The official "Takeover Completed" thread

[Budswiser 196]

CRAIG WHYTE will walk away from his Rangers takeover if it doesn't go through early this week.

The tycoon is furious at the stalling tactics used by Ibrox board members against his bid.

And the Motherwell-born investor has issued an ultimatum - either Gers accept his £55million buyout or he will pull the plug.

An insider close to the tense negotiations said: "Whyte is so angry at the whole thing taking so long that he is going to walk away.

"He has told parties involved if the deal isn't done by close of play on Tuesday, it's finished. Unless he sees real movement from Rangers when the stock market closes, he is pulling out.

"The wheels better be in motion come Tuesday, or he's killing the plan. It's crunch time. He's in deadline mode now.

"The waiting game is over for him. Rangers need to get their fingers out now."

As far as he's concerned there is no other bid on the table

A faction inside Ibrox has been opposed to Whyte's investment in the club from the get-go, our source confirmed. However, Whyte is reluctant to give up on his dream of owning the champions and breathing new life into the club.

Even boss-in-waiting Ally McCoist, 48, has admitted Gers will be "in big trouble" if the Whyte take-over doesn't go ahead.

McCoist, who has only four games left as Walter Smith's No 2, warned his players' wages bill is being slashed and he will have no money to spend on strengthening the squad.

He said: "If things stay the same I will have to cut quite severely."

Whyte and his co-bidder, London-based property developer Andrew Ellis, 42, have already set up the company which will take over the club.

Wavetower Limited was formed in Bristol last September, then switched its address to a firm of solicitors in London a month later when Ellis joined the board.

Whyte became a director in March along with a long-standing business partner, Philip Betts. With all the aspects of the deal in place, Whyte hopes to wrap up the deal when the London Stock Exchange reopens for business on Tuesday.

Our source said: "Whyte has lost patience with factions opposed to his investment. This has cost him around £750,000 of his own money to get where we are now."

The venture capitalist has had to leave a lot of his other international business interests for the last six months. Our insider added: "More than anything he feels sorry for the fans, who have had to put up with this protracted saga. Craig deeply regrets the situation they find themselves in, but it hasn't been from a lack of effort on his part."

Whyte met members of the board last Sunday for face-to-face talks at Murray Park after the Old Firm clash. He gave the board all the figures, went through the details of the deal, showed his investment plans and provided financial guarantees during a 5pm sit-down.

Whyte only took the meeting to go through everything again after news of a rival offer emerged from inside the boardroom last week.

It was claimed that director Paul Murray, 46, and South African-based Dave King, 55, were behind a last-ditch attempt to get Sir David Murray's shares.

Sir David doesn't want to leave Rangers in debt

However, no further details of this alleged bid have emerged. King is still mired in a decade-long court battle with the South African authorities over allegations of unpaid tax and his own five per cent stake in the club has been frozen by the courts.

Our source said: "Whyte knows there are people at Ibrox who'd be happy for him to walk away. But he doesn't want to let them win.

"As far as he's concerned there is no other bid on the table. Whatever else has been written or said, there is no other take-over deal at Ibrox.

"He has satisfied everybody that matters. Lloyds, Sir David Murray, and all the working capital, and the investment capital is in place. All the assurances have been given.

"But there are people who don't want the deal done. They are involved in stalling tactics. Some members of the independent committee at Rangers should take a close look at themselves."

Present owner Murray, 59, is believed to have backed Whyte's bid and wants an end to all the backroom infighting. He is desperate to help secure Rangers' financial future and sees Whyte as the only viable option.

A Murray insider said: "Sir David doesn't want to leave Rangers in debt, or while the acrimony and boardroom bickering continues.

"He wants to be able to say 'I left Rangers with no debts, this is my legacy to the fans.' He is worried anything tarnishes his reputation."

Last night Whyte refused to comment on his position regarding the Rangers take-over. A spokesman said: "Mr Whyte cannot comment on any aspect of the deal because of Stock Exchange rules.

"Having said that, it is no secret that he is very frustrated by all the delays. He is the only party in this long, drawn-out process, who has never put a deadline on getting it over the line. But no one's patience is limitless."

Usual made up pish. "An insider", "A source", they,ve got fuck all negative to write about so they just wheel this made up re-cycled garbage out as a new story. Pathetic.

[Zappa 358]

They must be hurting after we demolished Motherwell today and reduced the GD...

[Zappa 358]

Make that 'yesterday' ...

[nvager 498]

Just more of the same. Surely this week will end the matter one way or another.

[MCLACHLAN1 49]

I would not be surprised in the slightest if this was true.

These amateurs arranging the sale should be on their arse sale or no sale.

Total shambles

[RFC55 108,899]

Been told it will be done tuesday. craig conway will also be signing end of season. dont shoot the messanger

[hutchy14 4]

Been told it will be done tuesday. craig conway will also be signing end of season. dont shoot the messanger

Let's Fucking hope so!

