So much happened yesterday, I’ll be as brief as possible:
Newco Rangers sent their counsel to the Court of Session to protest Charles Green’s contract with the club, stating it should pay legal expenses, now crystallising ahead of his forthcoming criminal trial.
In opposing Green, James Wolffe QC raised various objections, but as is often the case when people speak on behalf of Newco, included an arbitrary insistence that Newco operated the same club as the now liquidated Rangers.
Green’s QC, Jonathan Brown, put his pit boots on before stating his client’s case, but tantalisingly, before lunch informed the court that he would return to the same club/new club debate later. And didn’t he. Brown explained that Sevco Scotland purchased the assets of Rangers, not the club itself, with poetic prose adding:
“The team are paid by Sevco, plat at a ground owned by Secvo, are trained by a manager who is employed by Sevco and fans buy tickets from Sevco. That is the business that is being carried on.”
Adding that Rangers were “a collection of assets”, “What if the players were sold to one person and Ibrox to antoher, where is the ‘club’ then?”
I had to look away from court reporter, James Dolman’s Twitter feed at this point. It was like watching an acquaintance being humiliated. Not something you want to see.
Lord Doherty will determine if Newco should pay Green’s costs in due course, but this will be soon, as Jonathan Brown noted, “the rainy day has arrived”.
This next bit is really important:
Soon after court ended, Dave King was out with a rambling statement on the Newco website. If it was designed to play to the galleries, it hit the spot. If it was designed to influence what happens to his club, or how others will regard his input, it was surely an horrendous mistake.
It was a hard day to be chairman of Rangers International FC PLC. The court hearing only happened because the club objected to its contract with Green, so the unedifying episode could easily have been avoided. Despite this, sometimes you have to shut your mouth.
Sure, some Newco fans love a bit of grandstanding, but you know what yesterday’s statement will achieve. If the objective of the statement was to convince other Scottish clubs not to consider disciplinary action against Sir David Murray, or oldco Rangers, for their actions, it was an almighty miscalculation.
Threats seldom work. This one is unlikely to curry favour: “If the history of our Club comes under attack we will deal with it in the strongest manner possible and will hold to account those persons who have acted against their fiduciary responsibilities to their own clubs and to Scottish football.”
In short:
Don’t threaten clubs you are trying to influence.
Don’t grandstand to your own fans if you are trying to influence other clubs.
Keep a poker face. Keep your mouth shut, even if it means taking grief from your fans for the lack of public reaction.
King’s statement also addressed the sporting advantage issue from what we now know was an unlawfully operated tax scheme. While the EBT scheme saved tens of millions of pounds, and King earlier intimated this did provide a sporting advantage, yesterday he insisted the advantage was financial, that the shareholders were “committed to providing funding to the club” and would have done so, if required.
Here’s the thing, in 2012 another King statement revealed, “I have made a claim of £20m on the basis of non-disclosure by the then chairman, David Murray, of Rangers true financial position as far back as 2000.”
That commitment to further shareholder funding seems predicated on some controversial information. According to King, of course. Controversial enough to launch a £20m claim, but not to inhibit investment.
For the war-chest hunters among you, if you read this article covering King’s 2012 statement, you’ll find a strong clue.
One other quick but important point:
Some media are attempting to portray questions of sporting advantage as Rangers being punished for spending money they could afford, a travesty, as so many other clubs have done likewise.
This must surely be a deliberate attempt to misunderstand the issue and manipulate the debate.
No one suggests Rangers should be punished for spending money they could not afford. The questions are straightforward:
Did Rangers break tax law, break SFA rules and break SPL rules, when contracting football players?
Did they disclose matters openly with authorities (in other words, inadvertently make mistakes), or did they conspire to subvert the rules by hiding incriminating information?
Spending like the Borgias? Time to move on. Conspiracy to subvert the rules? We have a problem.
Don’t be distracted by potential ramifications to these questions, they are irrelevant for now. We should consider no more than did they break all of the above rules, should any the rule breaking be interpreted as an oversight, or does evidence of conspiracy to subvert the rules exist?
