RICHARD GOUGH has called on Rangers supporters and shareholders to stay away from the club's upcoming extraordinary general meeting in London over concerns that the current directors will seek an adjournment should thousands of people appear.

 

Dave King has requisitioned changes to the board that involve him, Paul Murray and John Gilligan replacing the chief executive, Derek Llambias, the chairman, David Somers, James Easdale and Barry Leach.

These will be voted upon at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in the capital on March 4.

The venue, however, is only capable of hosting 500 people and there are claims that Somers may seek to call the meeting off should attendance numbers exceed that figure. An estimated 2000 shareholders attended the annual general meeting at Ibrox in December.

Hundreds of supporters attending a demonstration staged outside the stadium before this afternoon's visit of Raith Rovers in the William Hill Scottish Cup chanted "We're all going to London" in addition to demanding the removal of both the board and the influence exerted by shareholder and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.

Llambias and Sandy Easdale, chairman of the club's football board, had been informed by the club's security staff not to attend the fixture because of concerns over their safety.

However, Gough, who captained the club during the golden era in which nine consecutive league championships were won, posted a message on his Facebook page this morning, which has urged shareholders to participate in the egm, which King is supremely confident of winning, by casting their votes by proxy.

"The most important thing is that the meeting takes place," wrote Gough. "We cannot give the board any excuse to adjourn it.

"That is far more important than physically abusing the board. The supporters' groups will be sending out instructions to all 500 shareholders as to how to vote by post or proxy to avoid people having to travel.

"Remember that the meeting will last about eight minutes, so, apart from anything else, it is a long way to travel for a very short meeting.

"Please share this message and we will do this the Rangers way with class and dignity."

Gough spoke to Herald Sport to confirm his stance and point out that he has the backing of the major fans' groups at Ibrox.

"The main thing, above all else, is that the meeting goes ahead as planned," he said. "I think that will be the message being put forward by the supporters' groups as well. I put the post on my Facebook page to help get that message out to as many people as possible."

Gough joined his former team-mate John Brown and the one-time director of football at Rangers, Gordon Smith, in an event in Glasgow today to promote the community ownership group, Rangers First.

The organisation has become the 12th largest shareholder in the club following a well-orchestrated campaign over the past few weeks with their total shareholding reaching 1.14m, a 1.4% stake.

Nacho Novo, the former Ibrox centre-forward, had training facilities at the club's Murray Park base withdrawn after joining Rangers First and is one of more than 7,500 members.

"I congratulate everyone at Rangers First for reaching this impressive total in such a short space of time," said Gough. "Every vote will count at the forthcoming general meeting and I urge all supporters and shareholders to back fan ownership groups and vote for Dave King."

Brown joined his former defensive partner in demanding that all supporters unite to overthrow the current board.

"Rangers fans around the world want their club back and Rangers First deserve great credit for buying so many shares in recent months," said Brown. "This 1.4% stake will be crucial at next month's general meeting and I am sure all fans will continue to back Rangers First."