10 years ago today Jimmy Calderwood was manager of Aberdeen. If a nostalgic journalist troubled the Tanned One on what his old club could do to prevent Celtic disappearing further over the horizon, can you imagine him saying: “The board need to bridge the gap with Celtic, spend big and put Aberdeen back where they belong”?
It would be a ridiculous suggestion. Celtic turnover circa £65m more than Aberdeen, trying to match the champions in any meaningful way would jeopardise the club’s 112 year history.
Calderwood, isn’t so daft. But Walter Smith, who 10 years ago was Rangers manager, now advises Newco to spend big in order to catch and stop Celtic. Newco will turnover around £50m less than Celtic.
Football clubs who are engaged in a competitive struggle, either cut their cloth to suit their circumstances, or are destined for insolvency. Of the tens of thousands of registered football clubs in the world, Newco, more than any, should be wedded to a strategy of matching expenditure to income. They should know better.
Live within your means, pay your bills, build up a track record of responsible trading. Develop youth talent to the best of your ability, plan seasons in advance, and you have an excellent chance of improving as a football team year-on-year. Whip up unreasonable expectations, become a serial loss-maker, crave short-term hits like an out of control addict, and your chances of sustained development are zero.
It beggars belief that in 2017, not five years since the shadow of liquidation walked up Ibrox’ marble staircase listing every asset in the building for sale, that a hugely experienced authority is putting a futile trophy hunt before the financial security of the club.
The ball is rolling on this now. The vast majority of fans only hear “Spend, spend, spend”. Responsible voices suggesting Newco spend what they earn, irrespective of the consequences on the league table, will be abused as heretics (been there).
David Murray’s ‘speculate to accumulate’ narrative needed Rangers to be competitive at the top end of an inflating market. It worked while these conditions were in place but fell apart when the market in England softened in 2001. Rangers could no longer sell their duds at a profit and the game was over. It’s not been a viable strategy in Scotland for 15 years. The subsequent crash and burn was inevitable (although liquidation wasn’t).
Any team wedded to a strategy which requires them to spend money they can ill afford, to achieve an outcome which is beyond their reach, is destined for insolvency.
Is competing for second place really that bad that you need to risk it all to ‘stop Celtic reaching 10’? Aberdeen, Hearts and Motherwell seem to enjoy their football in this reality, most fans pitch up week-after-week despite lesser ambitions. I haven’t heard a single voice of reason on the financial strategy across the city from within their own ranks.
You know how this story ends.
330 Comments- Pages:
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ITALIABHOY on 10TH JANUARY 2017 7:28 PM
Top of the class.
CCK wants Sevco for the exact same purpose as Moonbeams. CCK is just playing vain glorious a la Murray but that´s not his purpose it´s a known necessity. One is a Knight of the realm the other a career criminal. That´s football. EBT´s are old hat. Football being outwith the law is not. Flies and shit etc. CCK is inhibited not by not having a credit line to a bank but no MIH equivalent to dupe the bank along practised guidelines for mates. The truth looks to be that Sevco are being ran for the benefit of the same men that controlled Rangers. We are just not allowed to see it.
Hail Hail
PHILBHOY on 10TH JANUARY 2017 4:35 PM
Hello , Phil.
A great tribute to your brother in law , big Moe.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you to everyone for the prayers and support for my mammy. She is comfortable tonight in hospital tonight, despite being diagnosed with acute pneumonia today. Coupled with her urinary tract infection, she is in the wars at the minute. Thankfully she has a strong heart and stronger faith in Our Lord.
DELANEYS DUNKY
All the best to you mate.
HH
JIMMYNOTPAUL on 10TH JANUARY 2017 7:05 PM
Natknow 151/91 isn’t brilliant but I wouldn’t be panicking yet.
It should be checked monthly I would suggest.
You should be looking for approximately 120/80.
==============================================================
One reading doth not a stroke make.
A bit glib for a serious subject.
The purchase of a blood pressure machine ( sphygmomanometer ) for a modest sum ( $ 100 in Oz for the OMRON one I have) allows you to keep track on a regular basis , should you wish to.
And perhaps discuss the whole issue with your G.P.
If and when you can get an appointment.
:-(
DELANEYS DUNKY
Good luck and prayers to you and yours
HH
Awe Naw
Thanks pal.
