RANGERS CONFIDENTIAL: The truth about Jay Z’s Ibrox investment, why new CEO appointment is getting closer and the one bright spot this season

After posting a net loss of £17.2million in their annual accounts, Rangers could use an investment from iconic rap star Jay Z.

Regrettably, a summer tie-up with Roc Nation Sports International – the agency owned by Beyonce’s billionaire husband – lasted no longer than the openings bars of his biggest hit ‘Empire State of Mind’.

Roc Nation are just one of the business interests in the stable of the singer-songwriter, a keen sports fan estimated to be worth $2billion (£1.55bn).

A minority shareholder in NBA franchise Brooklyn Nets, Jay Z also attended last season’s Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

When Rangers’ chief commercial officer Karim Virani wrapped up an agreement with the globally-renowned RNSI to ‘enhance the current fan experience inside and outside of Ibrox Stadium’, the working relationship between the two sides was short-lived.

In July, Roc Nation president Michael Yormark spoke of being ‘thrilled to partner with such a prestigious organisation’ and hoped to ‘leverage our resources to elevate the Rangers brand and enhance the fan experience’.

A source from the entertainment company has confirmed that Roc Nation and Rangers briefly worked together on content, social media and commercial support behind the scenes

Snoop Dogg claims that Wrexham’s story has made him want to invest in Rangers’ rivals Celtic

He added: ‘This partnership is another special moment for us as an agency, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.’

As it turned out, the journey lasted only slightly longer than the flight will be to Athens for Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Olympiacos.

A Roc Nation source confirmed that, for a time, the two sides had worked together on content, social media and commercial support behind the scenes. The source refused to rule out a further collaboration in future.

For now, at least, that’s as far as it goes. A Snoop Dogg investment in Celtic might still be slightly more likely than Jay Z and Beyonce pitching up for a gig in Edmiston House.

Old Firm familiar returns

Rangers face arch-rivals Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup Final on December 15.

And, before trying to break his Old Firm duck at the sixth time of asking against Brendan Rodgers, Philippe Clement faces a daunting head-to-head with a Parkhead boss from the recent past. Assuming he lasts that long.

Ange Postecoglou returns to Ibrox with Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League on Thursday December 12.

Just three days later, Clement’s side will attempt to retain the League Cup trophy they won last season by trying to break the derby hex held by current Celtic boss Rodgers.

Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou returns to the Ibrox to take on Rangers in December

Days later, Rangers will take on take on Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic in the Scottish League Cup

Philippe Clement (left), pictured with Rabbi Matondo (right), will hope to get the better of both the past and present Celtic manager if he remains in charge of Rangers come December

In 19 Glasgow derbies, the Northern Irishman has won 15 times, drawn three and lost just once.

Postecoglou’s record against the Ibrox side in 11 games played was six wins, two draws and three defeats, the last shortly before he left Glasgow for London.

By reaching the Premier Sports Cup final, Clement can be grateful for one small mercy. He’s now spared a meeting with Aberdeen – scheduled by the SPFL for the same day – on league duty.

The trouble with Tav’s testimonial

Among the many priorities at Rangers right now, it’s fair to say that organising a testimonial for a long-standing player is a long way from top of the list.

Nonetheless, the plain fact is that captain James Tavernier will clock up a decade at the club next summer and, accordingly, is in line to become the 15th player in the club’s history to merit the honour.

You’ve got to tip your hat to the 33-year-old. In the post-Bosman era, there aren’t many players who stick around any club for more than a few years. Most run their contracts down and eye the next big signing-on fee.

The player’s contribution in an attacking sense has been remarkable. In his nine seasons to date, he’s failed in only three of them to take his goalscoring tally into double figures. He managed 24 last year. That’s why he’s in the club’s Hall of Fame.

The trouble for Tavernier and those who might be asked to form his testimonial committee is that most Rangers fans feel his best days in a light blue shirt are long behind him.

Rangers captain James Tavernier will clock up a decade at the club next summer and is in line to become only the 15th player in the club’s rich history to merit the impressive honour

But many Rangers fans feel the defender’s best days in a light blue shirt are long behind him

Talk of a move to join Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia in the summer remained just that. Increasingly this season, it looks like that change of scenery would have been better for all concerned.

The goals that once compensated for his defensive frailties have now dried up. He’s failed to score in the league this season and was at fault for Aberdeen’s winner at Pittodrie.

He claims that his form has been ‘pretty good’, but that flies in the face of the evidence. It certainly isn’t going to shift tickets or tables when he’s honoured for his longevity at the end of the season.

Rangers closing in on CEO appointment 

Rangers sources say they have made ‘significant progress’ in the search for a new chief executive – and they’d better hope that their gut feeling is right.

On May 30, it emerged that James Bisgrove had left by the dark of night for Saudi club Al-Qadsiah.

His abrupt departure left chairman John Bennett having to fill the void as the shambles over the building works at Ibrox forced them to decant to Hampden for the opening weeks of the season.

Bennett eventually stepped down on health grounds, with John Gilligan filling the chair in an interim capacity.

Rangers sources say they have made ‘significant progress’ in the search for a new CEO

The abrupt exit of James Bisgrove (right) left chairman John Bennett (left) having to fill the void

It briefly looked like St Mirren vice-chairman Jim Gillespie was set for the chief executive’s role, but that move collapsed and the vacancy has now been open for over five months. 

Aside from the obvious need for some direction at the top, the club will soon have to give shareholders 21 days’ notice of its AGM.

In the past four years, the date of the meeting has ranged from November 30 (2021) to December 20 (2020).

It’s inconceivable that an AGM could be held without a chief executive, so the club will simply have to make good on its word at some point this month.

Ending on a bright note… 

Sunday’s comeback at Hampden aside, there’s been precious little to cheer Rangers fans this season as they’ve watched Philippe Clement’s side slide from one disastrous result to the next.

Those who’ve taken the time to watch the women’s team have had far more to encourage them, however.

Jo Potter’s side were six up at half-time against Montrose and went on to win 10-2 on Sunday

After 12 matches, Rangers women are the only side in the league to remain undefeated

At Broadwood on Sunday, Jo Potter’s side were six up at half-time against Montrose and went on to win 10-2.

After 12 matches, they are the only side in the league to be unbeaten. Having scored 67 goals, they are also the great entertainers of the division.

Further encouragement for fans has come in the shape of debuts for May Cruft and Lily Boyce this season. Both are only 15 years old and look as if they have huge futures in the game.

Although Rangers were pipped by Celtic to the title last season and, remarkably, are still one point behind Glasgow City this time, they appear to have every chance of providing some much-needed joy to the light blue legions.