‘Is it going to get over the line?’ – Slow paced Rangers and 49ers talks raises takeover doubts
Rangers fans would probably be happier if they were watching their team about to win a treble, however, there is something amusing about Ibrox still being the focus of attention this season.
Celtic are coasting to another treble, however, it is the imminent takeover by the 49ers Enterprises that is the main subject of debate.
Cries of a ‘fakeover’ by those who claim to be in the know only makes things funnier as raging podcasters struggle to get their heads around Rangers having owners with deep pockets.
Since the story broke, there has been no secret about who the big players are and when the deal should be completed.
Rangers will have new owners in June, according to Dave King who, as the club’s largest shareholder, should know what is going on.
Should Rangers fans be worried about 49ers takeover delays?
After expressing his doubts before, Go Radio Football Show host Paul Cooney isn’t so sure:
“It’s nearly over the line. Is it gonna get over the line? And I know they can’t go into the detail, but I think if you’re a Rangers supporter or you’re a Rangers shareholder or someone in the hierarchy of the club that knows that you need to get this over the line to try and move the club forward, there’s gotta be a bit of concern because I think the story first emerged early to mid-February, or now the first week in May, but it’s been going on since October.”
As King himself said, when talks first started, he was speaking to other parties and wanted to see proof of funds from Andrew Cavenagh.
This alone isn’t as simple as printing out a statement from the nearest cash machine.
Various shareholders are selling up, knowing that they can’t take Rangers any further forward.
Then there are the shareholder loans that were going to get converted into equity but will now, probably, be repaid instead.
For people like Cooney, there is one obvious rebuttal.
If the 49ers weren’t confident of a deal, why would their technical director Gretar Steinsson be helping Rangers find a manager?
