BBC SPORT | SCOTLAND | Rangers losses show need to move

Rangers chairman David Murray has again stated the need for his club to leave the Scottish Premier League after announcing huge losses for 2001.

Murray has persistently called for Rangers and Celtic to be allowed to move to a more competitive and lucrative league, ideally the English Premiership and an operating loss of �16.3m has reinforced his desire to move.

The Ibrox chief admitted 2001 had seen a record outlay by Rangers, with the cost of the club's new training ground being added to player acquisition and contract extensions.

"Recently, there has been a growing debate on the concept of joining the FA Premiership," said Murray.

Arthur Numan against St Johnstone
Arthur Numan has signed a new contract
"We certainly see this as a possible solution, addressing many of the issues facing us.

"The status quo is quite simply not an option for our club.

"As chairman, I am responsible for the overall direction of the club and as such I must plan for long-term stability in addition to meeting our short-term aspirations.

"I am confident that we are in good shape, both on and off the park, to meet the challenges of the future and ensure the continuing success of the club."

Murray said recently that Rangers could no longer afford to pursue a policy of spending huge amounts of money on players without selling first.

These figures bear that out.

Turnover for the period fell to �47m from �51.7m, partly because of the out-sourcing of Rangers' catering operation.

There was also a reduction in ticket income because of a one-off special discount given to season ticket-holders at the beginning of last season and the team's early exit from the Scottish Cup.

Net operating costs were reduced by 2.7% mainly because of lower staff costs - down by 3.9%.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]		Friday, 23 November, 2001, 20:05 GMT Rangers losses show need to move Rangers' spending on players contributed to the losses Rangers chairman David Murray has again stated the need for his club to leave the Scottish Premier League after announcing huge losses for 2001. Murray has persistently called for Rangers and Celtic to be allowed to move to a more competitive and lucrative league, ideally the English Premiership and an operating loss of �16.3m has reinforced his desire to move. The Ibrox chief admitted 2001 had seen a record outlay by Rangers, with the cost of the club's new training ground being added to player acquisition and contract extensions. "Recently, there has been a growing debate on the concept of joining the FA Premiership," said Murray. Arthur Numan has signed a new contract "We certainly see this as a possible solution, addressing many of the issues facing us. "The status quo is quite simply not an option for our club. "As chairman, I am responsible for the overall direction of the club and as such I must plan for long-term stability in addition to meeting our short-term aspirations. "I am confident that we are in good shape, both on and off the park, to meet the challenges of the future and ensure the continuing success of the club." Murray said recently that Rangers could no longer afford to pursue a policy of spending huge amounts of money on players without selling first. These figures bear that out. Turnover for the period fell to �47m from �51.7m, partly because of the out-sourcing of Rangers' catering operation. There was also a reduction in ticket income because of a one-off special discount given to season ticket-holders at the beginning of last season and the team's early exit from the Scottish Cup. Net operating costs were reduced by 2.7% mainly because of lower staff costs - down by 3.9%.		More news on this club See also: 07 Oct 01 \| Scotland Fifa rules out Old Firm move 27 Nov 00 \| Rangers Rangers finances take an upturn 29 Sep 01 \| Celtic 'Premiership needs Old Firm' Internet links: Rangers FC The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Other top Scotland stories: Scots TV deal claim Rangers chairman Murray quits Elusive O'Neill flies solo Big guns eye Euro lead Dundee go for Duffy Coventry turn down Deloumeaux Late lifeline for Bankies MacFarlane hobbles to Hearts Links to more Scotland stories are at the foot of the page.


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