Sir David’s epitaph can wait for now (the club is in any case busy working on ways to “formally recognise his outstanding contribution" – and they started impressively by heralding the end of Sir David’s “glorious reign” on the official site). Regardless of why, what’s now definite is that he is realising his long-stated wish of getting out of the way and from now on Alastair Johnston will be the man answering the questions.
Cynics will point to the appointment of John McClelland as Chairman the last time Sir David needed to escape the flak as the club moved into a period of sweeping cuts to turn around its mammoth debt – drawing similarities with the current state of affairs. They may say that Murray is simply retreating again and leaving someone else to take the brickbats. And, unless more fundamental changes are to follow, this will always be a criticism which can be levelled without much fear of contradiction.
However, it may also be slightly different this time. For a start, the club is publicly up for sale, which it wasn’t the last time around. Secondly, Sir David has also resigned as a Director, meaning that he has no formal office-bearing position at the club (albeit remaining the overwhelmingly dominant shareholder with his 90%). It would be strange indeed for someone to own 90% of a large company and want no say in how it is run or which direction it chooses.
This begs at least a couple of key questions:
Firstly; have decisions and strategy been developed and bolted down so firmly that Alastair Johnston will simply be the day-to-day boss and ensure that Rangers implement an already fully-defined plan? In a brief radio interview in the hours after the announcement, that is exactly what Murray said – that Alastair Johnston will follow the business plan and run the Board. If so, the direction is already set and fairly well understood by the supporters: downsize, cut-back, don’t buy, reduce debt and take our chances.
(Interestingly, it should be noted that Sir David repeated his assertion that the necessary work has been done regarding re-structuring etc, and he exuded confidence that the club is on a stable footing once more. Whether this is true or not, time will tell; but it would be extraordinary for him to make such a statement were it not true)
Secondly; is this a precursor to Murray selling his controlling stake in the club? Is it the first step in a transition which will see him next relinquish his position as majority shareholder through selling his interests? As you would expect, there is no news or indication yet - simply a repeat of the “as things stand.....” position, which simultaneously offers a hint of change but suggests more of the same. Although Murray may be taking a back-seat from now on, he is still the major shareholder and will ultimately make the major decisions. But, to many, a genuine new era is an opportunity-laden, intriguing prospect.
It’s worth saying also that Alastair Johnston appears at first glance to have an impressive pedigree. As a graduate of Strathclyde University, a former chartered Accountant, Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, his background suggests a wide range of skills and competency. With Arthur Anderson and IMG on his CV, and expertise in worldwide sports marketing and media rights, he is no doubt well-acquainted with international sports and entertainment. By all accounts he is a passionate Rangers supporter too - the first Chairman to support Rangers in 20 years, one might say. Having said that, Johnston’s already been on the Rangers Board for five years so one wonders what his contribution has been.
However, let’s hope that the winds of change have finally begun to turn in the direction of Ibrox Stadium today because there are very real and tricky issues affecting the club relating to debt, direction and ownership which remain as yet unresolved. With the AGM just around the corner, Alastair Johnston will be in the spotlight today, tomorrow and from now on. The supporters are very, very keen to hear what he’s got to say - and I would suspect the majority are very keen to see him starting to do things a little differently too.
Let it begin.