CLUB 1872 chiefs are confident their first share purchase is a step in the right direction towards increased supporter influence at Ibrox.

The fans group was launched last month as several organisations, including the Rangers Supporters Trust and Rangers First, came together under one umbrella for the first time.

On Monday, it was announced that Club 1872 had become the sixth largest shareholder in Rangers International Football Club plc following the acquisition of more than 300,000 shares.

The group have now broken through the 6% barrier and have set their sights on a 25% stake in the Gers as they bid to attract 50,000 members.

And spokesman Craig Houston believes Club 1872 have made a positive move as the Light Blue legions have increased their Ibrox influence once again.

He told SportTimes: “It shows the intent of the group and it is great news at such an early stage of Club 1872. We are determined to increase the shareholding owned by the supporters and there is more money there to purchase shares when they become available.

“It shows great intent and it is a massive step forward for the fans who want a bigger influence in the running of Rangers. We have a target of 25% and we already have a sizeable shareholding.

“It puts us in a good place going forward and, as and when more shares are available, the group are in a position to purchase them, or invest in a fresh share issue. That would be an even better situation because the money then goes to the club.

“It has been encouraging so far and there will be more visibility for Club 1872 going forward and we will step things up even more.

“The initial responses from fans have been very encouraging and I am sure that as we come out with more good news as the weeks and months go on then more supporters will look to join Club 1872.”

Future investment from supporters will continue to be crucial to Rangers as the Ibrox board make progress on their rebuilding job on and off the park following the changes at the top table last March.

As part of their Club 1872 membership fee, fans can decide how much cash they wish to pledge towards buying shares and how much goes into financing other projects.

The group will continue to acquire shares where possible but it is at any future rights issue where they could make their biggest mark on the investor picture at Ibrox.

Houston said: “Some of these things are out with our control unfortunately. There are funds there to get us to that point (10%) though the purchase of shares or through a share issue.

“If there was a share issue tomorrow, there are funds there that would enable us to get there immediately.

“It is a double edged sword and the price of the shares just now means that nobody is making a massive profit on them.

“If you buy them from perceived ‘good guys’ then you are going to vote the same way. If you buy them from perceived ‘bad guys’ then you vote in a different direction and you have a bigger influence in the outcome of any vote.

“The best thing would be that Rangers are in a position to do a new share issue and Club 1872 are then giving their money to Rangers and nobody else.

“The board have stated publically that there are criminal proceedings that need to be finalised before a new share issue will take place.

“Again, that is out with our control and out with Rangers’ control. When it does happen, we want to be in a position to ensure we can take full benefit of it.”