Craig Mather appointed Rangers chief executive Mather has been given the role on an interim basis, the stock exchange was told this morning. Mather had previously acted as sporting director at Ibrox, having been brought into the fold by former chief exec Charles Green. Green stood down from the role last week amid a furore over comments referring to Imran Ahmad as his "little Paki friend." Mather invested in Rangers prior to its initial public offering in 2012 and holds 3.1 per cent of the Company's shares in issue. His other business interests include a sports management firm and a packaging company. He replaces Green, who became chief executive of Rangers last summer when his consortium purchased the business and assets for £5.5million after the club was consigned to liquidation following a period of administration. Green announced on Friday he would be stepping down from the role amid claims by former owner Craig Whyte - who was at the helm when administrators were called in - that he was involved in the Green consortium's acquisition of Rangers. The allegations prompted the Ibrox board to confirm plans to commission an independent investigation the week before Green's resignation, with law firm Pinsent Masons subsequently appointed to conduct the main investigation and Deloitte's forensic department also involved with the probe. Green has denied any wrongdoing but felt his departure was in the best interests of Rangers after recognising the "negative publicity" was "detracting from the achievements and reputation of the club." SEE ALSO: Tom English: Charles Green becoming a liability Ex-director Dave King seeks Rangers control Former Rangers director Dave King is considering a bid to takes control of the club from Charles Green and his co-investors. King is sizing up moves by rival bidders - including Greenock bus magnate James Easdale and his brother Sandy, who already hold a six per cent stake in Rangers - for Green's eight per cent stake, as well as investors who formed part of the former chief executive's consortium. The South Africa-based businessman intends to approach the investors to ask if they will sell to him instead. "I am assessing my position at the moment," said the 57-year-old. I am trying to discover if the investors would be in a position to consider their situation. Most people don't want to lose money. The removal of Charles Green provides an opportunity to take things forward a different way at Rangers. I want to see if the individuals who own the sares are amenable to a discussion. The issue is not one of just buying Charles Green's shares. His eight per cent does not make much difference. There is no point in being a minority shareholder with no influence or power. But now there are two possibilities. One is that his shareholders regroup and find another man and continue to support him. In which case, we have a continuation of that previous regime and things will catch up with them in a year or two. Or, alternatively, if the shareholders are in any way uncomfortable and want to exit, then this may be the opportunity now for others to come in. And one of those could be me. King has made previous attempts to buy Rangers when Sir David Murray offered to sell the club, but was thwarted when Craig Whyte bought the club for £1 in 2011. Last November, King had an order freezing his UK assets lifted after six years, freeing him to invest in UK companies. The settling of a decade-old tax dispute, and discussions with the SFA over his suitability to be an owner, have given hope to King that he will be seen as a "fit and proper" person. The response of the SFA was that, because it was only allegations, they would take representations from my legal team and, if they could convince them I had a strong case, there would be no issue. Craig Whyte yet to launch Sevco legal claim Rangers also responded to media speculation regarding Whyte's claims and "Sevco 5088," the company at the heart of the dispute. The statement read: "In light of the recent media speculation in relation to alleged claims which are purported to have been made by Craig Whyte, Aidan Earley, Law Financial Limited or Worthington Group plc in relation to the ownership or control of Sevco 5088 Limited ("Sevco 5088"), Rangers confirms that no legal claim has been received by Charles Green, Imran Ahmad or the Group. As none of the allegations that have been made in the press have been substantiated by evidence of any legally enforceable rights and as details of any claim, whilst threatened, have not been received, the company regards any such press commentary and speculation to be highly spurious. The Group has been and continues to receive legal advice to protect the business, assets and reputation of the company and its directors from such spurious claims. In view of recent media speculation, the company wishes to clarify that Sevco 5088 is not an active subsidiary of the Rangers International Football Club plc. It is and has been a defunct non trading company over which termination proceedings began last year and which would have been struck off by the Registrar of Companies had false claims of directorships not been filed recently at Companies House. Sevco 5088 was listed in the company's announcement dated 22 April 2013 to comply with the AIM Rules for Companies requiring disclosure of directorships held by the directors of the company both currently and during the preceding 5 years. Sevco 5088 was not the acquisition vehicle which purchased the assets of Rangers Football Club.