LET’S face it, Euro 2016 hasn’t exactly been a barrel of laughs so far. One or two exciting moments, some fine goals but not a barrowload of them, and far too much attention having to be paid to events off the pitch.
So let’s turn our focus to home matters, and the very curious case of Rangers FC and manager Mark Warburton, plus the goings-on behind the scenes at Ibrox.
Chairman Dave King has invited fans to ask him any questions and you can do so via the website – please don’t bother asking us to forward them as no newspaper will be allowed to submit any queries.
Here’s what King has said: “These (questions) might include our signing policy, our ambitions for next season and beyond, our rebuilding plans, our working relationships inside and outside the club, our financial strategies and any other topic of interest.”
OK, so you might want to try this simple question which many fans are asking – what exactly is going on with the manager’s contract? Contrary to reports elsewhere, The Kicker is assured that Warburton has indeed been seen at the club’s training ground though he did go on holiday just after the Scottish Cup final loss to Hibs. And do you blame him?
Nevertheless, given all the media hoo-hah, does he have a new contract and if not, what has the club offered him?
The high-profile signing of Joey Barton saw the manager absent from the publicity launch. Warburton was on holiday at the time, but has said little about Barton since he returned.
In fact, Warburton has said precious little about anything in recent days. Not even about Ian Durrant’s departure. Why?
Does the club not realise that this prolonged period of silence from the manager is what has given rise to all the speculation? Haven’t your PR people told you that?
Is the club convinced that Joey Barton’s signing is a good thing given his previous views on numerous matters, not to mention his criminal record? Did Mark Warburton convince himself that Barton is a changed character?
King promised a multi-million pound war chest for this summer as Rangers prepare to go back to the top flight and face Celtic. So far, the club has signed only four players, all available on a free transfer – so where’s the money for the big marquee signings that the fans have been led to expect?
It is a matter of fact that at the end of the season, the Rangers squad was down to the bare bones and only 19 players are currently registered, including three goalkeepers, as per the club website.
What plans does the manager have to augment the squad and how many players will he have at his disposal?
How much has the club spent on the various legal battles with, among others, Mike Ashley of Sports Direct?
Has this expenditure damaged the club’s finances and, if so, by how much?
Rangers fans, you have until midnight tonight to ask the chairman for some answers. If you get any, could you pass them on to various hard-pressed media sports desks, please.
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