Rangers manager Barry Ferguson and Paraag Marathe
(Credit: Imago/Sky Sports News)
Aheed Abrar
Fri 21 March 2025 19:42, UK
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have their reputation on the line as they look to complete their takeover at Rangers.
The US consortium are expected to take control at Ibrox soon as they finalise a deal for majority shares of the Light Blues.
Cavenagh was present at Ibrox as Barry Ferguson’s team got past Fenerbahce on 13 March to qualify for the Europa League quarter-finals, but a banner displayed by supporters soured that moment.
UEFA subsequently charged the Glaswegian outfit for their fans’ actions, and the club also put out a strong statement denouncing it.
Rangers prospective new owner and 49ers Enterprises chairman Paraag Marathe
Rangers fans may have spooked Cavenagh and the 49ers. (Credit: Imago/ Breaking Media)
Cavenagh and 49ers played part in strong Rangers statement
Cavenagh and the 49ers may have played a part as the Light Blues made a strong statement against a section of their supporters, Fraser Clarke says.
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The Daily Record journalist believes the contentious banner at Ibrox could have potentially spooked the Americans as they have reputations to protect.
Shareholder Stake
Dave King 12.96%
Douglas Park 11.54%
George Taylor 10.22%
Stuart Gibson 9.53%
Julian Wolhardt 9.53%
John Halsted 9.53%
John Bennett 7.11%
Shareholders who have agreed to sell all or part of their stake.
Clarke doesn’t expect the incident to affect the takeover process, though, as the US consortium have put considerable effort into it.
Speaking on Game On (21 March), the journalist said: “I don’t think it’s going to put them off, not when they have put the amount of effort in. But it’s maybe the sort of thing that spooks them a little bit.
They realise we are businessmen with reputations. Do we want to be associated with it? And I think that’s why you saw such a strong reaction [from Rangers].”
Ibrox takeover by Cavenagh and 49ers to usher in new era
Rangers have struggled in the Scottish Premiership this season, and the gap with Celtic highlights that issue.
Cavenagh and the 49ers are expected to bring immediate success to the Gers, and their inability to do so could quickly lead to scrutiny.
A new era could potentially be upon the Light Blues under the prospective new owners, and there will certainly be added expectations.
Ferguson’s continuity in the Ibrox dugout will be something the Americans will have to make a decision on sooner rather than later.
The interim manager has shown that he’s capable of leading the Glaswegian outfit to victory against the likes of Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers.
Fans were aggrieved during Philippe Clement’s tenure at the Bears, but now the supporters seem to have renewed hope.
A few fans’ actions shouldn’t deter the US consortium from investing in the Gers.
The Light Blues have the potential to get back to winning ways both domestically and in Europe but arguably need the proper management structure in place.
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