Rangers administrators meet with sports minister

The administrators of Rangers today held talks with the Scottish Government as they began the process of trying to sort the club's finances.

Officials from Duff and Phelps spoke to Scottish sports minister Shona Robison a day after being appointed by the club.

The group had already held discussions with Strathclyde Police yesterday to ensure the club's Clydesdale Bank Premier League home clash with Kilmarnock would go ahead after the force expressed concern over payments.

Joint administrators Paul Clark and David Whitehouse were appointed after Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs forced the issue in the Court of Session in a bid to secure payment of £9million in PAYE and VAT, accrued since Craig Whyte took control of the club in May last year.

Robison said: "In a telephone conversation this morning with the administrator, I explained that we want to see an outcome in the best interests of Rangers staff, supporters and the game of football in Scotland as a whole, whilst enabling the club to meet its obligations.

"A key concern for us is the future of those employed by the club and the potential economic impact of administration.

"The Government stands ready to offer assistance to anyone affected by implications for jobs and we will stay in contact with the administrator throughout the process to ensure we are informed of any developments."

Duff and Phelps are expected to issue a statement this afternoon.

PA