Rangers chairman David Somers slams critics after resignation

The 7am statement to the Stock Exchange followed speculation on Sunday night which suggested the 66-year-old - a deeply unpopular figure with fans - was ready to walk before he was pushed out of the club at a general meeting on Friday.

His departure leaves the Ibrox club with just two board members, chief executive Derek Llambias and finance director Barry Leach - both of whom can expect to be swept out of the club when shareholders vote later this week.

James Easdale - brother of investor and football board chairman Sandy - resigned his directorship last week in the face of growing fan opposition and the signs are now clear that the man who called the general meeting, Dave King, is on the verge of grabbing control of the Glasgow giants.

In his resignation statement, Somers said: "I have resigned as Chairman of Rangers International Football club plc. I have worked in the City of London, the world's greatest financial centre for decades and enjoyed considerable success.

"When I was approached about the Chairmanship of Rangers, friends warned me that the world of football has different rules and codes of behaviour. I now know that is a gross understatement.

"I am a non-confrontational man and have always tried to bring harmony to boardrooms and with stakeholders.

"At the risk of antagonising my army of critics I would point out that Rangers managed to pay its bills and avoid going under during my tenure.

"These critics might not agree with how we achieved this. I look forward to alternative solutions from whoever is running the club in the future.

"Despite the personal attacks on me from various sources I genuinely wish the club the very best in the future and I am confident that with such a passionate and vociferous fan base they will be restored to their former glories."