Martin Bain´s undignified Ibrox exit

Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain has been effectively replaced whilst suspended from his post.

Bain was virtually thrown overboard while taking part in a charity boating event in North America alongside Ally McCoist and Walter Smith.

With Sir David Murray taking a back-seat in recent seasons Bain has been the voice of Rangers, challenging the SPL and UEFA as well as being involved in transfer negotiations.

The way that Rangers negotiated for striker Tomer Hemed highlighted the loss of Bain. Rookie manager Ally McCoist spent two days around the negotiating table before agreeing terms with Hemed´s representatives whilst the player remained at home in Israel.

With terms agreed Hemed was expected to complete the deal over the weekend but after striking a deal late on Wednesday night Spanish also rans Real Mallorca were able to move in and convince the player to move to La Liga despite offering lesser terms than Rangers.

McCoist maintained a running commentary on negotiations through newspapers and the Rangers website whereas a more experienced negotiator would have kept quiet till the player was ready to be unveiled as a signing.

Having lost five loan signings since winning the title and with question marks hanging over the future of four key player Smith will have to hit the ground running and dig into McCoist´s alleged 12 million pound war chest.

Steven Whittaker, Steve Davis and Madjid Bougherra are all entering the final year of their contracts with Davie Weir waiting to find out if he´ll be offered a new deal.

Despite these pressing issues new owner Craig Whyte has revealed futuristic plans to develop an Ibrox village of excellence similar to Barcelona´s Nou Camp.

Some new catering kiosks seem to have fired up the imagination of Whyte who is reported to be a billionaire despite taking six months to complete the one pound purchase of Rangers from Sir David Murray.

In the last two days Whyte has given his first one-to-one newspaper interviews. Supporters will judge his actions on the park and after the undignified suspension of Bain and botched bid to sign Hemed the new Rangers chief will know that he must soon start to get things right on and off the pitch.