Arthur Numan believes Rangers must consider plans to rename Ibrox

Arthur Numan: Can understand plans to rename Ibrox

Former defender Arthur Numan insists he can understand why Rangers bosses are tempted to rename Ibrox in a bid to raise fresh funds.

Reports suggest Rangers are close to agreeing a £2.5m deal over the stadium naming rights with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, whose Sports Direct firm is already an official retail partner of the club.

A section of the fans have been vocal in their opposition to the plan, but manager Ally McCoist is open-minded on the issue and Numan believes Gers must consider such a move.

"If you mention Ibrox, everybody knows it's Rangers and if you mention Parkhead, everybody knows it's Celtic. But, nowadays, it's all down to the money," he said.

"If a big company knocks on the door and wants to spend a couple of million to change the name, it's very tempting for the chairman. I can imagine they would consider actually changing the name.

"I think they will look into everything, especially finance-wise.

"We know all about the problems of the last couple of years and that's the reason why they are now in the Third Division.

"We have seen it with Arsenal with the Emirates Stadium and the reason is the money.

"It's not because they like the name - it's because they are paid millions for it."

Numan can also understand why chief executive Charles Green intends to quit Scottish football if new league reconstruction plans are introduced.

"I heard it as well when I came to Scotland in 1998. Rangers and Celtic were already talking about moving down south," he said.

"Maybe this is the chance for the club to go to England and start in the lower divisions and try to work their way up to the Premier League but it's been going on for years and years.

"I can understand it because they are now playing in the Third Division against all of the smaller teams.

"With respect, it's not something that you have in mind when you are the chairman of Rangers."