Football: pounds 10M JACKPOT FOR BIG ECK; Mystery fan hands over transfer kitty.
Byline: By James TraynorRANGERS manager Alex McLeish is set to receive an unexpected pounds 10million transfer war chest.
Lifelong Ibrox fan and multi-millionaire Alistair Donald last night pledged to provide the funds to help Eck build a team worthy of competing at the top level in Europe.
McLeish held on to his job by the skin of his teeth after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Maritimo on Thursday night.
That win earned the Light Blues a slot in the group stage of the UEFA Cup that could earn the club pounds 2m.
However, businessman Donald's contribution - which won't be used to help ease Rangers' cash crisis - is a far bigger boost to the club.
The news comes ahead of Thursday's agm when details of the club's share issue scheme to clear their pounds 74m debt will be revealed.
Donald, who made his pounds 70m fortune with Internet companies in America and Europe, said: 'My main aim is to provide the means for Alex McLeish to sign more top-quality players who will make the team even stronger in the future.
'I have been speaking to David Murray for some time with a view to making an investment which will be north of pounds 10m.
'David will be attacking the debt and wiping it out very soon so I expect a large proportion of the money I am pledging will go to the manager. I feel with the proper resources Alex McLeish can take Rangers even further in the Premier League and in Europe.'
Rangers chairman David Murray confirmed he was in talks with Donald and said: 'We have been having amicable discussions over a period of weeks now and I look forward to a profitable outcome in due course.
'We're determined to get the club back on a strong financial footing and help the manager and team further their ambitions at home and abroad.'
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HEY BIG SPENDER: McLeish is set to buy
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland) |
| Date: | Oct 2, 2004 |
| Words: | 325 |
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