Rangers cancel direct debit ticket payments 'to give reassurance to fans'

Rangers: Team is working with its bank to arrange alternative payment methods.

Rangers will not take any direct debit payments for the upcoming season, the club has announced.

The move comes after some supporters claimed they had been unable to cancel banking arrangements made prior to the liquidation of the old club and foundation of Charles Green's newco.

Rangers financial director Brian Stockbridge said that payments would have been taken from accounts on July 6, but that the decision had been made to cancel direct debits "for the sake of clarity and to give reassurance to fans".

However, he added that the club was working with its bank to ensure that fans who wished to pay for their season tickets in instalments would still be able to do so.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Mr Stockbridge said: "Over the last few days it has become apparent that there is confusion regarding direct debit arrangements for season tickets.

"This has arisen primarily because new direct debit arrangements had to be put in place following the creation of the new company.

"Supporters have given us valuable feedback on this issue saying they are unclear on whether their direct debit instructions were tied to the old company in administration or the new company.

"All direct debits would have been paid to the new company from July 6 and all season ticket funds are to be used solely for the benefit of the Club and its supporters.

"However, it is clear from feedback from supporters that there remains some concern about the transfer of direct debit instructions from the old company to the new company.

"The uncertainty resulted in some misleading media coverage which only added to the confusion and caused issues for service providers.

"For the sake of clarity and to give reassurance to fans, the Club will not take any direct debit payments for the forthcoming season.

"We are working with our bank, Metro Bank, to ensure those who wanted to pay by instalment are still able to do so. The Club will issue a fuller communication within the next few days to all season ticket holders confirming the ways in which they can pay for their 2012\13 season tickets.

"The Club apologises for any inconvenience to supporters but it is of paramount importance that supporters renewing season tickets have absolute clarity on the arrangements in place."

Previously, the owners of Rangers newco confirmed that season ticket renewal cash would be deposited and held by Rangers FC plc, which is the soon-to-be-liquidated oldco.

They said the money would eventually be transferred to the new business entity that holds the assets of the club, including Ibrox and Murray Park training ground.

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