Another senior figure at Rangers walked from the club’s board of directors yesterday, ahead of Friday’s general meeting.

Non-executive chairman David Somers resigned from his position amid growing speculation that he would have been voted out when shareholders meet at the end of the week.

His departure is similar to that of James Easdale who left last week in the face of growing fan opposition and, with Somers also gone, Dave King is getting closer to seizing control of the Scottish club.

Somers said in a statement: “I have resigned as chairman of Rangers International Football club plc. I have worked in the City of London, the world’s greatest financial centre, for decades and enjoyed considerable success.

“When I was approached about the chairmanship of Rangers, friends warned me that the world of football has different rules and codes of behaviour. I now know that is a gross understatement.

“I am a non-confrontational man and have always tried to bring harmony to boardrooms and with stakeholders.

“At the risk of antagonising my army of critics I would point out that Rangers managed to pay its bills and avoid going under during my tenure.

“These critics might not agree with how we achieved this. I look forward to alternative solutions from whoever is running the club in the future.

“Despite the personal attacks on me from various sources I genuinely wish the club the very best in the future.”