RANGERS fans were today urged to turn out in force and show their opposition to plans to give Mike Ashley security over Ibrox and Murray Park.

 

Supporters have reacted with fury after it emerged that Ashley wants the stadium and training ground as security for a £10 million loan.

Notices lodged by the Glasgow club with the Registers of Scotland this week mean only Sports Direct can be granted security for a 35 day period.

The Union of Fans has organised a mass demonstration before the SPFL Championship game against Hearts at Ibrox tonight to protest against the move.

And Craig Houston of Sons of Struth, one of the five groups in the union, has appealed to his fellow Light Blues followers to make their voices heard.

Houston said: "We are asking Rangers fans to congregate at the front of the stadium 45 minutes before kick-off tonight.

"I would urge as many supporters as possible, not just those associated with Sons of Struth or other Union of Fans groups, to turn up and join in.

"Any fan, no matter who they are, who is worried by the statement that has been put out by the club should come along and show their unhappiness.

"The members of the board will be in the Blue Room as usual before the game and that is situated at the front of the stadium. So they will hear us.

"All we can do to have an impact is shout and scream and make sure that our voices are heard."

He added: "I'm not sure the the board know the strength of feeling about this. I don't think they know what the reaction will be if this deal is accepted.

"If it goes ahead then a small shareholder will hold security over every single asset we have and hold every single major commercial contract as well."

Rangers issued a statement to the Stock Exchange yesterday saying they were considering various proposals to safeguard the financial future of the Ibrox club.

The League One champions are operating at a significant monthly loss and need to secure substantial investment soon in order to continue as a going concern.

But the prospect of Ibrox and Murray Park being used as a security for another loan from Newcastle United owner Ashley has not been well received by supporters.

Rangers released a statement on their official website last year assuring fans Ibrox would never be used as security amid growing fears it would be utilised for that purpose.

And club chairman David Somers told the AGM last month he had not been prepared to give Brian Kennedy security over Ibrox in return for a loan back in October.

The Rangers Supporters Trust revealed they were taking legal advice over the matter and had contacted MPs in an attempt to secure "political and government support".

A Trust statement read: "We believe the board may be acting illegally on two fronts and we will be working with any other shareholder who wishes to challenge this. If necessary we will instigate legal action against the directors both collectively and individually."

The Rangers First fan ownership scheme, which holds nearly a one per cent stake in the club, attracted over 200 new members when news of the development broke yesterday.

A Rangers First statement read: "Rangers First calls on the board to urgently clarify the position and to confirm its undertaking not to grant security over Ibrox Stadium."

The Union of Fans issued a statement accusing chief executive Derek Llambias and director Barry Leach of working to secure the remaining assets of Rangers for Sports Direct tycoon Ashley.

The statement read: "Mr Ashley and his board stooges have shown a blatant disregard for the club and the fans. John Brown could not have been more accurate when he described them as 'rats'."

Many Rangers fans would like to see the funding offer from "The Three Bears" consortium - wealthy supporters George Letham, Douglas Park and George Taylor - accepted by the club.

Letham, Park and Taylor, who jointly own over 20 per cent of the club, want security over Murray Park and two places on the club board in return for a loan of £5 million.

Houston said: "Rangers Football Club can train anywhere. But they can only play at Ibrox."

"Brian Kennedy wanted Ibrox as security when he offered to loan the club money last year - but the difference was he was prepared to put that security into a trust for fans."