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One of my favourite quotes, from Ernest Hemingway, seems apt this morning:
“The world is a great place, and worth fighting for.”
One of my favourite film scenes, also feels apt this morning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTsg9i6lvqU
“An insider close to the Hampden corridors of power”.Have we not suffered enough,to coin a well worn phrase,from this unrelenting Lilian Gish being spouted from this totally biased SMSM.An absolute torrent of guff being spewed out daily in defence of the Huns.The talk of stripping titles has paralysed the hacks with terror.Every avenue of lies and nonsense being visited by them,directed by the insidious Level 5.
Truth and reason discarded in the mad rush to exonerate the Huns on every charge levelled against them.
We all know the simple truth.You play a player illegally registered,you lose the game 3 0.Thats the laws of the game.UEFAs rules.We should never lose sight of the truth,no matter how much smokescreen they try and put in our way.The rules fek them.Dont believe anything that the hacks are putting out.All propaganda from Level 5 and TSMSM.
This disgrace to sport has a long way to run yet,and our media will have no input into the final reckoning.
It has gone too far.
Jobo
Interesting.
I am about to take middle child to Drama Class then later will be handing oldest girl £67 to buy a horrible looking pair of white trainers which will no doubt scuff and discolour quickly!
PUNISH THE CHEATS
HH
`Read the night shift, wish I hadn’t. There are a couple on here who if they are not total loopers make a good job of disguising it.
There is no doubt that there is a huge debate that needs worldwide exposure on the double standards that dominate International politics but last night or indeed today is not the time.
Cowiebhoy-nice catching up on Monday,hope things starting to move now HH
Lennons Passion,
That’s why Res 12 is becoming a very powerful weapon for our club :)
If the SFA refuse to take action the board simply have to support the resolution and call in the CFCB.
They can extend the remit of res 12 for all the EBT years :)
Whodathunk a mad blogger would provide the club with the power to bring down the SFA :)
Good to see both Teirney and Nesbit having such a positive impact for Scotland last night.
As I understand it the rules are simple everywhere else – you play unregistered players, the games in which they feature are then awarded to the oppostion 3-0 but heard last night that the SFA have no “facility” to go back and do this and remove any titles, cups etc……………. Only in Scotland
Turkeybhoy, this morning’s effort from the Record is almost – but not quite – as risible as Roddy Forsyth’s “stripping titles will bankrupt clubs” effort earlier this week.
Now we are told “there is no mechanism”. Oh well, that’s that then. “No mechanism”, who’d have thought…? Too bad, excuse us whilst we head for the back of the bus then…
You’d have to be a complete moron to swallow this nonsense, and the fact that these are the kind of excuses the MSM are coming up with suggests to me that they know their favourite (ex) club is royally fecked.
The most interesting development remains Ashley’s attack on the SFA. What does it say about Scottish football that it could take a loathesome, zero-hours, Dickensian plutocrat, to clean up our game?
LEFTCLICKTIC on 14TH NOVEMBER 2015 10:14 AM
LNS
it proceded under belief that EBTs were legal,
that has now been found to be wrong, so full LNS report should be torn up and binned,
hun media are squealing in desperation just now.
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/spending-like-the-borgias-time-to-move-on-conspiracy-to-subvert-the-rules-we-have-a-problem/comment-page-18/#comment-2718667
===%====
That plus of course it was compromised by the failure for whatever reason to supply SPL lawyers what they specified when doing the preliminary investigation.
The media have known this since last September as have SPFL but media either failed to respond or if the did refute the case put to them. But even then they did not publish.
However with the HMRC putting the focus back on LNS there have been expressions of interest in the compromise angle.
It’s a bit of a litmus test for them so I can understand it taking time to decide what to do but once appeal date is past they will have to decide which side their future, if any, is buttered on.
lennon’s passion on 14th November 2015 10:56 am,
Awee bit of selective reporting there LP/What Celtic said is they dont agree with the LNS verdict.
