King’s theatre is just perfect for Ibrox pantomime

CHRISTMAS isn’t Christmas without a pantomime. And the only ticket in town this festive season is the Rangers AGM on December 6. Dave King is flying to Glasgow to vote against the re-election of chairman Douglas Park. Concerned that Rangers will be left behind unless there’s change in the boardroom, he has accused directors of treating supporters like an ATM. None of this is new. Since stepping down as chairman, the businessman has been a vocal and persistent critic of the men now running the club. His relationship with the Parks is broken beyond repair and the Rangers board are united in their desire to keep him at arm’s length. Still the largest individual shareholder with 15.45 percent of the shares, that’s easier said than done. King’s critics point to his uneasy relationship with truth. Back in 2011, when he was embroiled in a lengthy dispute with the South African tax authorities, Judge Brian Southwood branded the tycoon a ‘glib and shameless liar’. Those words have been a millstone round his neck ever since. Even so, much of what he had to say to fans’ group Club 1872 this week bore the ring of truth.

Since beating Celtic to the title under Steven Gerrard, the Ibrox club have displayed signs of stagnation. Offered an opportunity to leave their bitter rivals behind, they failed to kick on and progress. Disgruntled by the lack of backing, Gerrard — and Michael Beale — quit for Aston Villa. Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, they came to within a penalty kick of winning the Europa League. Selling Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo for a healthy profit, persistent failings in player recruitment meant they didn’t replace them adequately. The blame for that can’t be laid squarely at the door of sacked manager Van Bronckhorst. King (left) thinks others should carry the can as well and, when he enters stage left at the Rangers AGM, the board of directors will need no booing or hissing from shareholders to know he’s behind them. He’s been there, wielding a dagger, for the last two-anda-half years.