Sport Nation 2Former Rangers chairman Dave King’s potential return to the Ibrox boardroom has generated significant attention, but recent reports suggest his comeback is unlikely. King, who played a key role in wrestling control of the club from a Mike Ashley-backed regime in 2015, expressed interest in returning to the chairman’s seat following the departure of John Bennett due to health concerns. However, sources indicate that a return to Rangers for King is unlikely, as relationships with his former allies on the board have soured.
King’s Leadership Legacy at Rangers
Dave King’s tenure as Rangers chairman was marked by a tumultuous but ultimately successful rebuilding process. After taking control of the club in 2015, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the club’s finances, rebuilding its infrastructure, and restoring it to competitive strength. Under King’s leadership, Rangers emerged from the shadow of financial collapse, culminating in their historic 55th league title win in 2021, a milestone that cemented their status as the world’s most successful football club.
However, King stepped down in 2020 after disagreements with key board members, including Douglas Park, the club’s then-chairman. His departure left a void, and Rangers have since struggled to maintain the momentum that saw them triumph over their arch-rivals, Celtic. King has now expressed concern that Rangers are falling behind Celtic, not only on the pitch but also in their organizational structure and financial strategy.
A Desire for a Two-Year Plan
In a recent interview, King laid out his vision for Rangers, proposing a two-year plan aimed at bridging the growing gap between Rangers and Celtic. He highlighted the need for urgent action, both in terms of leadership and strategic investment. According to King, the club is lacking direction and could find itself in a precarious position as the season progresses, particularly with European games adding further pressure.
“There is a very significant gap on and off the pitch between us and Celtic,” King said. “My fear, longer term as a fan, isn’t just about stopping 10-in-a-row, which was my previous target. One thing we do hang onto is that we are still the most successful club in the world, but if we slip too long, we might lose that as well.”
King’s warning reflects the growing concern among Rangers supporters, many of whom share his anxiety about Celtic’s recent resurgence. Celtic equaled Rangers’ record of 118 major trophies last season, and with the Parkhead side now aiming for their 56th domestic league title, the fear is that Rangers could soon lose their status as Scotland’s most decorated club.
Boardroom Resistance and a Bitter Bust-Up
Despite King’s desire to return to the helm, it appears that his bid to reclaim the chairman’s seat is being met with resistance from within the Rangers boardroom. According to reports, former allies of King have no intention of calling him back to Glasgow, following a “bitter bust-up” that occurred when King unexpectedly exited the club in 2020. This falling out has created a significant rift, and it seems unlikely that King will be welcomed back anytime soon.
The internal divisions at the club have further complicated the situation. Following the departure of CEO James Bisgrove to Saudi Arabia, Rangers find themselves without a permanent CEO, and the lack of clear leadership has added to the sense of uncertainty surrounding the club’s future. King’s concerns about the club’s current trajectory have been echoed by some fans, but without the backing of the board, his influence remains limited.
Rangers’ Struggles in Recruitment and Finances
One of King’s primary criticisms of the current Rangers leadership is their handling of player recruitment and finances. During his time in charge, King prided himself on implementing a rigorous and disciplined approach to managing the club’s resources. He emphasized the need to make smart, calculated decisions to ensure Rangers could compete with Celtic despite having fewer financial resources.
King lamented the fact that many of the policies he put in place have been abandoned by the current board. “All of the things we were very careful with have just been abandoned—managers allowed to do their own thing with no oversight from the board. The limited resources we had in competing with our neighbors had to be applied very smartly. We did the opposite—we’ve actually wasted money,” he said.
King’s comments reflect his frustration with the club’s recent financial decisions, including missed opportunities to bring in external investment. He pointed specifically to a potential deal with an American consortium that he had negotiated during his tenure. This deal, which would have brought substantial funds into the club, was rejected by Douglas Park, who assured King that the board had everything under control. However, King now believes that Rangers have failed to capitalize on key financial opportunities, leaving them vulnerable in the face of Celtic’s growing dominance.
European Challenges and a Season Slipping Away
As Rangers prepare for another round of European fixtures, King has raised concerns about the club’s ability to cope with the added demands of continental competition. He warned that the team could be in a “very difficult place” by October if they fail to perform in Europe, adding that there is “no leadership” at the club to navigate the challenges ahead.
Rangers’ recent performances in Europe have been a mixed bag. While they enjoyed a successful run to the Europa League final in 2022, the financial windfall from that campaign has not been fully capitalized on, according to King. Moreover, the sales of key players like Nathan Patterson and Calvin Bassey, which brought in significant transfer fees, have not been reinvested wisely, leaving the squad lacking depth and quality in crucial areas.
A Fan’s Perspective
King’s desire to return to Rangers is driven by his passion for the club and his belief that urgent action is needed to prevent further decline. He has consistently maintained that his primary motivation is to protect Rangers’ legacy as the most successful football club in the world. His concerns about Celtic’s growing dominance are shared by many supporters, who fear that their rivals are on the verge of overtaking Rangers in terms of both trophies and overall success.
“There is a level of urgency. This season is slipping,” King said, speaking as a fan rather than a businessman. His deep connection to Rangers, combined with his business acumen, has made him a popular figure among sections of the club’s fanbase, who would welcome his return.
Conclusion: A Club at a Crossroads
Rangers find themselves at a crucial juncture. With internal divisions, a lack of clear leadership, and growing pressure from Celtic, the club faces significant challenges both on and off the pitch. Dave King’s offer to return to the boardroom and implement a two-year plan reflects his commitment to restoring Rangers’ fortunes, but without the support of the current board, his vision may remain unfulfilled.
As the season progresses, Rangers must find a way to navigate their European commitments while addressing the gaps in their squad and leadership structure. Whether King returns or not, the club’s future hinges on their ability to make smart, strategic decisions that will allow them to compete with their Glasgow rivals and maintain their status as one of the most successful clubs in world football.
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