Ross joins players in taking cut
KEVIN THOMSON STEVEN DAVIS BARRY FERGUSON KENNY MILLER
BY ALAN MARSHALL HIBS boss Jack Ross is set to accept a salary deferral along with his players.
Earlier this week firstteam stars at Easter Road were asked to accept a temporary reduction to their wages.
Discussions between senior figures in the dressing room, owner Ron Gordon and chief executive Leeann Dempster have progressed well in recent days.
And Ross is leading from the front and ready to defer a portion of his salary and just last week the manager acknowledged even “stable” clubs like Hibs would need to take action if a lengthy spell without football is on the cards.
WHEN Dave King suddenly stepped down as Rangers chairman last Friday night I must admit there was a moment when I began to fear the worst.
Yes, I know it was always his intention to step away from my old club at around this time and true he said as much back in November at the AGM.
It probably shouldn’t have come as a shock. But it did.
With football locked down and the entire world fighting against the coronavirus I was taken aback.
The timing did seem a bit alarming when businesses all over the country are in serious financial trouble so your mind begins to wonder if there is bad news on the way.
Given everything Rangers have gone through over these past few years it is understandable fans might feel a bit jittery at a time like this.
But, as worrying as it was to see King walking away, my concerns were put to bed the minute I realised who had slipped into the chairman’s seat.
I’ve known Douglas Park for most of my life. I’m not saying we’re best mates who go out for a beer together but I do know what the man is all about.
The fact he is now in charge of the club’s affairs has really helped put my mind at ease.
Listen, he’s been around Rangers for far longer than I was.
I first met him when I was just a kid coming through the ranks and he was always happy to give me advice whenever I needed it. We’re both good Lanarkshire lads so maybe that helped us form a connection.
But what I realised over the years was that everywhere Rangers went, Douglas Park was right there with us. It didn’t matter if we were playing home, away or in European ties, he’d be there giving the team his support.
I honestly can’t think of anyone I’d trust more to look after the club’s best interests and get it through to the other side of this crisis.
Actually, I always hoped one day he might take over the reins but never thought it would happen as he’s a very private kind of guy.
You’re talking about a man with deep pockets here who has been signing cheques for some time now to keep things ticking over at Ibrox.
He’s as shrewd a businessman as they come but, most importantly of all, he has Rangers in his DNA.
He wouldn’t have stepped up as chairman if he didn’t believe he could guide the club safely through this shutdown.
And that’s certainly a weight off my mind because it’s hard enough getting through from one day to another right now without also having to worry if King has just done a runner when he was needed most.
As far as King is concerned he did exactly what he promised he would and I wish him well.
When he first arrived on the scene the club was on their backside.
He’s spent millions on repairing Ibrox plus Auchenhowie and bringing