HH
JMcC
My Ma loves prayers. Thanks pal.
HH
don’t listen to paul67 , spend spend spend, we don’t belong at the top – spend and you’ll catch us
ItaliaBhoy on 10th January 2017 9:54 pm
The writing was on the wall for RFC in those last few seasons. From about 2009 it was just a matter of time.
Smith’s comments nowadays are largely designed to protect his “legacy” of multiple championships and cups. That these were bought with the bank’s money and via an outrageous tax scam bothers him not one jot. His friends at Level5 will continue to cover for him by churning out absolute guff like today’s efforts.
And yet he is not a stupid man. So you have to wonder, during those last few seasons, why he didn’t take evasive action? Why didn’t he sell players – or at least stop buying them? I cannot imagine a Celtic man ploughing on like Smith did, ignoring what he must surely have been seeing with his own eyes?
I suspect Smith and Murray believed they were bulletproof. That, no matter what, RFC could not – would be allowed to – go bankrupt. Perhaps it was that famous “air of Protestant superiority” Smith himself had detected that lulled him into a false sense of security…
But throughout history, clever people do stupid things until disaster befalls them. No-one believes things will ever get really bad until they do… and I think Smith believed that RFC would be saved by a bank, a billionaire, or ultimately, a government, and he is still bitter that they weren’t.
And so, like the bandmaster on the Titanic after the iceberg had struck, he kept on playing that old familiar tune, as the briny deep engulfed all souls…
=================
I think all of that form the main ingredients of the recipe for their downfall but I think the idea that the bank would always cover them was a major factor in taking the risks, the cost, as before would be met by them.
RBS and Halifax going bust in Autumn 2008 must have come out of the green and I heard stories that when Lloyds stepped into the breach (or were pushed into it) their first step at a meeting with MIH/SDM, who had great plans, was to tell SDM the salad days were over.
Good Evening.
“When Walter Smith Appeared On Bullseye”
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/01/10/when-walter-smith-appeared-on-bullseye/
DELANEYS DUNKY
A wee prayer said for your mammy, get well soon Mammy DD..
DELANEYS DUNKY on 10TH JANUARY 2017 10:31 PM
JMcC
My Ma loves prayers. Thanks pal.
HH
========================================================
Add mine to the list.
DELANEYS DUNKY on 10TH JANUARY 2017 10:18 PM
Hope she gets well soon bud, all the best.
Delaneys
All the best to your mum. Sounds like she is having a rough time.
Hopefully things improve for her shortly
SP
Thanks pal. She is a wee Maryhill fighter. :)
HH
Macjay
Thanks pal. Appreciated.
TTR
Hopefully proper diagnosis now. Thanks pal.
WITS
You and my ma have similar humour. She is off Sligo folk though. :)
DELANEYS DUNKY on 10TH JANUARY 2017 10:18 PM
Thank you to everyone for the prayers and support for my mammy.
*After my da left this world just over 23 year ago I crossed the Atlantic every year, however, after a few years it became twice a year and on one occasion 3 times as my mother had a couple of strokes and eventually dementia.
She knew who I was but kept getting my name wrong and after a while I said tae my auntie who was in essence her carer “I wish it would all end soon”, this wasn’t on account of the travelling I was doing but just watching a perfectly sane person going downhill.
Her response was “don’t say that son; you’ve only got one mammy”.
This will be the 16th year of her leaving us and there’s no a day goes by that I don’t think about her or thank her for making me the person I am now.
I’m up at the pineapple tonight and yer mammy will be in my prayers and be prepared tae face the worse day in your life. Spouses, girlfriends, da’s may come and go but as my godmother, who will probably be up there with her, said “you’ve only got one mammy”.
Delaneys
I had read your mum was back home and recovering, sorry to learn she had a set-back.
With your love & support, she will knock it for six.
YNWA
Walters Myth, like most of them, is consumed by selfishness and greed. He doesn’t give a toss about the consequences of spending more money. He is only interested in protecting his 9 in a row legacy. If they spent £30m and managed to stop 9 or 10 in a row, he wouldn’t care a jot if they crashed and burned the next day. With friends like him, they hardly need enemies.
