Compared with previous meetings over the years, this
was a fairly sedate affair – in part due to the recent
appointment of new manager Paul Le Guen and in part
due to a healthy set of accounts.
The formal business of the meeting was passed as a
matter of course inside ten minutes, but as has been
the case in recent years it was AOCB that raised most
interest and debate.
The JJB deal attracted considerable attention –
Chairman David Murray defending it as a commercial
decision that was in the best interests of the club.
The Rangers Shops had maintained a net annual profit
of between £5-6m, but such margins could not be
sustained due to a fall in market conditions. The loss
of jobs was regrettable, but the club had created
these jobs in the first place and the chairman is one
of the biggest employers in Scotland.
The Travel Club came in for some flak over the cost of
European trips, such as £750 to Cyprus and £339 for a
one-day trip to Molde, comparing unfavourably with
competitors. Chief Executive Martin Bain's response
was to point out that other tour operators can book
aircraft in advance for various events, although he
could also have pointed out that nowadays there are
alternative ways of travelling. Security on European
trips also came under scrutiny, with Stuttgart,
Bratislava and Villarreal under the miocroscope. Bain
did not mince his words in respect of Stuttgart – a
disgrace, but he did stress that no-one should ever
travel without a ticket.
The recent naming of the Bill Struth Main Stand led
one lifelong ‘Gers fan to suggest that the other
stands should be named after Jock Wallace, David
Meiklejohn and Alan Morton. Murray's response was
positive, although cautioning that there were numerous
legendary figures who could be considered.
One character by the name of James McVeigh was shouted
down when he spoke of his disgust at sectarian
chanting in Molde, claiming quite ludicrously that
one-third of Travel Club members were responsible. The
response from fellow shareholders said it all…
The media were, as always, the subject of sustained
criticism. One questioner demanded that journalists
who describe Rangers' fans as ‘Nazis, trogladytes and
Orange scum' should not be made welcome at the
Stadium. Murray's response was typical – “don't buy
the newspapers, I don't. Don't overreact - I am as
annoyed as anyone. We will react – certain individuals
have crossed the line. Watch this space.”
We are waiting, David…
Murray also correctly defended the right of Rangers
fans to sing certain songs, provided the correct words
were adhered to. He also confirmed that the club has
recently utilised the services of media consultants.
Tribute was paid to Campbell Ogilvie, a promise to
improve disabled and catering facilities was made.
Paul Le Guen, attending his first AGM, admitted that
there have been some difficulties in the early stages
of the season. There was a need to improve the squad,
and it was important to have a group of Scottish
players.
Finally David Murray defended his decision to stick
with Alex McLeish last December, stressing that he
didn't like defeat any more than the next man. McLeish
had brought success to the club, and he had always
been a loyal employer.
In all 19 questions were answered in 33 minutes compared with 33 questions in 54 minutes two years ago before the meeting was brought to a close.