James Easdale has stepped down from the Rangers board
Easdale has stepped down as a director of the company and football club with immediate effect, claiming fan pressure forced him out.
He was one of four men facing a shareholder vote of no confidence at the March 6 EGM called by former directors Dave King and Paul Murray, allied with former Tennent Caledonian Breweries managing director John Gilligan.
But Easdale’s decision to desert his plc board post early has been taken as a sign by Ibrox fans that the current power bloc is close to crumbling.
King maintains he already has the verbal backing of more than 50 per cent of shareholders and will win the EGM vote.
Now with Easdale gone there are hopes among supporters’ groups that managing director Derek Llambias, finance chief Barry Leach and chairman David Somers will also fall on their sword before the meeting.
Supporters Trust spokesman Chris Graham said: “It’s good that the Easdale brothers have finally given the support something to celebrate.
“We’ve wanted a removal of all the board members. We’re pleased that James Easdale has gone but there is still a job to be done.
“There’s another three directors on the plc board and his brother still sits on the football board. We need to focus on removing the rest of the board.”
Rangers First and Rangers Trust members now have control of more than four per cent of club shares and will vote with King at the EGM.
Newspaper Review - Wednesday 25 February
Yesterday, Rangers First announced the purchase of additional shares and a membership now totalling more than 12,000 fans. Easdale’s resignation came just hours after it was confirmed the Rangers Trust had bought shares from a voting bloc previously allied to Easdale and his brother Sandy.
James Easdale claimed in a statement that he had no desire to stay on with the fans against him.
He said: “After what the fans have been through with previous owners and managements it is hardly surprising they are heartily sick of the whole affair and they now seek another way forward.
“I drew great comfort from the shareholder votes in my favour at the AGM on December 22 – almost 90 per cent – however, it was clear that this cut little ice with the fans who attended Ibrox that day.
“I feel that to remain on the board even after securing shareholder backing would be a hollow victory for me without the fans’ support to help the club go forward. But I want to dispel any remaining doubt that I received any remuneration from Rangers. I did not. Instead I chose to work for free to benefit the club.
“I want to see Rangers flourish again with both fans and shareholders working in harmony.
“To help achieve that objective, it is in the best interests of the club that I step aside and resign from the board.”
Fans believe the only way for the club to survive is for the current board to leave and for King, Murray and Rangers FC Trust member Gilligan to take over.
There would still be restrictive retail contracts in place with Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley, who is showing no signs of ripping up any of the deals which are watertight and strengthened through him loaning money to the club on a regular basis.
However, King is adamant that will not be a hindrance to his plans for the club.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
