OF HIS 20 years as Rangers owner, Sir David Murray has also been club chairman for 18 of them, the sequence only broken for the two years he stepped back from front-line control to hand the role to John McClelland.
It is with surprise and pride he reflects that he is now the longest-serving incumbent of the post, eclipsing the 14-year tenure of John Wilson from 1949 to 1963.
But for some Rangers supporters, notably those who populate the internet forums whi
ch appear to infuriate and fascinate Murray in equal measure, he has been around for too long. While aware of their views, he is brutally dismissive of their significance.
"Maybe those fans criticising me have overstayed their welcome," he said. "It's a small minority and it's the same supporters who stay up sending e-mails to themselves in the middle of the night.
"We've all read the abuse. I identified some of them and I met them. They were like mice. To put something on a website, under a nom-de-plume, calling me an asset-stripper or whatever is totally wrong.
"If you've got a case and you have something to say, be man enough to arrange a meeting. I don't think these people have much credence.
"I'm accused of asset-stripping, but I don't know how you can asset-strip yourself. I haven't worked that one out yet. I'm an asset-stripper but I own 92 per cent of the club.
"I didn't think I would be here this long when I started. I didn't know football when I bought the club through my friendship with Graeme Souness and I think I totally under-estimated how it would change my life and affect my life.
"So, I suppose, I would not have known how long I would last, but I am now the longest-serving chairman in the history of Rangers. I have been here for 15 per cent of the club's history. It is quite amazing.
"I have had a rollercoaster of a life with good fortune and bad fortune but I have to say at Rangers it has been mostly good fortune.
"I have tried to keep a firm hand on the tiller. I have tried not to hide. I've always tried to be up front with people, they can interpret it whatever way they want.
"I've tried to be honest and have some integrity. If you don't, it would be quite difficult to last this long with Rangers. Everybody does have a shelf life.
"I'm still more motivated than anyone. When I get up every morning I need to face things that no-one else has to face. Never worry about my motivation or dedication. It's as much as anyone I know has. I've still got that. I'm at my best under pressure and I hope that helps bring more success for the club."
The full article contains 493 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