[thebooler 4,509]

The only part of that article I'd have any belief in is the fact that some on the Board don't want him.

As I've said before, they don't want to relinquish their seats of self importance.

[TheBoyDave 123]

Let's Fucking hope so!

Yeah what you said.

[simplythebestest 2,145]

If the deal goes ahead despite concern by certain board members, I want to know who was concerned and why. They should make all these concerns public so people can't doubt their motives. I can believe they are trying to cling on to their seats on the board, but if that is the case and they do not have any genuine concerns they should have kissed up to Whyte to at least remain welcome in the directors box. If the rumours are true that they care about themselves more than Rangers, the wee Rangers bar is as close as I'd want them to our club from now on.

If on the other hand they are right and Whyte is dodgy, let us know why and we'll back you up!

[Craigie79 67]

CRAIG WHYTE will walk away from his Rangers takeover if it doesn't go through early this week.

The tycoon is furious at the stalling tactics used by Ibrox board members against his bid.

And the Motherwell-born investor has issued an ultimatum - either Gers accept his £55million buyout or he will pull the plug.

An insider close to the tense negotiations said: "Whyte is so angry at the whole thing taking so long that he is going to walk away.

"He has told parties involved if the deal isn't done by close of play on Tuesday, it's finished. Unless he sees real movement from Rangers when the stock market closes, he is pulling out.

"The wheels better be in motion come Tuesday, or he's killing the plan. It's crunch time. He's in deadline mode now.

"The waiting game is over for him. Rangers need to get their fingers out now."

As far as he's concerned there is no other bid on the table

A faction inside Ibrox has been opposed to Whyte's investment in the club from the get-go, our source confirmed. However, Whyte is reluctant to give up on his dream of owning the champions and breathing new life into the club.

Even boss-in-waiting Ally McCoist, 48, has admitted Gers will be "in big trouble" if the Whyte take-over doesn't go ahead.

McCoist, who has only four games left as Walter Smith's No 2, warned his players' wages bill is being slashed and he will have no money to spend on strengthening the squad.

He said: "If things stay the same I will have to cut quite severely."

Whyte and his co-bidder, London-based property developer Andrew Ellis, 42, have already set up the company which will take over the club.

Wavetower Limited was formed in Bristol last September, then switched its address to a firm of solicitors in London a month later when Ellis joined the board.

Whyte became a director in March along with a long-standing business partner, Philip Betts. With all the aspects of the deal in place, Whyte hopes to wrap up the deal when the London Stock Exchange reopens for business on Tuesday.

Our source said: "Whyte has lost patience with factions opposed to his investment. This has cost him around £750,000 of his own money to get where we are now."

The venture capitalist has had to leave a lot of his other international business interests for the last six months. Our insider added: "More than anything he feels sorry for the fans, who have had to put up with this protracted saga. Craig deeply regrets the situation they find themselves in, but it hasn't been from a lack of effort on his part."

Whyte met members of the board last Sunday for face-to-face talks at Murray Park after the Old Firm clash. He gave the board all the figures, went through the details of the deal, showed his investment plans and provided financial guarantees during a 5pm sit-down.

Whyte only took the meeting to go through everything again after news of a rival offer emerged from inside the boardroom last week.

It was claimed that director Paul Murray, 46, and South African-based Dave King, 55, were behind a last-ditch attempt to get Sir David Murray's shares.

Sir David doesn't want to leave Rangers in debt

However, no further details of this alleged bid have emerged. King is still mired in a decade-long court battle with the South African authorities over allegations of unpaid tax and his own five per cent stake in the club has been frozen by the courts.

Our source said: "Whyte knows there are people at Ibrox who'd be happy for him to walk away. But he doesn't want to let them win.

"As far as he's concerned there is no other bid on the table. Whatever else has been written or said, there is no other take-over deal at Ibrox.

"He has satisfied everybody that matters. Lloyds, Sir David Murray, and all the working capital, and the investment capital is in place. All the assurances have been given.

"But there are people who don't want the deal done. They are involved in stalling tactics. Some members of the independent committee at Rangers should take a close look at themselves."

Present owner Murray, 59, is believed to have backed Whyte's bid and wants an end to all the backroom infighting. He is desperate to help secure Rangers' financial future and sees Whyte as the only viable option.

A Murray insider said: "Sir David doesn't want to leave Rangers in debt, or while the acrimony and boardroom bickering continues.

"He wants to be able to say 'I left Rangers with no debts, this is my legacy to the fans.' He is worried anything tarnishes his reputation."

Last night Whyte refused to comment on his position regarding the Rangers take-over. A spokesman said: "Mr Whyte cannot comment on any aspect of the deal because of Stock Exchange rules.

"Having said that, it is no secret that he is very frustrated by all the delays. He is the only party in this long, drawn-out process, who has never put a deadline on getting it over the line. But no one's patience is limitless."

