The financial cost and reputational damage of Rangers' Ibrox issues

The reaction from the support said it all. There were more questions than answers as fingers were pointed and clarity was sought. That has been the case inside the Ibrox boardroom over the last few weeks, too. This is a situation that Rangers have got themselves into and must now find a way out of sooner rather than later.

There will be financial consequences and reputational damage. This is not a story that Rangers could put a positive spin on. Even attempting it would be like trying to put the roof back on Chernobyl while it was still smouldering. In time, though, the focus will shift and the spotlight will shine elsewhere.

Rangers have had to push their panic button. Delays in the redevelopment work that is ongoing in the Copland Stand mean that Ibrox will not be fit to host matches in the first month of the campaign. At a time when Philippe Clement is rebuilding his squad, the board are back at the drawing board formulating plans to salvage their schedule.

"Rangers has recently been advised of a delay in a materials shipment from Asia which is likely to have an impact on the programme for the completion of the Copland Stand works,” a statement on Thursday read. "It is therefore expected, unfortunately, that there will be an impact on matches at Ibrox at the beginning of the 2024/25 competitive season. The club has engaged with the SPFL and UEFA in order to review planned contingency arrangements. 

"Naturally, everyone at Rangers is deeply disappointed with this news. The club is working intensively to ensure that all steps are taken to deliver the project at the earliest possible date and a further progress update will be issued to supporters in due course."

As it stands, writing off August is the best-case scenario. The list of alternatives is not exactly a lengthy one and the most obvious solution is not even on the table given that Hampden is unavailable for use until the first week in September. By that stage, Clement’s side will have played nine matches in the Champions League, Premiership and League Cup and discussions are already underway with UEFA and the SPFL to discuss contingency plans.

Reports on Friday morning suggest that the National Stadium could be an option but it is believed Rangers will be playing outside of Glasgow in the opening weeks. Any agreement reached with the Scottish FA would also have to have Queen's Park on board.

READ MORE: Check all the Rangers transfer news & rumours throughout the transfer window

Rangers will face Manchester United at Murrayfield on Saturday, July 20 in a friendly fixture. That journey along the M8 could become a familiar one for supporters to make as Clement seeks to guide Rangers through a series of matches that will define their campaign in football and financial terms. A fee will be paid to whoever agrees to host Rangers and issues such as hospitality revenue also have to be taken into consideration. No deal has yet been signed with any potential savour. Having to call in a favour from the Association will not go down well with the punters.

The Rangers Review understands that John Bennett, the executive chairman, and his board repeatedly sought assurances over the timescales and the progress of the works to install new disabled facilities in the Copland Stand. Those assurances were given at various stages. Around three weeks ago, the news that had been feared was delivered. Some of the steelwork required for the project will not arrive in Britain for several weeks and Rangers have been left to count the cost – in financial and sporting terms as well as reputationally – of delays that will cast a shadow over the club fat a time when there are silver linings in the clouds.

(Image: SNS)

The worthiness of the work cannot be doubted. It is only right that Rangers addressed the appalling conditions that their disabled supporters were forced to endure as they felt the full force of Mother Nature on a matchday. A small increase in the capacity of Ibrox was a by-product rather than the driver as the board delivered on a commitment that was made after being raised at successive Annual General Meetings.

It was a sum worth paying, but it has now come at an unexpected cost. The board will cover the monetary deficit but that is not the key consideration when there is such reputational damage and inconvenience to as many stakeholders in play.

One senior figure at the club has already paid the price with their job. As chairman, Bennett is now left to pick up the pieces as he continues to work through transfer plans on a hands-on basis following James Bisgrove’s decision to step down from his role as chief executive officer. The focus remains on delivering a successful transfer window for Clement and Nils Koppen, the director of football recruitment, and off-field appointments are expected in the coming days alongside the acquisitions of Connor Barron and Hamza Igamane. Barron's deal was announced on Thursday evening, while the Rangers Review revealed that Igamane is close to completing a £1.5million move to Ibrox. It remains to be seen, though, where the new-look side will take to the field come August.

The SPFL will release the fixture list for the 2024/25 campaign next Thursday. In late July, Rangers will discover their opponents for the Champions League third qualifying round. Both bodies are comfortable with the change of venue and that is the preferred option for Rangers as they seek to minimise the sporting disadvantage. Playing in front of only three stands at Ibrox would impact the atmosphere and match experience, as well as the pitch, and reversing fixtures could leave Clement’s side on the back foot in the title race.

“We have received notification from Rangers FC that they may be unable to host SPFL fixtures in August at Ibrox Stadium due to ongoing stadium works,” an SPFL spokesman said.

READ MORE: The Connor Barron inside track: Energy, humility and Ibrox transfer

“We have agreed to work with Rangers on how we can best mitigate this situation following next week’s publication of the fixture calendar for season 2024/25.”

Rangers have painted themselves into a corner. A path must now be found and all roads lead out of Glasgow. It is a situation that Clement could well do without, but one that he has no option but to navigate through as he seeks to deliver silverware success.

Ultimately, that is what will ease pressure and appease supporters. If the Trophy Room has new additions to it come May, many will forget where the matches in August were played.

Right now, it is the blame game that is at the forefront of minds. Rangers have created this problem, and Rangers must get themselves out of it. That can be said of many issues, of course.