They have also stated that there is a possible appeal pending on the latest momentous decision made by the law lords.If this decision is not appealed they EXPECT “Sporting integrity”to be applied.
This has a very long way to run.
Lennons Passion 10.56
I share your concern but the SA tax evaders statement has put the SFA or SPFL or whatever in a position and also Mick Ashley calling them out and more importàntly the Sepp Blatter stuff, they are going to be put on the spot as soon as the appeal date is passed, as I have already posted there will be no appeal and I want some journo to ask the SA tax evader why doesn’t he appeal if he wants to keep the titles……simple answer is, it has nothing to do with the company/club that he is now involved with………. Chase the registration argument, it’s one they can’t win
0-3
0-3
0-3
0-3
And so on 0-3
Correction a team of mad bloggers, reps and supporters of res 12.
Then again whodathunk there would be Celtic supporters would have wanted Res 12 to fail.
Mechanism: There already exists various mechanisms to ‘Strip Titles’. Improper registration of players, improper submission of application for domestic license, improper application for Euro licence and bringing the game into disrepute among others are all grounds for investigation.
Consequence: The consequences of any future investigation could include the mandatory 3-0 defeat in any games where players are found to be improperly registered and amendment of record books as to the result of both individual games and entire competitions.
Punishment: Contrary to what the media would have you believe the ‘Stripping of Titles’ is merely a consequence of cheating and not a punishment. Punishments can range from docking points, banning individuals from football, fines and even the withdrawal of licence. This poses somewhat of a problem.
How do you punish a dead club? Unless you’ve just spent the last three years pretending they’re not dead. Oops.
cv
The Clumpany sure knows how to put the media in its place.
I’ll let him link but watch out for it.
Can’t watch anymore of the scenes from Paris – so awful. Feel ashamed – I don’t even know who Islamic state are.
Canalmar 11.08
Keep at it, the effort of all concerned in Res12 is much appreciated
EASY FOR ME TO SAY on 14TH NOVEMBER 2015 11:04 AM
As I understand it the rules are simple everywhere else – you play unregistered players, the games in which they feature are then awarded to the oppostion 3-0 but heard last night that the SFA have no “facility” to go back and do this and remove any titles, cups etc……………. Only in Scotland
No,only in one of the Daily Rectums hacks head.As I said,believe nothing they say.If you choose to,then thats up to you.Every sport has the right to go back and right wrongs caused by any form of cheating.We are watching it being played out daily.We have had plenty of precedents in the Scottish game of retrospective action being taken against rule breakers.
What gets me is the reaction from every hun I know that the MSM, the SFA, the SPL and UEFA are all out to get them. Everyone’s bent over backwards to bail them out ffs. Oh and I forgot about the (Tim loving} BBC. Has there ever been a more televised team from lower divisions than that mob ? No-one likes them, they dont care (apparently)
HH
ItaliaBhoy
Great pick, one of my all time fav. Movies, what a cast, don’t make them like that anymore :)
Canalamar
Nope you were right the first time. Yer mad. Lol
No mechanism? Is a Judicial Review not a mechanism?
I did type Canamalar apologies for the typo
Aff oot shopping with Mrs & Miss GFTB
Kev J
If you are looking in, still in my prayers
Hail Hail
I forgot to mention the Vatican
EASY FOR ME TO SAY on 14TH NOVEMBER 2015 11:04 AM
As I understand it the rules are simple everywhere else – you play unregistered players, the games in which they feature are then awarded to the oppostion 3-0 but heard last night that the SFA have no “facility” to go back and do this and remove any titles, cups etc……………. Only in Scotland
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/spending-like-the-borgias-time-to-move-on-conspiracy-to-subvert-the-rules-we-have-a-problem/comment-page-19/#comment-2718682
Big Dave Cameron is chairing another COBRA meeting.
I wonder if they will discuss the veiled threats to one and all emanating from Ibr*x and BFDJ?
Cathedral View
I’ve been making that very point on Twitter to the STVGRANT who first came out with no rules under which to strip titles.