Auk he's not going to walk away after all he is only in it to sell the stadium, training ground and players and walk away with a profit and leave the club dead

[simplythebestest 2,145]

I really want Whyte to take over so the next Football Manager acually gives you some money to spend without having to cheat and sell Edu to Man Utd for 30 million.

[Craigie79 67]

If the deal goes ahead despite concern by certain board members, I want to know who was concerned and why. They should make all these concerns public so people can't doubt their motives. I can believe they are trying to cling on to their seats on the board, but if that is the case and they do not have any genuine concerns they should have kissed up to Whyte to at least remain welcome in the directors box. If the rumours are true that they care about themselves more than Rangers, the wee Rangers bar is as close as I'd want them to our club from now on.

If on the other hand they are right and Whyte is dodgy, let us know why and we'll back you up!

IMO the board are only trying to delay the sale so certain people can raise the funds for a realistic counter offer.]]

Also imho if any if the board felt Whyte is dodgy we would be reading about it in the press. And i don't mean just the carry on from the other week about him having the the cash to buy the club but not showing he has the cash to take the club forward. i mean we would be hearing that he wants to buy the club through getting a loan on the stadium and raise other funds through the clubs assests, afterall AJ must have heard Whytes plans for the club at the meetings

[simplythebestest 2,145]

IMO the board are only trying to delay the sale so certain people can raise the funds for a realistic counter offer.]]

Also imho if any if the board felt Whyte is dodgy we would be reading about it in the press. And i don't mean just the carry on from the other week about him having the the cash to buy the club but not showing he has the cash to take the club forward. i mean we would be hearing that he wants to buy the club through getting a loan on the stadium and raise other funds through the club

Yeah what you say about the counter offer seems reasonable. If that is the case it leaves two motives.

1. They want to keep their seats on the board by getting a mate to take over

2. They genuinly think someone else can make a better offer for Rangers sake.

1 = Wee Rangers club

2 = Bar 72

[Craigie79 67]

Yeah what you say about the counter offer seems reasonable. If that is the case it leaves two motives.

1. They want to keep their seats on the board by getting a mate to take over

2. They genuinly think someone else can make a better offer for Rangers sake.

1 = Wee Rangers club

2 = Bar 72

Id say it was option 2 but realistically if Whyte takes over i would think and want the board would loss their seats.

Clean start n all that with Walter Smith taking John Greigs role and Whytes own picks taking the rest.

[RFC55 108,899]

Btw can i ask, what where the ff fanzine guys insinuating when selling this weeks issue today? craig whyte buying a round in his local alledgedly? didnt get what they meant tbh

[simplythebestest 2,145]

Id say it was option 2 but realistically if Whyte takes over i would think and want the board would loss their seats.

Clean start n all that with Walter Smith taking John Greigs role and Whytes own picks taking the rest.

I agree about wanting the board to go if Whyte buys the club. It feels as though Watty has worked miracles not just with a thin squad, but also with a leadership that is a combination of money-grubbing, self-interested, want-away and antiquated.

I'm pretty excited about the prospect of a whole new era under Whyte and Ally. If its like the early years of Murray and Smith we'll be laughing.

[Craigie79 67]

I agree about wanting the board to go if Whyte buys the club. It feels as though Watty has worked miracles not just with a thin squad, but also with a leadership that is a combination of money-grubbing, self-interested, want-away and antiquated.

I'm pretty excited about the prospect of a whole new era under Whyte and Ally. If its like the early years of Murray and Smith we'll be laughing.

TBH with a bit of backtracking id be excited with about the prospect with Whyte as owner and McCoist as boss with Walter Smith no part of Rangers but i do feel Walter Smith still has a big role to play with us and is the only person Whyte could keep on at Ibrox that would win him the trust of EVERY Rangers fan

[King_gazza 1,065]

I think the deal was penned in for thursday but missed the 4pm deadline before the stock exchange clossed for the holidays.

I'm 95% confident it will get done on tuesday afternoon

[gunslinger 270]

hes in deadline mode but not make a bid mode it seems.

why not just say if they dont approve it on tuesday i will force it through.

i hate to say this but he sounds like hes making excuses to walk.

[gunslinger 270]

Btw can i ask, what where the ff fanzine guys insinuating when selling this weeks issue today? craig whyte buying a round in his local alledgedly? didnt get what they meant tbh

did you buy it. was the answer not inside

[Blueshoff 11,802]

Every Sunday there is a NOTW thread with bad news for the Rangers

[Jimfanciesthedude 24,540]

its the fucking NOTW

they seen the takeover didnt go through last week so thought "thats the rangers fans had a cracking friday with the royal wedding, a superb saturday with their team winning 5-0 away to motherwell, lets make sure they have a shite sunday by spouting shite like this"

fucking rag of a newspaper

[Stu1993 101]

LAWLZZZZZZZZZZ

[spangles 7]