What would King be coming back to do?

In effect, sort out the mess. There is conflict between the board and the supporters, and the board and a group of shareholders who want the directors replaced by their own nominees. The situation would be resolved at the forthcoming annual meeting, but the nominations of potential new directors - Paul Murray, Malcolm Murray, Scott Murdoch and Alex Wilson - have so far been blocked by the board. Rangers will also need investment to sustain the club on its journey back to the top flight, then provide the resources to mount a challenge to Celtic. King is prepared to provide in return for control of the club's fiscal policy and the chairmanship.

What is the likelihood of him being voted onto the board as chairman?

Given Craig Mather and Brian Stockbridge flew to South Africa to meet King, it must be assumed they would back his appointment to the board. That would leave Bryan Smart and James Easdale as the decisive figures. The latter, along with his brother Sandy who sits on the football club board, owns or has control of almost 25% of the shares. If the Easdales want to remain the sole powerbase, they may not welcome King's return, since he is backed by popular opinion and has the wherewithal to take a controlling interest.

How will it affect the agm and the bid to appoint a new board?

If King was to return as chairman, it is unlikely to adversely affect the efforts of the disgruntled institutional shareholders. They want new directors appointed, in part to provide the board with more experience in corporate governance. King wants greater corporate governance, too. They also want new decision-makers in place before they consider investing more themselves. The presence of King, and the wealth he can call upon, would steady the ship at a time when the Rangers accounts suggest cash reserves will run out at some point next season. Four new directors could still be appointed if King is chairman. Equally, the incumbent directors could point to King's involvement as an endorsement of their efforts, particularly if he takes the chairmanship ahead of the agm.

Can King work with all parties?

He has long maintained that the fixation with the various different personalities of the Rangers situation has been a distraction from the real issue: the impending need for fresh investment. King is prepared to put money in, on his own terms, which would address the predicament. His presence as a controlling influence on the board might also placate the shareholders seeking change on the board. King could yet unite the different factions, at least in the short term. King is also confident that the Scottish Football Association's fit and proper person criteria would not present a problem for him.

What do the Rangers fans want?

Most would give their unreserved backing to King. Most would also like the infighting and uncertainty to end once and for all. If the incumbent directors salvage their positions at the agm, they would still need to address the rising indignation amongst the support at the way the club has been run. Protests have increased in size and volume, and would be likely to continue if the present board remains in place after the agm. If fans were then to spend less money on merchandise, or be slow in their uptake of season tickets next summer, the finances of the club would become stretched to near breaking point.