Sevco have taunted the SFA by appointing Deek Llambias as chief executive.
The former Newcastle chief has been appointed four days after the SFA announced that they have summoned Sevco and Ashley to Hampden on January 27 for breaching the highly secretive Five Way Agreement that brought the club into football.
Mr Llambias has been working as a consultant over the last six weeks and was involved in Wednesday’s talks with Ally McCoist over a walking away package.
In a statement to the Alternative Investment Market this morning the club announced: “Existing Board member Derek Llambias has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Rangers with immediate effect. Derek joined the Board on 2 November 2014 as a non-executive director.
“In line with the cost cutting exercise announced on 12 November 2014, Mr Llambias’s remuneration will be significantly lower than previously offered for this position.”
Commenting on the appointment, David Somers said “I am delighted that Derek has agreed to step up to the Chief Executive role. This is a successful outcome to the process, announced on 27 October 2014, which involved interviewing a number of high calibre candidates.
“Derek has impressed us with his grasp of the issues since joining the group and brings a wealth of experience, particularly from his time at Newcastle United, which we feel confident will be invaluable to Rangers.”
Confirming the link between Mr Ashley, Sevco and Mr Llambias the club announced on 3 November: “The board of Rangers announces that it has appointed Derek Llambias as a non-executive director.
“He was nominated as a director of its choice by MASH Holdings Limited pursuant to its agreement to withdraw its requisition for a general meeting, as set out in the announcement dated October 27, 2014. Mr Llambias has been acting as a consultant to the board of Rangers since October 28, 2014.
“Mr Llambias held various positions including managing director of Newcastle United Football Club between 2008 and 2013. Prior to this he has been involved in a number of leisure and gaming businesses.”
It remains to be seen whether the SFA react to this morning’s announcement with a registration ban the obvious sanction ahead of the January 27 hearing.