Rangers director Sandy Easdale has tightened his grip on Rangers by buying 1.2million shares.

As reported in later editions of last night's Evening Times, the bus tycoon spent £250,000 ­increasing his influence over 26% of the share capital at Ibrox.

Details of his investment were revealed in an announcement to the Stock Exchange.

It was revealed Easdale had purchased 1,242,110 ordinary shares taking his personal stake to 5.21%.

It means the McGill's owner now has influence over 26% of the shareholding at Ibrox.

The Union of Fans - an amalgamation of six supporters' organisations - has repeatedly called on the PLC board to stop football board chairman Easdale "controlling club affairs".

Easdale has pressed ahead - against the fans' wishes - by increasing his shareholding.

Union spokesman Chris Graham said this week: "The Union of Fans has already called for the Rangers PLC board to remove Sandy Easdale due to his involvement with convicted fraudster Rafat Rizvi.

"We repeat our call for the PLC board to disassociate itself from Rizvi by removing Sandy Easdale immediately from his position as a club director."

Earlier this week, the Evening Times revealed Laxey Partners had strengthened its grip on the club after spending £1m on five million new shares.

It increased the Isle of Man hedge fund's stake in Rangers to 16.3%.

Rangers' board members confirmed Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley did not take up his option of more shares.

Meanwhile, Rangers has announced the 12 members of a new fans' board.

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk