The plot thickens at Rangers, as Mike Ashley confidante Derek Llambias, who was the Managing Director at Newcastle United from May 2008 until the summer of 2013, has been appointed the CEO of Rangers FC.
Derek LLambias – at Glasgow Airport earlier this year
The Scottish Football Association announced last week they would be investigating both Mike Ashley and Rangers FC, and they want to know more about the (extreme) influence Ashley has at Rangers, after giving the club a £3M loan.
Although Mike Ashley owns just less than 10% (8.92%) of Rangers, he is now effectively in complete control of the club, and has now taken the next step of getting one of his people to run Rangers FC.
This is the Rangers statement that was issued today to the Stock Exchange:
“In line with the cost cutting exercise announced on 12 November 2014, Mr Llambias’s remuneration will be significantly lower than previously offered for this position.”
Non-executive Chairman David Somers had this to say:
“I am delighted that Derek has agreed to step up to the chief executive role. This is a successful outcome to the process, announced on 27 October 2014, which involved interviewing a number of high-caliber candidates.”
“Derek has impressed us with his grasp of the issues since joining the group and brings a wealth of experience, particularly from his time at Newcastle, which we feel confident will be invaluable to Rangers.”
This follows the announcement last week that Rangers manager Ally McCoist had resigned, and is working a 12-month notice period at an increased salary of £750K/year.
And you have to believe that move was also instigated by Ashley, as he starts to exert his influence over the famous Scottish club, gained because of that loan he has given the club.
That influence that Mike Ashley now has at Rangers is exactly what the Scottish FA want to understand more of, since the Newcastle United owner still owns less than 10% of the Scottish club.
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13 comments so far
pawl250
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:18 AM
Comment #1Wait a minute guys.
The 6k a week deal seems pretty logical too me.
In the past we would have offered him 25k a week, and yet what has he done?
He has been injured, he was no one at the start of the season just a youngster with promise and well quite frankly he has been injured the majority of the season.
Now anyone and their Grandmas will know even signing a 6 year deal does not mean that is what you will have for 6 years, or mean you are committed to a team.
If anything it secures a future for an unknown player, with potential. I mean 6 years, at 6k a week! Thats £312k a year and £1.9m (rounded), no doubt with bonuses.
If he is good enough he will be offered more, or simply leave in the future.
Some players, especially youth get big money to early in their careers and when doing so flop as they have achieved money to last the a life time.
Look at Michael Johnson!
As for why we should offer big money, think James McLean for Sunderland. He came onto the scene for half a season, actually looked top quality. The season after he was doubled up and became ineffective. Yet if Sunderland offered him 30k a week for the next 5-6 years no one would have sniffed at him when he flopped, especially Wigan.
Look at Sterling…. he nearly wasted his career after his pay rise according to Rodgers. He was dropped for nearly half a year because he started partying on the town etc. Now it could have went the other way and he may still be like that now instead of settling donw…..
I think this is a sensible move from the club. Footballers get paid far too much, far too young. They need to prove themselves to be on money senior players are on.
And as stated, can always leave if good enough as contracts genuinely mean naff all. If someone has to go on a free (i.e. Ben Arfa) it is for a reason!
Ibizatoon
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:21 AM
Comment #2The one that got away….
Ibizatoon
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:23 AM
Comment #3pawl…I’m not in a position to really comment on what should be a reasonable amount to offer the lad, but I do think it’s important they do get him tied down.
Looks a real promising player and has been one of our most influential players so far this season.
I’m sure the negotiations are ongoing – more to the point, not sure we should take much notice of a story from the star.
Average_Contents
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:27 AM
Comment #4Apparently McCoist had become disillusioned by the cost cutting measures employed by ol owl head. None playing staff and his secretary who’d been at the club over 30 years were “let go” as owl head wielded fatty’s axe….I mean his axe. A number of high profile candidates were interviewed for the roll. Yes I bet they were. Not.
Like we interview more like.
Are you willing to take orders? Check.
Are you willing to lie to the fan’s? Check.
Are you willing to get shafted at every opportunity and at a moments notice? Check.
Are you willing to work for a pittance? Check.
Are you a long time associate? Check
Jobs yours.
Ibizatoon
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:31 AM
Comment #5AC…Disillusioned at the cost cutting?
