STEWART Robertston hopes ‘positive dialogue’ between Rangers and Glasgow City Council will pave the way for the redevelopment of the land around Ibrox in the coming months.

Plans for a matchday Fan Zone adjacent to the stadium were controversially quashed earlier this year as a fierce row erupted over the alleged involvement of Council Leader Susan Aitken, deputy David MacDonald and SNP Councillor Stephen Dornan.

Representatives from supporter organisation and shareholders Club 1872 quizzed Robertson about the furore at Rangers’ Annual General Meeting on Tuesday morning and the Light Blues Managing Director was more upbeat about the relationship between the club and Council chiefs.

Robertson said: “In relation to the stadium development and the footprint, we have obviously had pretty well publicised issues with the Council a couple of months ago.

“That has been at the Councillor level and what I would say is that at the Officer level, Glasgow City Council are working very closely with us. Since we had that issue a few weeks ago, we have actually had very positive dialogue with them.

“I am hopeful, whilst there will still be voices inevitably that won’t be our biggest fans, that the plans we put forward will meet with the approval of the Council and we won’t have any issues with planning.”

Mr Robertson was also asked about proposed redevelopments inside and outside of Ibrox as part of celebrations to mark Rangers’ 150th anniversary in 2022.

Rangers are currently reviewing their arrangements for disabled supporters - which Robertson admitted were ‘not fit for purpose’ – and plans have been drawn up for other significant changes around the Gers’ historic home in Govan.

Robertson said: “In relation to the improvement of the facilities, there has been a lot going on over the last 18 months in terms of background work and we are now at a stage where we have a framework which we can take forward.

“In fact, it was discussed at the board meeting yesterday. We are looking at the reinstitution of Edmiston House, for example, in terms of we need to look at better conference facilities and a flexible space there.

“We are looking at better retail space, looking at a museum. All these things are at the stage where we need to take it to a formal business plan and look at the feasibility. These have all been received very positively by the board and hopefully over the next 12 to 18 months you will see a real upgrade in terms of the facilities outside the stadium.”