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 10TH JANUARY 2017 10:26 PM
JIMMYNOTPAUL on 10TH JANUARY 2017 7:05 PM
Natknow 151/91 isn’t brilliant but I wouldn’t be panicking yet.
It should be checked monthly I would suggest.
You should be looking for approximately 120/80.
==============================================================
One reading doth not a stroke make.
A bit glib for a serious subject.
The purchase of a blood pressure machine ( sphygmomanometer ) for a modest sum ( $ 100 in Oz for the OMRON one I have) allows you to keep track on a regular basis , should you wish to.
And perhaps discuss the whole issue with your G.P.
If and when you can get an appointment.
:-(
—————————————————————————
It was the purchase of such a device that alerted me my friend! I bought an OMRON device as a Christmas present for my other half, whose family have a history of high BP. I know….I’m a romantic old fool…. :-)))
Anyway, she’s an Aussie – any kind of gift demonstrates enough affection to keep the flame of love burning fiercely… ;-)
Turns out her BP is fine but mine isn’t. You can imagine the mirth around the turkey on Christmas day. I was worried the noise of a cracker might carry me off at one point…
Anyway, I arranged an appointment today and the practice nurse seemed unperturbed by my readings – I’m sure she’s seen more dramatic stuff – but told me to come back in a couple of months. That surprised me – hence the query on CQN earlier….
Philbhoy / DELANEYS DUNKY –
Thoughts and prayers for you and your families.
DD
A prayer said for yer mammy thoughts with you and your family
Delaney’s, get that Coghill character up to see your mum, he will lift her spirits.
On a serious note, I hope she makes a full recovery.
whtf is Giannina”?
FTSFA
BoingCSC
H.H.
NATKNOW on 10TH JANUARY 2017 10:58 PM
Anyway, I arranged an appointment today and the practice nurse seemed unperturbed by my readings – I’m sure she’s seen more dramatic stuff – but told me to come back in a couple of months. That surprised me – hence the query on CQN earlier….
================================================================
Without wishing to be disrespectful to the practice nurse………………
I`m not qualified to give medical advice , however…………….:-)
Remember the basic rules of taking your own B.P.
Feet flat on the ground . Legs and arms uncrossed.
Relax ..seriously….for a minute before you press the button.
I usually do twice or three times and average out.
I`m told evening is better.
Whatever you do , don`t take it 20 times a day.
That`ll raise your B.P.
:-)
I assume you`re not a smoker :-(
Delaney’s Dunky,
I’m very sorry to read of your mother’s illness. I’ll say a wee prayer for you all.
Philbhoy,
That was a lovely post earlier. I’ll say a prayer too.
Nite all.
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 10TH JANUARY 2017 11:16 PM
NATKNOW on 10TH JANUARY 2017 10:58 PM
Anyway, I arranged an appointment today and the practice nurse seemed unperturbed by my readings – I’m sure she’s seen more dramatic stuff – but told me to come back in a couple of months. That surprised me – hence the query on CQN earlier….
================================================================
Without wishing to be disrespectful to the practice nurse………………
I`m not qualified to give medical advice , however…………….:-)
Remember the basic rules of taking your own B.P.
Feet flat on the ground . Legs and arms uncrossed.
Relax ..seriously….for a minute before you press the button.
I usually do twice or three times and average out.
I`m told evening is better.
Whatever you do , don`t take it 20 times a day.
That`ll raise your B.P.
:-)
I assume you`re not a smoker :-(
—————————————————————-
Not a smoker mate, but could do with losing a few pounds and getting some regular exercise.
I shall take your advice above on taking readings. I know I’ll be nagged to do it on a regular basis – so no need for me to set any reminders on the phone…! :-)))
NATKNOW on 10TH JANUARY 2017 10:58 PM
Your wife`s an Aussie ?
Tell her it`s a mild 38 in Sydney today.
Melbourne Mick and Summa will really be suffering at 42.
I fear some Guinness may well be swallied .
Good Evening All.
1. Philboy, thoughts and prayers re Big Moe and his family and friends.
2. Scaniel – I am not aware of any e-mail at all and can’t see any in the junk so can you send them again and I will look at it and get back to you. My apologies.
RE LISBON
One couple who are going have chosen to stay out at the Palacio in Estoril but that may be too rich for some pockets and in any event some may prefer to be in the heart of Lisbon rather than an some 20 minutes away on the coast.