But surely they’re only just getting started? What Rangers need is a man on a nice 8 year contract to pull it aall together. Yep. Del Boys on it!
pawl250
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:31 AM
Comment #6Ibiza
I am not doubting he has potential.
But after a FEW appearances, some in which he has been invisible is he worth throwing money at?
After seeing Nile Ranger would you have thrown money at him? Or Streete who was supposed to be the next John Terry, but since a new deal signed was influenced by Ranger and has become a disruption.
I mean these have talent no doubt, but I would certainly question offering an unkown talent after a handful of games large amounts of cash per week.
He is a nobody. He may not even be that good. Some people hype players on here beyond belief. He has look promising, no more.
I am glad we are not in the Shepard era offering strange amounts of money we did not have to empty talent.
I may question Ashley and at time his recruitment, but this year shows you can buy better players on the cheap. By this I mean our best signings have been Janmaat and Perez by a country mile…..and baring in mind we allowed Debuchy to go for 12m…. I feel we upgraded.
Our worst signings have been Riviere and Cabella considering the talent for money.
Siem has been unfortunate but I have high hopes for his return. I would suggest waiting until next year though as he clearly will lack fitness to adapt this year.
Slank
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:34 AM
Comment #7Pawl250
I agree with you that the offer seems sensible.
As exciting as he has been in the games he has played he hasn’t however shown the same ability over a prolonged period of games in the Premiership due to injuries.
He has to demonstrate his ability, like Ameobi has, in game after game.
I’m hoping this is his agent speaking because if it ain’t then we have a right big head in the club. By all accounts Callum Roberts is as good as Aarons and being a local lad will probably be more committed to the club in the same way as Dummitt, Armstrong, Colback, Ameobi, Saylor and Alnwick.
Average_Contents
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:40 AM
Comment #8Sitc from previous thread
I agree they are shite and there strikers are also shite but for some reason they up their game against us.
Take “Couldn’t hit a barn door altidore” for instance, he’s done absolutely nothing since signing from Holland and even though he didn’t score against us last season, he bullied our defence something rotten. Probably his best game for the unwashed since he’s been with them.
Same goes for weasel face Johnson. Upped his game. On a personal note I hate his face lol.
Perhaps the king should ask them why they seem to be up for it as we never have under him.
Ibizatoon
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:41 AM
Comment #9Pawl…I’ve not really heard much about his tempermant etc, so not sure how to answer any possible comparrisons with Nile ranger, other than I think Aarons has done more in his few games than Ranger ever did. You could see Niles stupidity mile off.
Still, I get your point, although, you would think if he had an attitude problem, the club wouldn’t be offering him a new contract at all.
My only point is that he’s obviously wanted, he clearly has potential, he has been one of our most exciting players this season, therefore, we should be tying him down – within reason of course, this isn’t an “at any cost” situation…he still has a lot to do. I just hope it’s at Newcastle from what I’ve seen.
Ibizatoon
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:43 AM
Comment #10AC…Given the amount of draws they’ve had this season, it shows that whilst unspectacular, they’re extremely hard to break down. I worry what tactic Pardew will use. Sorry, I worry Pardew will try to use his one tactic 🙂
Perez could cause them problems. Nippy li’l bugger.
mag92
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:45 AM
Comment #11The mackems, must think it’s Xmas, facing Alnwick, in goal; Whickham, and Fletcher, will be shooting from the half way line!
Slank
Dec 19, 2014 at 9:48 AM
Comment #12Pawl @ 6
Agree thst Perez and Janmaat have been superb buys. However, it is arguable that the absence on a regular basis of Rivierre and Cisse, due to various reasons, has provided the opportunity for Perez who may not have been given his chance otherwise; and possibly been the brunt of much criticism by Pardew haters as another example of poor recruitment. Such is Lady Luck.
jimmysmith
Dec 19, 2014 at 10:56 AM
Comment #13Gosh, what a surprise. That didn’t take long, and out of the blue as well, right out of left field, you could have knocked me down with a feather. At least they’re not in for any more nasty little surprises……..aye reet! That’s what you get for flying to close to the sun, Old Beer Bottle Pockets and Dirty Dennis Lambreesy, for your profligacy. Better the poor house, at least then you might have at least some chance of getting your club back. It’s certainly too late for us.