibrox directors yesterday by releasing a hard-hitting statement.

The South Africa-based businessman last night publicly suggested Charles Green might be the “power behind the throne” at the Ibrox club. And in an emotive response to the current directors’ criticism of him, he claimed they were asking fans to show blind faith in their actions.

Promising to fly to Scotland this week for action meetings with supporters’ representatives, he pointedly said Rangers fans are loyal but not stupid.

It has now emerged the uncertainty once again enveloping Rangers could scupper the SPFL’s plans for a lucrative TV contract to cover games in the Championship next season.

That is the latest twist in an extraordinary few days of turbulence that have once again brought the very future of the Light Blues into question.

Angered at the news Rangers were to take on a “soft” loan with a repayment when he himself would have offered it interest-free, King made his move. He advised fans to withhold their 2014-15 season ticket money, and instead put it in a Trust. However, while that move got the overwhelming support of the official supporters groups, it angered the Board, who accused him of effectively threatening to put the club out of business.

Such a move would leave the club in danger of falling into insolvency, which would be as big a blow for the League as it would be for the club.

Anticipation of a highly-attractive Championship in 2014-15 has brought interest from broadcasters.

With Rangers and Hearts set to involved, and possibly Dunfermline and even Dundee, the SPFL have been inundated with inquiries from a wide variety of media companies.

In particular, it is understood a number of broadcasters, including the BBC, have inquired about the possibility of a one-year deal to include both live action and highlights.

The League, however, has been trying to sell the rights as a three-year package worth millions over the period. They feel that is the best way to broaden the game’s appeal

Now, though, they are concerned the internal strife at Rangers, possibly now just two games away from being the Championship’s biggest asset, will have would-be bidders running scared.

Uncertainty is traditionally a major problem for anyone looking to invest in the game. The SPFL know that only too well, having struggled to attract a title sponsor for the new set-up. That has drawn criticism for the Board and Chief Exec Neil Doncaster.

Ironically, Rangers’ woes could actually end up making the product more attractive for potential viewers. Were Ally McCoist’s side to go into administration, under the new rules they would pick up an automatic 25-point penalty. A handicap that would negate any advantage they will hold over their Championship rivals next season.

As things stand, the League One champions-elect are already warm favourites with the bookies to continue their journey straight through the lower leagues.

That is not too surprising, given they are set to go through an entire season in the country’s third tier without losing a single game.

The manager, though, is adamant the Championship will be far more competitive and has warned lots of improvement will be required.

The combative tone of King’s latest statement would appear to make clear that King has no intention of ever joining forces with the current Board.

Having had one unsuccessful meeting with Sandy Easdale, he appears now intent on trying to force the directors out. And in doing so, he has opted for a twin approach.

The first is an upbeat message to fans, who would follow him talking of a “watershed moment” in the club’s history. The second is an attempt to call upon the men who currently run Rangers to justify their actions.

Whether he succeeds only time will tell. But without question, this latest news signals an escalation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, Rangers boss Ally McCoist admits to frustration that off-field events are jeopardising the recent progress made by his team.

“I am slightly concerned that, once again, other issues may detract from what so far has been a very successful campaign,” he said. “We are hopeful in the next few games we can clinch the Championship. We have got the Ramsdens Cup Final ahead, also the Scottish Cup quarter-final, with an incredible incentive to win that and get a home tie in the semi-final.

“So on the football side, there are, for the first time, positives. But I am not going to get carried away.”