I met with Craig Whyte during my recent visit and he provided clarity on the funding position. His true financial commitment was not by way of cash (as he had previously advised me) but rather guarantees he and/or companies associated with him had given to Ticketus. He confirmed to me Ticketus has no recourse to the football club. Hopefully the administrators will be able to confirm this. The upshot of his confession is the fans were duped.
The Murray Group
I am satisfied in my mind that (the Murray Group) had no knowledge the proof of funds supplied by Craig Whyte's attorneys was secured by season ticket sales. I am further satisfied the Murray Group would not have proceeded with the transaction if the true source of the funds had been disclosed.
Collyer Bristow
The role of Collyer Bristow requires further investigation as this legal firm appears to have behaved in a manner inconsistent with its natural duties and responsibilities. I met with Gary Withey (of Collyer Bristow who was Rangers secretary) and I do not believe it is plausible he was actively involved in an attempt to deceive the shareholders, fans and creditors of the club. I do however have concerns about the discharge of his duties as company secretary for Rangers.
Administration
I do not believe there is a reasonable prospect the company can come out of administration. I believe liquidation is inevitable.
European football
The club will not meet its financial requirements before the UEFA deadline. There will consequently be no European football next year and liquidation might extend that by another two years.
HMRC
I wish to commend HMRC for showing the maximum restraint it possibly could have under its mandate to collect taxes that are due.
Going forward
It grieves me to state that it seems inevitable the footballing institution will survive but the company won't. This will entail many hurdles (that will be overcome) including "Rangers (2012) Ltd" having to reapply for membership of the SFA, etc. If managed sensibly, it can result in Rangers returning to its former glory as a football club in the shortest time possible.
My present position
I seem to be one of the few who actually invested cash into the club. I have made a claim of £20 million on the basis of non-disclosure by then chairman David Murray of Rangers' true financial position as far back as 2000. I want to advise fans and fellow shareholders any benefit I receive will be fully reinvested into the restructured football club.
My future position
I intend to remain involved with the club, at least on my present basis, post-reconstruction.
Paul Murray
I will be putting my full support behind Paul Murray's initiative to secure the future of the club. He is a very smart businessman of integrity and holds all that is sacred and traditional at Rangers very close to his heart.
The previous board
I worked happily with the previous board and was saddened by the way some of them were excoriated by the media for no reason other than they opposed the sale of the club to a man who appeared to have insufficient funds to take the club forward. Martin Bain, Paul Murray and Alastair Johnston were fired for voicing their concerns.
Martin Bain
Martin, pictured centre, deserves particular mention. I have chatted to him since he was forced to resign. Despite the lies and untruths that were being leaked about him he never wavered in his loyalty and commitment to the club.
John Greig and John McClelland
Both of these gentlemen soldiered on in the best interests of the club until they reached a point where they reluctantly resigned. I haven't spoken to John McClelland, pictured right, but I can confirm (from my recent discussions with him) how pained John Greig, pictured far left, is to have been unable to attend his beloved Ibrox.
Previous titles
I have noted the recent media comment about Rangers being stripped of previously earned titles. While this makes good headlines, I am absolutely confident this will not happen.
