Follow Follow Accountant spells out van Bronckhorst’s unlikely transfer war-chest

There are growing signs of frustrations among Ibrox fans as the reality of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s transfer war-chest becomes clearer. 

All sorts of incredible figures were pumped out through friendly media outlets to compensate for missing out on the SPFL title and Europa League. 

It seems that double-counting is rife, especially in terms of income from the run to the final of the Europa League in Seville. 

A figure of around £17m is due directly from UEFA as prize money for losing the final. There is no additional TV or sponsors money on top of that, after the group stage there were four knock-out ties where the club charged top dollar for tickets and hospitality. VAT and staging costs come off plus bonuses to players and staff for progress. 

At the start of June James Bisgrove claimed that commercial income was close to £30m, that seems an incredible figure but could include all non-football income bundled together including hospitality, sponsorship and merchandising. 

After reaching the final of the Europa League MD Stewart Robertson claimed that that run had matched the income that the club would have picked up by reaching the group stage of the Champions League.

The proof of all of this income can be seen in the transfer market. Five weeks away from Champions League qualifiers there has been no new signings despite question marks over the fitness of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe. 

Five first team players are out of contract in May 2023, unless they all do a Connor Goldson there will be some hefty losses at Ibrox- unless there is another run to the final of the Europa League coupled with compensation for a manager and reserve team right-back.