PAUL Murray is a former Deutsche Bank high-flyer who became a non-executive director at the Ibrox club in 2007.
The chartered accountant, who has an undisclosed personal fortune, advised Rangers on business development and also served on the club's youth development board.
He was a key player in piecing together a bid for the club in 2009 which was thwarted by Lloyds Bank, the club's biggest debtor, amid fears Mr Murray – along with fellow directors Dave King and Douglas Park – were trying to get the club at a knockdown price.
He attempted to reprise his bid last year ahead of Craig Whyte's takeover, but it was again rejected by the bank and Sir David Murray, who is no relation.
Murray, who has more than 20 years experience in the private equity industry, left the club less than a month after Whyte took control after voicing his concern over the buyout. Just before the sale of the club to Whyte, he warned the deal was not in the club's footballing interests.
He said: "It is vitally important every fan understands what could be about to happen to our club. The wrong move now could lead us down an even more difficult path. The fans have a right to know what is happening and to judge bids on their merit.
"Of course debts have to be paid. But Craig Whyte's offer is weighted in favour of the bank rather than the club, even though we have a debt level which is more than manageable. That is not the right thing for Rangers and the fans need to understand why I'm saying that."
He added: "I had an open mind on the Craig Whyte transaction.
"But when I saw the final structure of the deal in early April, I felt that it was not in the best interests of the club.
"I have been informed the Murray Group and the bank wish to pursue a transaction with Craig Whyte. And while I respect their decision to do what they regard to be in their commercial interests, my focus is to do what I think is in the club's interests."
Murray has since said that his fears had been vindicated by the ongoing financial and footballing worries at the club.
However, Whyte has accused the businessman – and other former directors – of carrying out a vendetta against him.
Paul Murray was appointed to the Rangers board as a non- executive director, in September 2007, along with former Wolverhampton Wanderers sales and marketing executive Stuart Cain, who joined the club's senior executive team.
In 2003, Murray led the launch of a new £200million private equity fund. The scheme was run by Edinburgh-based investment group Martin Currie. Murray was described at the time as a former 3i executive and founding partner of Deutsche Bank Capital Partners. A spokesman said it was delighted to attract someone of his calibre.
At Deutsche Bank Capital Partners, Murray led the £4bn buyout of paper and packaging firm Jefferson Smurfit
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