RANGERS will start the new season AWAY from Ibrox.
Work on the Copland Road Stand has been hit by a shipping delay.
It has left angry Gers chiefs scrambling for alternatives – with their home potentially out of action for the entire month of August.
That means as many as FIVE games could be moved – sparking immediate fury among fans.
SunSport understands Murrayfield is high on the list of venue options, with SRU sources confirming talks are underway over a temporary switch to the home of Scottish rugby.
A Gers statement said: “Rangers has recently been advised of a delay in a materials shipment from Asia which is likely to have an impact on the programme for the completion of the Copland Stand works.
“It is therefore expected, unfortunately, that there will be an impact on matches at Ibrox at the beginning of the 2024/25 competitive season.
“The club has engaged with the SPFL and UEFA in order to review planned contingency arrangements.”
Rangers are installing a new disabled section in the Copland Road.
Despite being given repeated assurances the job would be delivered on time, chairman John Bennett is now left to face the music.
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Outgoing chief executive James Bisgrove has timed his departure nicely, while SunSport understands the project manager has already been fired.
Rangers would have to fork out for the hire of Murrayfield, but bosses hope that is offset by the additional seating capacity on offer in Edinburgh.
With works on-going at Hampden, the home of Scottish football isn’t a viable option.
A Queen’s Park statement confirmed: “Following the three concerts scheduled for the National Stadium this summer, the Hampden playing surface will be renovated and be available for use by Queen’s Park following Scotland Men’s UEFA Nations League match against Poland on September 5th.”
It’s understood Gers boss Philippe Clement has been fully briefed on the saga.
The Rangers statement added: “Naturally, everyone at Rangers is deeply disappointed with this news.
“The club is working intensively to ensure that all steps are taken to deliver the project at the earliest possible date and a further progress update will be issued to supporters in due course.”
Gers, of course, are heading to Murrayfield next month to take on Manchester United in a glamour friendly clash.
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With the new season just around the corner, Ibrox could anticipate to host to two Premiership matches, two Champions League qualifier and a potential home tie in the Viaplay Cup
Fans face chaos
By Roger Hannah
THE big losers in the Ibrox shut-out will, of course, be Rangers supporters.
They must now shoulder the extra hassle – and additional cost – of travelling to another ‘home’ ground at the start of the new season.
Fans of rivals Celtic encountered real issues when they headed to Murrayfield for Champions League qualifiers.
They endured the twin blow of train delays and traffic jams – simply due to the massively increased volume of vehicles heading along the M8.
It remains unclear – but looks highly likely – that Murrayfield will be the ONLY alternative available to Gers.
Hampden is out of bounds due to concerts and stadium works – and Celtic Park is out of the question for obvious reasons.
But however this shakes down, it’s certain Gers supporters will be unhappy at moving away from Ibrox for ‘home’ games.
This summer’s work is just the first phase of redevelopment at Ibrox and they won’t know for sure when they’ll get inside the ground.
From a sporting perspective, it’s also a massive blow for Philippe Clement to play games – perhaps even in three competitions – away from Ibrox.
Crucial Champions League qualifiers are on the calendar for the start of the campaign and Gers always regarded the Ibrox atmosphere as a major factor in their favour.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
