Rangers 'will continue as a club' (From The Northern Echo)

Rangers 'will continue as a club'

7:30pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in National News © Press Association 2011

Rangers' administrators have said the continuing function of the Ibrox club is their "first priority".

Joint administrators Paul Clark and David Whitehouse, of Duff and Phelps, were put in charge of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions on Tuesday night.

They said they hoped to reach a stage "as soon as possible" where the club can emerge from administration.

In a statement, the administrators said: "Our first priority has been to ensure that the football club continues to function and this is being achieved with the help of staff, players and management at the club.

"In broad terms, supporters can be reassured that Rangers will continue as a football club and we hope to reach a stage as soon as possible where the club can emerge from administration."

The firm revealed Rangers was forced into administration over an unpaid tax bill of £9 million - accrued since Craig Whyte's takeover in May last year. The Glasgow-based club appointed its preferred firm after moves by HM Revenue and Customs to have one appointed for it.

An automatic 10-point deduction by the Scottish Premier League (SPL) was administered as a result of the move.

The club, which has fallen 14 points behind SPL leaders Celtic as a result of the decision, is also awaiting the verdict of a tax tribunal which could cost it £75 million.

The joint administrators said in a statement that "very good progress" had been made so far. The statement said: "We would like to thank the club's business partners who are going the extra mile to ensure that Saturday's home match against Kilmarnock goes ahead as scheduled.

"We had extremely constructive discussions with Strathclyde Police and we can confirm the match will take place."