New Chairman, New Hope: Rangers on the Road to Recovery With John Bennett
Rangers FC has announced the appointment of John Bennett as their new chairman, replacing Douglas Park, in hopes of taking the club to new heights with his financial expertise.
Things are looking up for Rangers FC after the announcement that John Bennett will be taking over as the new Chairman, replacing Douglas Park. Bennett, a 59-year-old industry leader in equity management and lifelong Gers fan, may just be the breath of fresh air the club needs.
While Park helped revive the club after it went into administration in 2012 and bankrolled large annual shortfalls to keep the team afloat, doubts were growing over whether the 72-year-old had the drive and funds to push the team forward.
Under Park’s watch, Rangers struggled on the field this season and became embroiled in disputes off it. An underwhelming recruitment drive last summer and questions over how transfer funds and European tournament money were spent angered fans.
At the AGM last December, Park’s vague “five-year plan” to win trophies and reinvest in the club did little to inspire confidence.
In contrast, Bennett’s financial expertise from over 30 years in the industry could help take Rangers to the next level. Although Bennett only owns a 5% stake in the club and has provided loans in the past, he likely doesn’t have the immense wealth to instantly transform the team’s fortunes.
However, his experience could help build on the sustainable business model the current regime has worked hard to establish.
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Rangers would do well to follow their city rivals Celtic’s lead. While Celtic has thrived thanks to savvy leadership, Rangers has taken potshots at officials, feuded with media and sponsors, and refused a lucrative TV deal.
The club’s militant support may have approved this combative stance but for progress, Rangers needs to brand itself as a global club, not a pub team. Here’s hoping Bennett can steer them in a wiser direction.
A win over Celtic at Parkhead today would buoy fans’ spirits and suggest coach Michael Beale has the quality and measure of Ange Postecoglou’s league leaders.
Though reclaiming the title may still be a long shot this season, the future is looking brighter for Rangers under new chairman John Bennett’s guidance. The Gers may well be on the road to reclaiming their status as a dominant force.