Club 1872 hope to continue talks with Rangers board over safe standing area at Ibrox

SportTimes revealed last month that the Light Blues board were open to the idea of introducing rail seating and had commissioned a feasibility study.

Talks have been held between Club 1872 and supporters from the Union Bears but there is no prospect of the safe standing area being up and running for the start of the new Premiership campaign.

A Club 1872 statement read: “A feasibility study has already been completed by Rangers and is being examined by them. The next step will be to collect indicative quotes for the installation of safe standing in various potential areas within Ibrox.

“We plan to work closely with both the Union Bears and the club in the coming months to ensure that any progress is communicated to all stakeholders during the evaluation process.

“It is important to note that there is a programme of rolling improvements to Ibrox which we understand must be Rangers’ priority. However, all parties are keen to accelerate improvements to the match day experience where possible.

“We are particularly keen to assist the Union Bears, The Blue Order and those RSCs who have expressed support for safe standing in helping to ensure a loud, intimidating and positive atmosphere at our home matches.

“We understand the positivity around creating some capacity for safe standing within Ibrox and the potential benefits that could bring to the match day atmosphere, but it is important that we acknowledge the interests of all supporters.

“We have to be mindful, for example, of the needs of disabled supporters and those who have held season tickets for many years in areas of the stadium where safe standing might be installed.

“We must also be aware of the memory of the Ibrox disaster and how that memory could impact any move away from an all seated stadium at Ibrox.

“That said, we do understand the positive case that can be put forward for safe standing and it is something we wish to explore and present to members.”