The SPFL’s latest move must have left Rangers fans fuming and we would not be surprised if the club releases a ‘statement’ soon.
It’d be most unlikely for Rangers not to issue another statement about a new SPFL board. During the when and how to end the season debate, vote, protest etc they were prolific in announcing their unhappiness. It seems sensible to assume we’ll see another with news of broad changes.
The BBC reports on a new set up to the SPFL Board for the coming season. Peter Lawwell rejoins as one of the premier league representatives. Rangers Stewart Robertson leaves the board. Many felt his protests, behaviour, comments around the voting and dossier period left his position untenable. It’s not clear what the actual terms of his departure are, did he jump, was he pushed or somewhere in between. There has been talk of a previous arrangement of the two clubs taking turn about in representing on the board. Perhaps a statement will tell us.
We should also expect to see more range and fury from Rangers fans about the new board. They will no doubt refer to the controlling hand of Celtic on the board with Lawwell in place. Sketches and madcap plans of links between various people with a pro-Hoops agenda will emerge again. Perhaps all overlooking that Lawwell is a skilled football executive and when it comes to running the SPFL you’d want his knowhow and expertise on your side.
Of course if you were concerned about this strengthening expertise, about supporting fair play or helping prevent persuasion and avoiding nodding through a blue based agenda without question – then yes, Lawwell’s position might be less attractive to those people. Exactly why it’s right for Scottish football!
Alongside Lawwell the new board will also have St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown joining and with Les Gray of Hamilton they’ll complete the Premiership representatives as Alan Burrows from Motherwell will also depart.