Sunday 18 January 2015 20:14, UK
Former Ibrox captain Richard Gough has joined the Rangers Supporters Trust and insists he is "happy to help" in the battle for control for the troubled club.
The skipper of the Light Blues' famous nine-in-a-row side has agreed to become a life member of the RST and contribute to Buy Rangers (a vehicle to buy shares) ahead of the club's crucial extraordinary general meeting.
Rangers' largest shareholder Dave King called for the EGM on Friday after it was reported that Newcastle United owner and Gers shareholder Mike Ashley was set to hand the club a £10m loan with Ibrox stadium and the training ground serving as collateral.
The Three Bears - wealthy fans Douglas Park, George Letham and George Taylor - have offered to increase their existing £5m loan offer.
King wants Ashley's allies Derek Llambias and Barry Leach, as well as chairman David Somers and non-executive director James Easdale, removed from the board with immediate effect while appointing himself to the board alongside former Rangers oldco director Paul Murray and John Gilligan.
That move will require approval from over 50 per cent of the club's shareholders and to that end the recruitment of Gough will be a boost.
"It's vital the fans get together ahead of a crucial few weeks for the club and I'm happy to help," said Gough.
RST chairman Gordon Dinnie said "Richard is obviously a hugely respected figure to Rangers fans. We are delighted he has backed the RST and our aims to secure the club and see the fans play a greater role going forward.
"We have recently been focused on trying to ensure that Ibrox remains under the control of the club as well as increasing our shareholding ahead of the upcoming EGM and that fight will continue.
"We have seen a huge increase in membership and contributions to Buy Rangers over the past week and now have over 4000 members in our ranks.
"With continued support we believe we can help to ensure the upcoming EGM sees the club in good hands.
"We would appeal to fans once again to join us and follow Richard's lead. It is imperative that the current board is removed at the upcoming EGM and we are seeing hundreds of fans joining on a daily basis to try to make that happen. Long may it continue."
