Derek Llambias, Sandy Easdale and Barry Leach suspended from Rangers as new board launches investigation

The trio – who were respectively chief executive, chairman and finance director until they were ousted by 85 per cent of shareholders on Friday – have been told to stay away from the club.  

 

Dave King was reinstated on the board along with his associates Paul Murray and John Gilligan, with supporters reportedly chanting “we want King”. Llambias, Easdale and Leach were not automatically relieved of their executive powers. 

 

But today, a statement released by the club said the trio had been “suspended from their duties” as an investigation takes place. 

 

“Mr Llambias and Mr Leach, along with Sandy Easdale, have been advised that a resolution to remove them as directors of the company has been received by the company,” the statement added. 

 

“A meeting may be required for this purpose but it is hoped that this will not prove necessary.”

 

The statement also noted that Rangers' head of football administration Andrew Dickson had been appointed to the football board alongside King, Gilligan and Murray, who is acting chairman.

 

The fans may be happy with the result, but it is unclear how this will affect the club's financial situation. 

 

Last week Rangers said it had begun seeking the second half of a loan agreed with Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, but warned there were “conditions” that could have an impact “upon the willingness of SD to release the funds”. 

 

Ashley, who owns an 8.9 per cent stake in the club, brought Llambias and Leach on board last autumn. Leach also works at Sports Direct as the head of its brands division.