‘Duped’ Ibrox Fan Board were reassured that all was well with building work THREE days before closure statement

Three days before the statement that Ibrox was closing a meeting of the Fan Advisory Board was reassured that all was well with the building work on the Copland Road Stand.

Four items were discussed and included in the Minutes from the meting which also covered the disappointments of the season just finished, the departure of CEO James Bisgrove and the launch of the latest kits from Castore Sports.

The Fan Advisory Board was set up a year ago as a box ticking exercise to connect the club executives with rank and file bears through quarterly meetings.

After meetings in January, March and June the next one should be interesting as the fan reps realise that they’ve been treated with contempt in return for a blazer and brogues.

Today the club published the Minutes of their June 17 meeting where questions were asked about rumours on social media and message boards that after less than a month the building work had hit problems and was behind schedule.

Stadium Upgrades The club shared that The Director of Operations and Venue is working with the Facilities team and the main contractor. Elements of the project are out with our control, and we are working to make sure we have contingencies in place.

Everything is going according to plan, at the minute. The FAB asked about the WhatsApp rumours (i.e. Ibrox unlikely to be ready for the start of the new season) and if there are contingencies in place to play elsewhere if something goes wrong.

The club responded regarding several options including other Scottish Stadia were being explored. Everything is on the table and being considered. The club finished by stating that the project was a piece that was ever moving but the club are on top of that. The club have since released a public statement updating supporters on the project.

Since the June 20 announcement there has been nothing official out of the club although Keith Jackson of the Daily Record acquired a lot of detailed information over the weekend that revealed that Hampden would be used for the foreseeable future.

October was put forward as a possible return date to Ibrox but once the first UEFA group stage match is played elsewhere all other group stage matches will have to be played at the same venue.

Bearing in mind the climate of secrecy around the issue October seems wildly optimistic with the visit of Celtic on January 2, complete with 2,500 away fans in the Broomloan Road Stand much more realistic.

Without matchday income from the stadium and associated earners such as the club store and New Edmiston House cash flow is going to be badly effected, increasing the pressure on Phil Clement to reach the group stage of the Champions League.