Douglas Park steps down as Rangers chairman to be replaced by John Bennett

Rangers have announced that Douglas Park has stepped down from his position as chairmen of the Ibrox club after three years in the position.

The Ibrox board has voted to install the club’s current vice-chairman John Bennett as Park’s replacement.

Park, along with George Taylor and George Letham purchased a significant stake in the club in 2015 and was appointed to the board in the same year, becoming vice-chairman in 2018.

He stepped up to become chairman after the departure of Dave King in March 2020 and had been in the role since then.

During Park’s time at Ibrox, the club won the Premiership title, reached the Europa League final and won the Scottish Cup.

Park was also at the forefront of a row with the Scottish Professional Football League over sponsorship. He accused the organisation of bullying tactics when Rangers argued that the league’s sponsorship deal with online car dealership cinch was in conflict with the Ibrox club’s association with Park’s Motor Group, which is owned by the businessman.

Though chairman of the board throughout the pandemic and recent achievements on the pitch, Park was not universally popular with the support. Fans’ group Club 1872, which owns a 5% stake in the club, voted against his re-election as chairman last year.

On announcing his decision to step down from the board, Park told Rangers’ website: “It’s been a great honour to serve the club as a director and chairman.

“During my eight years in office, we endured extraordinary pressures. I am glad we have stabilised and strengthened the club and it is now time for me to hand over the baton to a new chairman for the next stage in the club’s development.

“I look forward to continuing to attend matches supporting the team, and I wish John and all at Rangers Football Club the very best.”

Chairman John Bennett said: “On behalf of all my colleagues, and indeed the entire Rangers family, I want sincerely to thank Douglas for his eight years of service.

“Over the last three years, he led the club during exceptionally challenging times.

“It’s a source of great comfort that Douglas, although no longer a board member, will be by our side to support us in our relentless pursuit of success.”