KING AND ASHLEY BURY THE HATCHET

DAV E K i n g d e c l a r e d Rangers’ long-running dispute with Mike Ashley over after announcing he was going into business with the Sports Direct chief.

Rangers chairman King has signed a new 12-month retail agreement — which replaces the c l u b ’s controversial seven-year agreement with the retail giant — to bring to an end two years of acrimony.

And it will cheer boss Pedro Caixinha as he looks to close the gap on Brendan Rodgers’ rampant Celtic, after King said the new contract will provide a significant boost to the c l u b ’s c o f f e r s . It is understood Rangers could be around £5 million better off because of the new deal.

King found himself in conflict with billionaire sports retailer Ashley after he forced out the old board which was backed by the Englishman.

But he now believes the Light Blues can return to “normalised” commercial dealings after confirming he had signed off on a surprise new partnership with the Newcastle owner.

“It i s t he end of t he dispute with Sports Direct,” King said.

“It’s t he single most important thing that has happened to the club since regime change. It is that significant for the club.

“All litigation has been terminated with each party paying its own costs.

“So, essentially, we walk away with a complete new arrangement.