Rangers plan fan discussions over Celtic allocation as James Bisgrove estimates derby dialogue timeline

Rangers are willing to talk to Celtic about away fans - but new chief executive James Bisgrove insists the club will pay most attention to what its own fanbase wants before opening the Ibrox doors.

Bisgrove, who officially takes over as CEO next month, has revealed Gers have not sold season tickets for the wedge of 800 seats between the Broomloan and Govan Stands that has housed the Celtic support in recent times – before this season’s total ban was implemented. That could pave the way for a potential return, although Bisgrove admitted the days of 7500 Celtic fans filling the Broomloan are over.

And if the overwhelming feeling of the Ibrox support is they are happy with the current situation, Rangers will listen carefully to them. Asked about a return to full away allocations, Bisgrove said: “I’d struggle to predict that now because there are so many aspects to that conversation. We need to see where the conversation goes but I don’t think that’s something that looks imminent. The supporters’ voice will always be the most important one for us in terms of their view because they are the lifeblood of the club and the engagement we are already doing with different supporters’ groups has started.

“The supporters’ view and emotive beliefs on that will certainly play a really key role. But what we need to do is engage with all the different stakeholders so that we come to the right decision for the football ground.

"It’s definitely an area we’re going to look at and we’ll have dialogue with all the right stakeholders and authorities – be that Police Scotland or Celtic. There is no specific date in the diary for those talks but I’d imagine during the summer and before the next Old Firm game the dialogue will take place.”

Bisgro