Rangers drop Jim Radcliffe bombshell as Alastair Johnston reveals club’s exploring joining multi-club gang

Rangers director Alastair Johnston says new Ibrox chief exec Patrick Stewart’s first task will be to explore the possibility of striking up multi-club partnerships with rivals abroad.

The former Gers chairman made the revelation as the Light Blues’ beleaguered board faced down shareholders at their AGM. The US-based sports management expert suggested the Glasgow giants could be set to follow the likes of Manchester City, who have tie ups with a several clubs across the globe aimed at maximising profits from the recruitment, development and sale of players.

It’s a route both Hearts and Hibs are currently investigating too after sealing agreements with the owners of English Premier League outfits Brighton and Bournemouth. Now Johnston claims Rangers could also be open to the possibility after being briefed by the bosses of recent Europa League foes OGC Nice, who are now part of the same INEOS stable as Manchester United.

Former Old Trafford chief Stewart will start his new Ibrox gig on December 16 - and Johnston hopes he can offer advice on the next step forward. Speaking to around 1800 fans at the shareholder summit, he said: “We were in Nice last week. I had lunch along with several of my friends, fellow directors and officers.

“And the owner there was Jim Radcliffe who, through his company. has authority of Manchester United. But he basically owns everything else. We're looking right now at different issues as to whether or not club formations can be a pathway for us.

“For example, everybody knows Manchester City's got clubs under its umbrella. I think that's one we may be looking at more carefully. In terms of the new CEO coming in from Manchester United, I would look for him to provide a lot of advice in that regard,