The Scotsman

Green claims he has been vindictate­d by inquiry

Ex-ibrox chief hails Smith appointmen­t

- LISA Gray

Former rangers chief executive Charles Green believes he has been vindicated by the outcome of an independen­t inquiry which found no evidence that ex-owner Craig Whyte invested in the current Ibrox set-up.

The probe was commission­ed by the rangers board after Whyte alleged he was involved in the Green-led consortium’s purchase of the club’s business and assets after liquidatio­n was confirmed last summer.

The allegation­s were accompanie­d by taped recordings of conversati­ons between Whyte, Craig Whyte. rangers were never going to be able to move forward until that was gone.

“As we’ve seen from this report, everyone now is clear, apart from one man, who is completely delusional.

“It’s just something that has to be brought to an end otherwise this club and the fans and the institutio­n that it is are going to be hampered fighting spurious claims for the next God knows how long. “It’s not right.” Green resigned as chief executive in April as a result of the “negative publicity” but strenuousl­y denied any wrongdoing at the time.

He said today: “I’m just disappoint­ed I couldn’t have stayed to finish what I started.

“I had some great plans for the club and they’re all now in ashes.”

He added: “I’m never finished with rangers – I got addicted. It does get hold of you. I’m a oneclub man.”

Green backed the appointmen­t of former boss Walter Smith as the club’s non-executive chairman.

He said: “Walter’s announceme­nt yesterday is a fantastic thing.

“I got Walter to join the board before I left. I’d asked him twice beforehand.

“He is now where I believe is his rightful place as the statesman of the club.

“Walter is not the businessma­n to run it, that’s a different job, but that’s what rangers are needing is safe hands.

“I think it’s great the club are moving forward. It’s not about me, it’s not about Charles Green, it’s about rangers.”

Smith, who replaced malcolm murray at the helm, admits he was surprised by his new role at rangers.

He told Sky Sports News: “I’m looking forward to the challenge. It simply wasn’t one I was expecting and it wasn’t one I was looking for.

“When it comes around, it’s always an honour to represent the club in any way, shape or form.

“To be the chairman is something I never expected to happen. I look forward to it now.”

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