Into the Bear Pit: The Explosive Autobiography

by Craig Whyte

From being the most dominant club in Scottish football history, Rangers F.C., one of the most famous and powerful names in British sport, was sold to venture capitalist Craig Whyte in 2011 . . . for £1.

When Whyte walked through the gates at Ibrox, the club was mired in debt and plagued with a toxic culture which seeped everywhere – from the corridors of power to a sectarian hard core in the stands. The ‘great Whyte hope’ was touted for a time as Rangers’ saviour but he was soon hung out to dry as the fall guy for Rangers’ misery as the unthinkable happened. The club was plunged into liquidation and the reformed club suffered the indignity of demotion to the third division, the lowest echelon of Scottish professional football.

The demise of Rangers saw Whyte’s reputation eviscerated on the pages of every newspaper in the country, his name vilified on radio shows, TV programmes and blogs as every aspect of his professional and personal life was picked over. In 2012 he was arrested and accused of fraud. He was put on trial where he faced the full might and resources of the government for his role in the downfall of the club. Although he was ultimately acquitted of all charges, he had to endure years of false accusations from some media outlets and multiple death threats from obsessed fans.

Full of startling revelations, this is the previously untold story of greed, corruption and scandal at the heart of Rangers F.C., told, definitively, by the man who was at the very centre of the storm.

240 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 14, 2020

Reviews

[Hugh Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very honest and candid account that unpacks one of the most turbulent times in recent sports history. It will be an interesting read for those who grew up in Scotland under the shadow of the old firm. Craig did not have a chance of success at Rangers, inheriting a crumbling infrastructure and a largely disfunction Rangers family made this task not only impossible but unbearable. The willingness of Donald Findlay to take up his defence after reviewing the evidence is in itself a pointer to how Whyte was manipulated and deceived by a Rangers board who already knew the house was on fire. Reads like a Glasgow Grisham!

[chrissy power · Rating 1 out of 5]

Complete work of fiction

Tells more tales than Ronald Dahl. I bought this book to see just how much nonsense this man would talk and I wasn't disappointed. However his version of events did need to be told,it's just unfortunate that it wasn't written behind a prison cell door. A liar, a thief and a conman would have been a better title.

[Aidan Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling story straight from the horses mouth. A brilliant insight into the heart of what was once a Scottish institution, decaying from the inside out. Into the nitty gritty of years of horrendous management at the top level. Dodgy deals, dodgy people & ultimately the death of one of Glasgows big 2.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very strange book. Worth a read but do your research and take it with a very large pinch of salt.

[Chris Loh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but poorly written

The story is fascinating however you can tell Craig Whyte thinks a lot of himself. Worth a read if you can stomach his ego.