Almost forgotten, but not quite, in the on-going shambles surrounding Sevco has been the dire state of Ibrox Stadium.
Largely constructed in the early eighties before getting a David Murray makeover during the debt building decades, the condition of the decaying stadium is causing increasing alarm- but not at Glasgow City Council.
In recent times pictures within the stadium of leaks have been common place but when some fans had to be evacuated during last season’s home match with Dumbarton the issue of stadium safety became serious.
GCC were quickly on the scene to reassure that all was well with Frank McAveety and other council officials pictured enjoying Ibrox hospitality a few days later.
Last month Sevco chairman Dave King admitted: “The stadium itself requires significant maintenance work, much of which will go unseen, but will include a major overhaul of the roofs of the Broomloan, Copland and Sandy Jardine stands.
“The disabled facilities need to be brought in to the 21st century, the concourse facilities require upgrading to enhance the matchday experience for fans and several of our corporate hospitality suites are being upgraded over the course of this summer.
“This is in addition to a multitude of smaller repair jobs that will be dealt with over a period of time. There are no plans to extend the capacity of the stadium at present as that is structurally not feasible.”
The South African based criminal added: “We will be looking to work alongside other stakeholders in the Govan area on this master-planning project (ie Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association, NHS, local schools, Community Councils amongst others) and the Club is committed to working with these stakeholders to improve the lives of people living in the Govan area.”
Last week, almost as if prompted, The National, part of The Herald Group that is heavily reliant on Parks Motor Group, managed to share the good news although strangely no names were quoted either from GCC or the club from Ibrox.
According to The National: “ The club was able to reassure the Safety Advisory Group and the certificate was issued – it had been due to expire later this month.
“A city council spokesman said the council could confirm that Rangers “do now have the certificate.”
“A spokesperson for Rangers said: “Rangers can state that Ibrox Stadium fully complies with the safety legislation and the safety certificate has been issued.”
It remains to be seen if those nameless hollow hollow promises are met.
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