The Rangers AGM took place at Edmiston House this morning, giving Gers fans and shareholders alike the opportunity to grill the club’s board on a series of burning issues.
Since last year’s AGM, Rangers fans have watched as Michael Beale took over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst, only to find himself axed the following season, with rivals Celtic romping to a treble under Ange Postecoglou.
The Englishman’s tenure included a huge summer spending spree on players who have failed to contribute so far this season – most notably Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Jose Cifuentes.
The most recent Ibrox accounts showed a loss of £4 million, which could be an issue for new boss Philippe Clement with the January transfer window looming.
Rangers currently sit eight points behind champions Celtic, albeit with a game in hand still to play.
But the Ibrox side will have the chance to win their first piece of silverware under the Belgian when they take on Aberdeen in the League Cup Final at Hampden on December 17th.
___________________________________________________________________________
RANGERS AGM KEY POINTS
Philippe Clement on his ambitions for Rangers
I want a dominant team with high ambitions, that’s never satisfied without a win, a team that can do special things, winning trophies and beating teams in Europe with more money.
Philippe Clement on the January transfer window
We need to be realistic during the period leading up to January. We need to change things and make things better but the January window is difficult.
It’s easier to change in the summer. But I don’t think we need to change many things. We can do a bigger rebuild in the summer. January is about doing the right things where we have an imbalance.
Philippe Clement on the League Cup Final
I’m very excited about the game. We have a European game three days before but you cannot look to one game if you want to create winners. The Cup Final is really important, but it’s stupid to throw away points in the league. So every game is important.
I’m very excited about the Viaplay Final. I’ve been asked about big European game against Betis only three days before cup final. But I believe you have to be a winner every day, you can’t decide which day you are a winner.
Philippe Clement on rebuilding connection with supporters
It’s really important to get the synergy back with the fans. It’s a two way street but it’s about us showing the right thing.
We spoke about that at the barbers this morning. It’s an important thing. The first thing we talked about when I came here was I see so much potential with the energy the fans can give us. Along the way it’s been lost at the start of season. I want to rebuild it.
There will be bumpy moments but when we have those, it’s even more important to have that support.
I know how crucial it is because I’ve just come from a club where there is almost no supporters. I hope we can have some parties in future celebrating some silverware.
Philippe Clement on the unusual number of player injuries
It’s case by case. It’s really important to look at what the causes are and there can be several things.
It can be the body, not enough training or other things. That’s why its important to get a good performance director in.
Give us a few months to get everything better and you will see much less injuries.
James Bisgrove on the singing section at Ibrox
Results of the supporter survey of 5,000 fans has revealed nine out of 10 fans want the singing section moved to behind the goal area to improve the atmosphere. It is being analysed.
James Bisgrove questioned on fan safety at European games
A fan highlights incidents with Liverpool and Brondby. The supporter cites the issue with fans without tickets attempting to push through barriers to get into Anfield last season.
With Rangers facing Real Betis away from home in the Europa League, fans want more safety procedures installed ahead of that game.
John Bennett on cash available to Philippe Clement
It will not cause us any problems like we suffered ten years ago. That’s over. I wouldn’t worry about our summer spend and what Philippe wants to do.
I want our fans to know it’s a process. It’s not about backing an individual anymore. Please rest assured the summer spend will have no bearing on where we want to take this club
The board will be ready whether that’s in January or the summer. We have to strengthen every window, we have to keep aspiring.
It’s not about just a transfer kitty, it’s about being clever and being more clever than we have been.
John Bennet on the lack of saleable assets in the squad
The board won’t comment on the squad. However, the manager continues to assess the squad and come January, come the summer, the board will be ready to support the manager.
We have players contracts ending which will see a recycling of wages being used also. It’s not all about the transfer budget.
John Bennett on why it took so long to replace Ross Wilson
It has to be right for the club, for the individual. It’s a split role and we’ve split the load. It’s lost on no one that we need to get recruitment right.
We didn’t want the overarching sporting director. Some like to be a celebrity sporting director and we don’t need that. We don’t want that.
John Bennett on Rangers not becoming Statement F.C
Please don’t think because the club is quiet they are not working on this. We don’t want to become Statement F.C. If you spoke to the authorities they would never describe us as quiet.
John Bennett on the £4.2 million losses revealed in 2023
The club lost £10.5 million last year pre player trading. That’s a number we that needs to go away and you should keep an eye on that number. That £10.5 million needs to become zero.
I’ve been kicking tyres and finding cost savings and it will come down. Rangers will got a place where they break even before player trading so don’t be concerned about that.
