Craig whyte flees

An email was read to the court from March in which Mr Shanks told his boss at Lloyds Banking Group that he did not want the issue of Mr Whyte's intent to be a "stumbling block" to any agreement.

Mr Shanks said in the email: "If Craig doesn't inject the cash he will be hounded by the fans and not Sir David Murray. Defence QC Donald Findlay suggested it was known there were no guarantees over future spending during the takeover, and that the situation was simply "I will if I can". Mr Shanks said the two men were installed by the major shareholder, Murray Group, as part of a condition with the bank but that Lloyds was not controlling the club. Referring to the letter, Mr Findlay said they were "clearly seen as the bank's men".

There was strong involvement from the bank to get our debt repaid. Other email discussions between Mr Shanks and colleagues were read which discussed the potential of removing banking facilities to Rangers and changing the board in the run-up to the May takeover. Mr Findlay asked if this was intended to threaten and put pressure on the board to approve the deal.

Mr Shanks replied: "Leverage", adding that it was "negotiation tactics". Earlier, the witness had denied applying pressure over the sale. Please update your billing details here to continue enjoying your access to the most informative and considered journalism in the UK.

Accessibility Links Skip to content. Menu Close. Log in Subscribe. Stuart MacDonald. I've never seen or heard of that. He also told the court that he considered the idea of pre-pack administration for Rangers but dismissed it as not a viable option.

The court earlier heard how Sir David had "minimal" involvement at Rangers from Mr Findlay said Sir David, at that point, went on to "entrust the club" to a "group of men" including Alastair Johnston. Mr Findlay added they seemed to waiting on the "Sultan of Brunei" deciding to buy a Scottish football club. The QC pointed out a number of apparently negative issues that arose at the club from Concluding his questioning, Mr Findlay said: "From you stepping down as chairman and Craig Whyte taking over, what had these men done to your football club, Sir David?

Sir David replied: "The football side was reasonable. They had not generated new funds and I don't think there was an alternative plan to raise new money. Mr Whyte is accused of pretending to former Rangers owner Sir David Murray, and others, that funds were available to make all required payments to acquire a "controlling and majority stake" in the club.

Rangers administration talk before Whyte. Whyte's offer for Rangers 'seemed viable'.