GERS KIT COURT BATTLE
Merchandise deal fallout
THE Kelpies got their teeth brushed yesterday as part of their first major “veterinary health inspection”. Steel erectors Mick Leckie, 67, and Pat Currie, 38, were lifted 100ft up in a cherry picker to carry out the dental checks on the world’s largest equine sculptures, which were unveiled in 2014. Inspecting and cleaning all 18,000 components that make up the two steel horses’ heads will take eight weeks, during which the popular attraction in Falkirk will remain open to visitors.
Stephen Taylor, project manager for Kelpies custodians Scottish Canals, said: “There are thousands of bolts, fixings and panels to be individually checked so that people can continue to enjoy them for many years to come.” A ROW between Mike Ashley and Rangers over a merchandise deal has reached the High Court.
Bosses at a company within Newcastle United owner Ashley’s Sports Direct group claim the Ibrox club wrongly terminated a deal through which branded products, including kits, were sold. They are seeking damages.
Rangers’ directors dispute the claim.
Judge Richard Millett has been asked to decide how the litigation should proceed. He heard evidence at a High Court hearing in London yesterday before reserving a ruling to a date to be fixed.
William McCormick QC, who is leading Rangers’ legal team, said fans became angry after learning that the club only got about 7p of every £1 spent and had staged a merchandise boycott.
Rangers’ directors said last May that they were going to rip up contracts held with a merchandise company, Rangers Retail, they ran with a Sports Direct firm.
The deal had been agreed by former chief executive Charles Green.
But chairman David King, who took control nearly two years ago, and other directors were unhappy with the arrangement.