As you say there are and all that is needed is another look taking all evidence into account on DOS ebts, BTC ebts and how bill from DOS ebts was never given to SFA in 2011 AND the SFA’S inaction when it was brought to their attention last year and their stonewalling answering questions on that very point and a very different conclusion based on all the evidence is inevitable.
Extreme case fundamental defect registrations invalid FROM THE OUTSET. See the Clumpany bring that point out.
Rule books eh…………Wonder if “sources” have access to them ?
SFA Articles of association.
35. Club Licensing
35.1 Clubs in full membership or associate membership of the Scottish FA or in membership
of an Affiliated Association or an Affiliated National Association, as the case may be,
shall comply with the requirements of the Club Licensing Procedures.
35.2 It shall be for the Licensing Committee to determine, in the first instance, whether:-
(a) a club has complied with the requirements of the Club Licensing Procedures; and
(b) to grant, suspend, refuse to grant or withdraw a Club Licence (on such terms
and conditions as the Licensing Committee thinks fit) and, if a Club Licence is
granted, which category of Club Licence to grant to the applicant club,
provided that the determination of the Licensing Committee will not be final and
binding, and clubs will have the right to appeal against any determination made by
the Licensing Committee to the Judicial Panel in accordance with the Judicial Panel
Protocol.
35.3 The Judicial Panel will have jurisdiction to deal with any club which fails to comply with
the requirements of the Club Licensing Procedures and/or any terms and conditions
imposed by the Licensing Committee, and to impose such sanctions upon such club for
such failure as are prescribed within the Judicial Panel Protocol.
………………In ither news………
I’ve just found ” The Mechanism”………
Know where it was?
Right next to
……………………………………
………..”the Buzzer”
Oh aye,
BZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz CSC
Auldheid
You are too kind!
Here is the new piece in question. Rubbishing the whispering voices at Hampden ‘quoted’ by the Daily Record
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2015/11/14/surprise-surprise/
There was also no mechanism to extend the league in 2008, or to transfer league membership of a dead club. I’ll not add any more examples for fear of starting a list!
Goodness even covers fines………well non-payment of them:
Failure to Pay a Fine
97.1 Any fine imposed upon any recognised football body, club, official, Team Official or
other member of Team Staff, player, Player’s Agent, referee or any other person under
the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall be paid to the Scottish FA within 30 days of
intimation of the imposition of the fine (all rights of appeal having been waived or
exhausted).
97.2 In the event that any fine imposed upon any recognised football body, club, official,
130
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
131
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
Team Official or other member of Team Staff, player, Player’s Agent, referee or any other
person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA is not paid by or on behalf of such person
within 30 days of intimation of the imposition of the fine (all rights of appeal having
been waived or exhausted), the fine shall be subject to interest at the rate of 4% per
annum over the base lending rate from time to time of the Bank of Scotland plc from the
date on which the fine was due for payment until payment of the fine is received by the
Scottish FA.
97.3 In the event that any fine imposed upon any recognised football body, club, official, Team
Official or other member of Team Staff, player, Player’s Agent, referee or any other person
under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA is not paid by or on behalf of such person,
pursuant to Article 97.1, the Scottish FA will be entitled to offset such outstanding fine
from and against the relevant amount of any monies held by the Scottish FA by or on
behalf of such person or owed by the Scottish FA to such person. In the case of an
official, Team Official or other member of Team Staff or player, the Scottish FA will be
entitled to effect offset in the context of monies otherwise due to the club with which
such official, Team Official or other member of Team Staff or player is associated.
Bada, nice, sorry we should have taken 30 mins, a wee cup of tea, and sorted oot Scottish Football :-)
Just off phone, someone tried to steal the cabling to site last night, cut through the cable outside supplying chillers and pumps etc
Seems a level headed Bhoy.
DURING the course of this week there are a number of young Celts who could be involved in international games played at various levels.
Over the weekend, the Celtic website is taking a look at some of the youngsters involved by taking a look at their Introducing The Academy Bhoys features in this season’s matchday programmes.
