Former Rangers chairman Dave King has spoken out in a revealing interview with TalkSport, offering much-needed clarity on the ongoing takeover talks involving the 49ers and their ambitions for Rangers Football Club.
📺 Watch the full interview with TalkSport Interview with Dave King
⚠️ Rangers Deal with 49ers 6-Months in the Making
According to King, discussions with the 49ers began over six months ago. But this hasn’t just been about selling shares and walking away — far from it. King said he made it clear from day one that he wanted reassurances, not just about the financial power to buy out current shareholders, but also about having the resources and intent to invest in the club long-term. He wants to leave a legacy that he — and fans — can be proud of.
That’s not lip service. He’s demanding a real plan to bridge the gap between Rangers and Celtic, and until he was confident the 49ers and investor Andrew Cavenagh were serious about that, the deal stayed on ice.
📝 90% Complete — But the Clock Is Ticking
King now believes the deal is “90% done,” pending final approvals from the SFA and SPFL. But he did drop one bit of news that will raise eyebrows among fans — the final conclusion of the takeover may not happen until mid-June. That’s a worrying timeline with the Champions League qualifiers looming large.
Here’s what we’re looking at:
- Second Qualifying Round: July 22/23 & 29/30
- Third Qualifying Round: August 5/6 & 12/13
- Playoff Round: August 19/20 & 26/27
If King’s timeline holds, the new owners could have just 37 days to settle in and back the manager before we’re thrown into European action. That’s tight — especially if squad improvements are needed.
🤝 Risk of Becoming a Leeds Feeder? King Responds
Simon Jordan pressed King on whether the 49ers’ investment — given their Leeds United stake — could turn Rangers into a feeder club. King dismissed that concern.
He pointed out that Rangers offer consistent European football and global exposure — something even a Premier League Leeds side can’t guarantee every year. In short, Rangers are a different animal.
📉 “We’re Not Just 2–3 Players Short”
In a statement that might surprise some fans, King dismissed the idea that Rangers are just a couple of players away from catching Celtic. In his view, the gulf is wider and the rebuild more substantial. But with serious investment and the right structure in place, he’s confident the new ownership can close that gap — and quickly.
🧠 Final Word
Dave King may be exiting the boardroom, but it’s clear he still sees himself as a guardian of Rangers’ future. His insistence on doing right by the club — and not just cashing out — is admirable.
Still, fans will rightly be concerned about the tight summer timeline. If the takeover drags into June, the margin for error shrinks. The 49ers must hit the ground running.
But one thing’s for sure — with European qualifiers on the horizon, this summer will define the next decade at Ibrox.
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