Rangers 'in final stages' of confirming Hampden switch

Rangers' last visit to Hampden ended in a Scottish Cup final loss to Celtic

Rangers have confirmed that they are in the final stages of negotiations with the Scottish FA to secure Hampden Park as their temporary home until delayed renovation work at Ibrox Stadium is complete.

But chairman John Bennett admits that last season's Scottish Premiership runners-up are still "unable to fix a date for our return to Ibrox" while promising "a fuller, personal update by the end of July".

The Glasgow club have been forced to seek a temporary home with early league, League Cup and Champions League qualifiers looming.

"First, I'd like to apologise on behalf of the club for the uncertainty that this delayed project has caused to our season ticket holders, hospitality clients, partners and the wider support of this football club," Bennett told his club website.

"The number of variables in this situation has made it extremely difficult to bring the one thing we all crave – certainty. Nevertheless, we are closing in on the most immediate solution - a suitable venue at which to fulfil our fixtures and house our support."

As for when Rangers might return, Bennett said: "We anticipate that this will become clearer upon delivery of the necessary materials to Glasgow.

"Rangers thanks the Scottish FA and the SPFL for their strong support in working to this solution. The club wholeheartedly appreciates the continued patience of our supporters while we work through this most trying of situations."

Earlier, Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell insisted "it doesn't change anything for me" if he has to take his side to the national stadium instead of Ibrox to face Rangers at the start of the Premiership season.

Motherwell are due to visit Rangers on 10 August, the second week of the league campaign.

"I'm certainly not sitting here firing shots at anybody because of a situation," Kettlewell said.

"Very simply, on the given day, we'll have to play against Rangers. Any time we do, they're a good side and it's always a difficult day, it's always a tough game."

The 40-year-old knows Hampden well, having started his playing career with Queen's Park.

"But I don't really focus on the surroundings too much," he added. "I focus on what's on the pitch. So no excuses from our side of it, no changing our mindset and mentality."

Rangers also host Ross County on 24 August - a week after the Premier Sports Cup second round, when Philippe Clement's side could also be drawn at home - before their third home league match comes against Hibernian on 28 September.