Here we have Joe Thomson who was called up for Scotland’s Under-19 games this week and he answers the following getting-to-know-you questions.
ON THE PITCH
What position do you play?
Anywhere in midfield – I have played as a sitting player, attacking, box-to-box and on both wings.
How long have you been part of the Celtic Youth Academy?
I signed when I was 11 or 12, and the core of the boys I came up with are still here as well.
Where do you hail from?
Clarkston, Glasgow. I have always lived there and still stay at home.
What are your main strengths as a player?
My energy levels. I can get up and down the park and can score a goal from midfield and can defend as well, so I suppose I’m a box-to-box player. I can put a shift in for the team where I’m needed.
What areas of your game are you looking to improve?
Maybe I could get a yard quicker and I’m working on my technique as well so hopefully I will see improvements in that. As a young player, you want to improve your all-round game.
Career highlight so far?
Winning the Glasgow Cup at Celtic Park. We won 1-0 against Rangers and I captained the team. We were on the front foot the whole game, looking to get the goal we needed and eventually we got it. Beating Rangers at Celtic Park to lift a trophy, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Next on the agenda?
The Development Side are competing on a lot of fronts this season – the league, the Youth Cup and the Premier League International Cup (PLIC), and the U19s are in the UEFA Youth League. We were recently in South Africa where we played a lot of top teams and it gets you in the mood for competitive action. There is a lot to look forward to and I will try to push on and hopefully get in some of the first-team squads.
Aims for the season?
Winning the league and Youth Cup and hopefully progressing in the UEFA Youth League and the PLIC, and then we will take it from there. Personally, I just want to keep progressing and try to make improvements in my game and then I will see where it takes me from there. I will only get a chance in the first team if I do that.
Greatest influence?
My Dad and my Grandpa have always taken me to the games and they have helped me a lot. They took me to training and bought me football boots and things like that, doing everything for me. They still come to all the games, so definitely the both of them.
Football idol?
I would say Steven Gerrard when he was at his prime. He could do anything. He could play box-to-box, he could score a goal or two and tackle, so he could really do everything as a midfielder. At present, I like Jack Wilshire of Arsenal. He is injured quite a lot but he’s very good when he plays.
What current Celtic player do you most admire?
Broony. He is a midfielder and his energy levels and his tackling are terrific and you have to look at him. He gets in the other teams’ minds, and when you play against him in training you are always looking over your shoulder to see where he is. He dominates games week after week. He helps me a lot on and off the pitch and he will do stuff with me after training sometimes and before games.
OFF THE PITCH
Favourite song
I wouldn’t say I have a favourite one as I’m not really into music. I just listen to the radio really. I go through different phases of what a like but there is nothing that sticks out just now.
Favourite TV show/film
I know I’m a bit behind the times, but I just finished watching Prison Break which was pretty good and I enjoyed Breaking Bad as well. In terms of movies, I liked all three of the Hangover films, they were really good and funny.
Prized possession
I genuinely don’t know, maybe the strip I wore when I scored in Gran Canaria for the first-team.
What other sports or hobbies do you have?
I hate all other sports apart from football. I just like to relax when I’m not playing. I wouldn’t turn on the TV and watch another sport. I couldn’t do that. I watch every game of football, though! It could be the Japanese League and I would still watch it.
Celebrity crush
Nicole Scherzinger
this armageddon isnt quite working to plan.
partick another club thats restructured its debts to give a positive financial footing,
and no clubs have went into admin since rangers died in 2012.
whats not to like
TheClumpany on 14th November 2015 11:30 am
Thanks again for your excellent peice.
THECLUMPANY on 14TH NOVEMBER 2015 11:30 AM
You are too kind!
Here is the new piece in question. Rubbishing the whispering voices at Hampden ‘quoted’ by the Daily Record
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2015/11/14/surprise-surprise/
////////
THE CLUMPANY,
Nailed it!
Thanks.
Winning captains
How come on list of comments I see Tom Boyd and PfAyr have last 2 posts
Yet I have refreshed page 3 times and do not see these
Have they been put into the holding company incubator :-)))