A fund that was set up by Rangers fans to “back the club they love” before it went into liquidation handed over £500,000 yesterday to the Rangers Supporters Trust (RST) to bolster its legal kitty to help prevent Mike Ashley from having security over Ibrox Stadium in return for a sizeable loan.

A statement released by the trust read: “The Rangers Supporters Trust is delighted to announce that, following a successful meeting yesterday, the Rangers Fans Fighting Fund has thrown its considerable finances and influence behind the RST’s continuing fight to ensure Ibrox remains under the control of the club.

“We are delighted that the Rangers Fans Fighting Fund (RFFF) has taken this decision and would like to thank them for doing so. There is now a substantial legal fund available, should it be required, to fight any attempt by this board to pass security over Ibrox to Mike Ashley. We will work closely with the RFFF going forward to ensure every avenue is explored.”