Craig Whyte laughed when it was explained to him what he was getting into at Ibrox in 2011.
Although he never actually handed over his pound coin the former billionaire took on what could only be described as a basket case of problems which included:
a) Ally McCoist as manager on an outrageous contract
b) The wee tax case bill of £2.8m
c) Responsibility for the crumbling Ibrox Stadium
d) Martin Bain’s contract with a 39 month notice period
e) The Big Tax Case with a potential liability for £150m to HMRC
f) Operation stop Seik and Lennon
Under the bonnet the club was riddled with problems with their existence dependent on loans from Ticketus and appearing in the group phase of the Champions League.
Yesterday, under questioning from Donald Findlay, Gary Withey told the fraud trial that he suggested to Whyte that he would be mad to take on the club.
Backing that up in questioning today from the Advocate General Withey said.
AD “why did you tell Mr Whyte to walk away?
Withey “It felt as though there were too many things to be discovered”— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 16, 2017
Withey “I’d been involved in football clubs before and under the surface it’s very nasty.”
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 16, 2017
Withey says he told Whyte “he didn’t know what he was getting into.”
AD “what was his response?
“He would laugh.”— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 16, 2017
