'Don't go there' - Pundit reacts as Michael Stewart brands Rangers figure 'like Donald Trump'

Dave King won’t go about his attempt to return to Rangers through the proper channels because he is “like Donald Trump”, says Michael Stewart.

The pundit spoke on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club on 23 September after interim Ibrox chairman John Gilligan had urged the South Africa-based King to “behave like a proper shareholder” [BBC Sport, 23 September] in the wake of his public criticism of the board [Rangers Review, 16 September] as he looks to return as chair for two years.

Alan Hutton agreed that the way the matter is being played out isn’t helpful to the Gers, but Stewart insisted King won’t change because his behaviour is like that of the former US president.

After Hutton insisted board-level conversations shouldn’t be played out in public Stewart said (22m 10s): “Unfortunately though, Dave King is like Donald Trump.”

“I get that Michael, but there’s a way to do it,” Hutton replied. “He’s not helping the fact.”

Stewart went on: “I don’t disagree Huts but it’s not going to happen.”

“I don’t know if that was a positive or not,” Darrell Currie cut in. “We know your political views are out there at times, I’ve got no idea.”

Hutton jumped back in: “Don’t start him with that! Just don’t go there.”

“It’s just a matter of fact,” Stewart added. “Just a matter of fact, that’s all”.

John Gilligan censures Dave King over Rangers dispute

Whatever the merits of King’s plans for a new tenure in charge at Ibrox, where he has advocated courting foreign investment interest from the Middle East and the US [Rangers Review, 15 September], the way he is going about it seems an unlikely way to succeed.

Gilligan clearly doesn’t appreciate it, so if there is a route back in it looks more likely to be by building bridges behind the scenes than tearing them down in the public eye.

There is probably an argument to be made that the baggage, alliances and feuds between key Rangers figures developed over a tumultuous period in the club’s history since 2012 are a good reason why a takeover by completely new owners might be what the Light Blues need.

The risk is inherent that selling to the wrong buyers could leave the club in the hands of people though, who are more interested in benefiting financially than the sustainability of the football team.

But the lack of stability in recent seasons with the current set up has surely contributed to a lack of success on the pitch.

Philippe Clement and the players largely have to ignore the day-to-day machinations at the top but when important positions see people come and go quickly, without being replaced, he has to impact on the football operation.

On top of Gilligan stepping in at late notice to replace John Bennett as chairman after his resignation for health reasons there is the well-publicised lack of a CEO to fill the spot suddenly left open by James Bisgrove earlier this year, with Jim Gillespie pulling out of talks when the frontrunner for the job [Daily Mail, 10 September].

And Clement’s work is surely not being helped by the fact that Rangers still haven’t appointed a sporting director to replace Ross Wilson who left for Nottingham Forest 18 months ago, or an academy head after Zeb Jacobs went to Feyenoord and the end of last term.

In other Rangers news, a complete takeover has been called for at Ibrox amid rumours of investment interest from Asia.

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