RICKI NEILL is confident Rangers First can continue to grow after becoming the biggest fan ownership group in the UK.

The organisation has seen a rapid rise in the number of new members in recent weeks as the boardroom battle at Ibrox has intensified.

More than 8,100 supporters have now signed up, allowing RF to make a further purchase that takes their stake to 1.7% ahead of the make-or-break EGM.

Dave King, Paul Murray and John Gilligan are confident of their chances of overthrowing the board next month, with shares held by supporters set to prove crucial in toppling the regime.

And Neill, director of the organisation, is delighted with the response of the Light Blue legions after they overtook the Foundation of Hearts to claim top spot in the country.

He said: "I would like to thank every Rangers First member for making us the number one Fan Ownership Group in the UK.

"When you support Rangers, the world's most successful club, you are used to breaking records and Rangers First is doing exactly the same.

"With more than 8,100 members we are now the number one organisation of its type in Britain which is a fantastic achievement in less than a year.

"Rangers First only started buying shares last June and now we have a 1.7% stake in the club, so our members deserve enormous credit.

"Numbers continue to grow every day and I would continue to encourage supporters worldwide to sign up to Rangers First.

"The timing is perfect because perhaps for the first time in the club's history Rangers fans will have a voice at corporate level by voting at the forthcoming General Meeting.

"It is crucial for all supporter shareholders to follow the voting guidelines, register and vote correctly or proxy their shares."

Animosity between the boardroom and terraces has escalated in recent months as fans have staged a number of high-profile protests and boycotts.

Thousands are keen to play their part at the EGM, but Neill has repeated calls by the Three Bears and the Rangers Supporters' Trust and urged them to proxy their votes rather than head to the Capital.

He said: "I think the Rangers fans are starting to feel drained and embarrassed as well. We want to get the club back that we love.

"This meeting is going to be one of the biggest days in the history of Rangers Football Club.

"We need to urge the fans not to travel down to London; either post your votes, or actually proxy them over to Rangers First or one of the other supporters' groups.

"We need to get over 50 per cent of the vote so we can make change. Everybody who has got any kind of say needs to vote. It's very important."