I am now at the stage of looking at accommodation for the majority with the original intention being to try and put everyone in the one hotel in the old town. I am conscious of cost for everyone and so I am scoping out possibilities and will hopefully e-mail one and all.
I am also going to liaise with Mouldy and his team of Cyclists as to where they are staying and their intended agenda for the 25th with a view to making sure we meet up and hopefully have some kind of organised dinner on the night of the 25th. With a bit of luck we will have some musical entertainment and maybe raise a few quid for charity in true Celtic style.
There are others such as Auldheid, ACGR, Pedro and others who are making their own way there from various parts and there are one or two or more who have expressed an interest in turning up from all sorts of places.
So organising everyone is a bit of a task and in the next few days I will hopefully firming up plans and e-mailing or messaging as many as possible who are either going or have expressed an interest in going.
To take things further, I am going out to Lisbon on an advance recky in February to try and make/finalise some arrangements for the few days that we are there.
Blantyretim — I didn’t know about the Portuguese cup final but will make enquiries and if necessary try and engage the help of those within football so we can get access. There may be some publicity in that.
I mention this because immediately after Lisbon my old man received a letter from the late Archbishop Scalan asking if the 82 priests who were absent from their parishes in May 1967 managed to get to Fatima where they were all headed!
To this day I know of people who have never admitted they were in Lisbon as officially they were on the sick, at a funeral or some such other business.
Accordingly, if you are coming out be aware there may be some publicity!
Auldheid
The 2006 accounts of Rangers PLC should NEVER be read in isolation.
If I recall correctly, the 2005 accounts were such a piece of accounting fiction that the CFO in situ at the time immediately resigned after less than a year and moved to an entirely different sector altogether never to return.
In 2005 the switcheroo to MIH debt via BOS was spectacular and as obvious as a rampant Donkey’s apendage!
Alas the accounts were published during a period when there were no financial journalists in Scotland and so no one bothered reporting the madness that was within. Either that year or in 2006, the profit and loss for RFC PLC contained an entry which credited the turnover with an exceptional item which produced a benefit of £14,999,999 to the club. This was the repurchas by the club of so called “image rights” which David Murray had supposedly bought from the club some years before for £15 Million!
That £15 M was just a way of supposedly shoring up the books with fresh air, but the reverse sale and the suggestion that this resulted in a £14,999,999 profit on the repurchase of an asset at a pound is worthy of Hans Christian Arthur Anderson at his very very best.
I note soneone mentioned the latest BDO report dated December 16. I have not seen that but would be very interested in having a read as I believe that would be very illuminating in terms of what comes next.
Walter Smith talks a whole heap of crap.
The most interesting post on here in months came from Blantyre Kev the other day. If Celtic PLC are coming very close to wiping out their retained losses to set off against profit that means they are coming close to paying tax.
Now there is a position to be in!
Forthcoming profits from football income (Europe) will attract tax unless you have losses and costs to set off against them.
So here is your choice: Just pay the taxman – or spend the money on assets the cost of which are a legitimately deductable expense.
Deary me — could we about to buy some players?
Heaven Forbid and mind the gap!
NATKNOW on 10TH JANUARY 2017 11:22 PM
Nagged ?
Good on your wife.
BROGAN ROGAN TREVINO AND HOGAN on 10TH JANUARY 2017 11:24 PM
Fantastic effort re Lisbon.
Can you send me some details pls if not too late? Not sure if I can make it at the mo, as it may clash with some Walk With Shay (WWS) stuff, but if I could move the WWS stuff to Lisbon, ha, that would work. Nothing is impossible :-)
If you email me at cqnpredictor@gmail.com, I can pick it up from there.
HH
CRC
Tontine
So true. You have a lovely way with words.
Saint Patrick’s Dumbarton taught you well.
HH
SeS Natknow
Thanks bhoys. My ma will read your wishes when I visit her tomorrow.
DD
Best wishes to your Ma for a full recovery
HH
CRC
Dallas
The only time I have seen Cokey clamped silent, was when he was in my mam’s home and he used Our Lord’s name in vain. My ma went ballistic and ordered him to apologise. Thankfully he did, and the carbolic to wash his mouth was not used by her. :)
DD- good luck to yer mum mate HH