SCOTLAND'S political, civic and business leaders yesterday united in expressing dismay and concern after one of football's best known clubs announced plans to file for administration.

The decision by Rangers at the Court of Session led to calls for the Ibrox club to come to an agreement so that it can stay in business and protect jobs.

Sports Minister Shona Robison said the club was a crucial part of the national game and a resolution was required to protect trading and employment.

Her comments were echoed by senior figures on Glasgow City Council and national business leaders, who fear the loss of such a high-profile institution from the sporting field would diminish the city's reputation.

Rangers chairman and majority shareholder Craig Whyte's decision leaves the immediate future of the Ibrox club in the balance as it now awaits the outcome of an appeal lodged against HMRC following allegations of £49million of unpaid tax and penalties.

Ms Robison said: "I understand that Rangers and HMRC are continuing dialogue and we obviously want to see an agreement which will protect jobs and enable the club to stay in business.

"Rangers are a crucial part of Scotland's national game and our interest is ensuring that a resolution can be arrived at between HMRC and the club to deliver these vital objectives."

The Rangers 2010 annual report shows that some 190 staff are employed at Ibrox in addition to the 66 players on the payroll, with a total wages bill of £23.6m.

The leader of Glasgow City Council has called for the Rangers financial crash to be resolved as soon as possible in the interests of the city.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, who is also the chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, which promotes and tracks economic activity in the city, said: "Rangers are one of the greatest football clubs in the world and, like the other half of the Old Firm, carries the good name of Glasgow far and wide.

"It's never good news when something like this happens to any business, so I hope these problems are resolved as soon as possible."

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said it was concerned by the "difficult times" endured at Ibrox given the club's role in generating wealth and employment.

Chief executive Stuart Patrick said: "Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is always concerned by any large business in the city going through difficult times.

"We very much recognise the impact that a business the size of Rangers has in attracting visitors into Glasgow and in generating wealth for the city. It's not just a sporting issue – this is a large employer and significant commercial enterprise.

"So we hope that the problems with HMRC can be resolved quickly and that the club can move on to concentrate on growing its business."

Scottish Labour's spokeswoman on sport, Patricia Ferguson MSP, said: "Rangers are one of the oldest football clubs in Scotland and it would be a sad day for Scottish football if, after more than 130 years, the club was to be wound up.

"We must not forget that there are a lot of jobs at stake and this must be a deeply worrying time for all those employed at Rangers Football Club.

"I very much hope that for the sake of the game, the jobs and economic impact this could have, the club resolves its difficulties."