Rangers chairman John Bennett is under increased pressure following a difficult preseason.
The Ibrox investor is being scrutinised by disgruntled supporters despite being one of several shrewd businessmen who helped the team out during its dark days.
As demonstrated by the departure of managing director Stewart Robertson, sporting director Ross Wilson, and former chairman Douglas court from Ibrox during the past 18 months, when things don’t go as planned, there is a commotion off the court.
However, Bennett finds himself squarely in the crosshairs of fans now that the Rangers lack a CEO to absorb the wrath of supporters—James Bisgrove has jumped ship to Saudi Arabia.
There are several reasons for supporters to be dissatisfied, including the club’s aimless pursuit of transfers and the circumstances at Ibrox/Hampden.
Expectant bluenoses are currently waiting on John Bennett to provide an update, and we have a feeling that this isn’t ideal timing for any Rangers players.
Rangers fans wait on ‘personal’ Bennett update
As Rangers announced a deal to use Hampden amid the Copland Stand’s flailing refurbishment, John Bennett took the chance to address supporters.
Amidst simmering tensions, the message apologised for the situation, which will see season ticket holders move into the national stadium for an as-yet-undetermined period of time.
However, the club’s chairman promised Rangers supporters a more detailed information by the end of this month.
Bennett said on the official Rangers website, “First, I’d like to apologise on behalf of the club for the uncertainty that this delayed project has caused to our season ticket holders, hospitality clients, partners, and the wider support of this football club.”
It has been really challenging to bring about the one thing we all desire—certainty—because of the sheer number of variables in this scenario.
“Nevertheless, we are closing in on the most immediate solution – a suitable venue at which to fulfil our fixtures and house our support.
“While the ongoing delay means that the club is unable to fix a date for our return to Ibrox, we anticipate that this will become clearer upon delivery of the necessary materials to Glasgow.
“Rangers thanks the Scottish FA and the SPFL for their strong support in working to this solution.
“The club wholeheartedly appreciates the continued patience of our supporters while we work through this most trying of situations.
“I intend to give a fuller, personal update by the end of July.”
Gers chairman must outline title ambitions
As the team’s long-held dominance in Scottish football starts to wane, Rangers supporters have been clamouring for Bennett to step up and take charge.
A few days remain till August, and expectations among Rangers supporters—who maintain that a personal update was scheduled to be sent before the end of July—are growing.
The issue is that, by the time July ended, we believe the Rangers chairman likely anticipated further trade activity to soothe fans’ resentment.
Rangers has been unsuccessful in several high-profile transfer attempts, and on August 1st, the team will register new players for its Champions League qualification squad.
Rangers could lose up to £30 million in order to qualify for the Champions League, which would put them farther behind Celtic in terms of money and skill.
The club’s leadership structure is similarly vague, and the Ibrox scenario only serves to exacerbate the stench of a team and organisation that have failed to live up to Glasgow’s minimal standards.
Bennett undoubtedly thought that by now, supporter attitude would have improved, but as the match against Hearts draws nearer next weekend, the hostility is intensifying.
Rangers’ chairman will need to explain to supporters how he intends to live up to the expectation that if you’re not first, you might as well be last throughout this season.
