Whyte - Tough time for Gers

Anxious wait as club await tax tribunal verdict

Last Updated: February 5, 2012 1:59pm

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Craig Whyte: Anxious wait as Rangers await verdict of a tax tribunal

Sky Bet

Rangers owner Craig Whyte admits the club is facing the 'toughest time' in their history as they await the verdict of a tax tribunal.

The Scottish champions could find themselves with a tax bill as high as £49million should they lose their dispute with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The potential fine would be a devastating blow for the SPL giants, however, Whyte insists there is a plan in place for 'any eventuality'.

Manager Ally McCoist recently admitted that, because of the club's finances, the welfare of Rangers is more important than results on the park right now.

Speaking in an interview with Scotland on Sunday, Whyte said: "I agree with him. This has the potential to be the toughest few weeks in the club's history."

He added: "I wouldn't say crisis is the right word. Not at the moment.

Toughest time

"But we're certainly in the toughest time in the club's history. The next few weeks. I'd definitely say that much."

Whyte says he has a plan in place if the verdict goes against Rangers but declined to divulge the details.

He said: "I play my cards close to my chest. Ally and I work closely together and if that situation arises he'll be the first to know about it. We're talking about hypotheticals here."

Asked if he is nervous about it, he replied: "Not nervous at all. There's a plan in place for any eventuality.

"I couldn't go into it. If I publicised it then it would potentially jeopardise what we're working on.

"But, remember, I bought the club with this thing hanging over it. I've been thinking about it since day one. The long-term interest of the club is what I think about every day."