Rangers sweat on tax verdict

Owner Craig Whyte admits Rangers could be about to face the “toughest few weeks” in the club’s history.

The Scottish champions are awaiting the verdict of a tax tribunal which could leave them with a bill of as much as £49million should they lose their dispute with HMRC.

Boss Ally McCoist admitted on Friday that, because of the club’s finances, the welfare of Rangers is more important than results on the park right now.

Whyte said: “I agree with him. This has the potential to be the toughest few weeks in the club’s history.”

He added: “I wouldn’t say crisis is the right word. Not at the moment. But we’re certainly in the toughest time in the club’s history.

Whyte says he has a plan in place if the verdict goes against Rangers but declined to divulge the details.

He said: “I play my cards close to my chest. Ally and I work closely together and if that situation arises he’ll be the first to know about it.”