Armstrong, Convicted Dave, playing with fire

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News that we are after a second Dundee United midfield player will prove popular, Stuart Armstrong has been tipped for progress for a couple of years.  He is another Ronny Deila-type player, a strong runner who can get up and down the field.  As usual, I’ll reserve judgement until we sign him, and I’ve had a chance to watch him properly.

You have to admire his balls.  Dave King assertion that a conviction for tax fraud is a “favourable settlement” goes beyond parody.  I’m unsure if some PR flop put those words in his head or if he concocted the notion by himself, but just as you cannot shine a turd, it is impossible to spin an undisputed criminal conviction.  He was convicted of criminal offenses.  If this is your measure of favourable, your standards are truly deplorable.

I fail to see why King even is discussing such matters with the media, unless he’s currying favour with the Daily Record.  These assertions will make no difference whatsoever to the stock market, or any reputable nominated adviser, nor will it hold sway with the SFA.  It is also a futile battleground.  In the event King gains control of newco Rangers, he doesn’t need to be a director to exercise de facto control, Paul Murray has been his man for years.  Mike Ashley is not a director, and he owns less than 9% of the club, but he appears to be able to dictate play quite comfortably.

Without a trace of irony, King told the Record: “The enthusiasm that this board adopts to ‘media management’ and its failure to act in the interest of shareholders and other stakeholders is exactly why they should be jettisoned”.

Trying hard to avoid the merest whiff of media management himself, King then added, “History will judge this board as one of the worst the club has ever had. There is not one individual who puts the club above personal interest.”

There you have it folks, our pal Dave is a man you can trust.

Just as the Newco board didn’t have enough on their plate, interim manager Kenny McDowell tendered his notice, although in true ‘Rangers’ tradition, he’s not going without a pay-off.  It’s an added vote of no confidence the regime could do without.  They now face the embarrassing prospect of allowing an interim to remain in control as a lame duck, or put a second manager on gardening leave.

Mike Ashley’s prospects of a successful turnaround look bleak in the face of such uniform and orchestrated antagonism.  I wonder if he’s the kind of man who takes manipulation lightly?  If not, the manipulators are playing with fire.

CQN11 St Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance is on Friday 13 March, at the Kerrydale Suite, Celtic Park. The focus of an excellent night’s entertainment will be funding the construction of a kitchen at Chibwata Primary School in Malawi, for Mary’s Meals.

Email me if you would like to reserve a ticket, celticquicknews@gmail.com or book directly via the links at the bottom of this page.

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  1. Authority says businessman entered a plea of guilty on 41 counts of contravening Section 75 of the Income Tax Act

     

     

    The State versus David Cunningham King (Case No: CC 257/2005)

     

     

    29 Aug 2013

     

     

    Mr David Cunningham King, the accused in the case of The State versus DC King (Case no.: CC257/2005 – otherwise referred to as the King 1 case), today entered a plea of guilty in the South Gauteng High Court held at Palm Ridge, on 41 counts of various contraventions of section 75 of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, as per the indictment.

     

     

    The said plea is in accordance with a plea and sentence agreement in terms of section 105A(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, entered into between the accused and the National Prosecuting Authority. The High Court was satisfied that the aforesaid agreement complied with the requirements of the provisions of section 105A(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, that the accused admitted the allegations in the above-mentioned counts and that he was guilty of the offences.

     

     

    The Court was moreover satisfied that the sentence agreement was just, whereupon the Court proceeded to convict the accused of the offences and sentenced the accused in accordance with the sentence agreement.

     

     

    In terms of the agreement, the accused was sentenced to a fine of R80 000.00 or 24 months’ imprisonment on each of the 41 counts, being the maximum sentence provided for in the Income Tax Act read with the Adjustment of Fines Act 101 of 1991. The effective sentence, as confirmed in the agreement, is a fine of R3 280 000.00 or 984 months (82 years) imprisonment.

     

     

    The accused has, moreover, agreed to pay to the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (“CARA”) the amount of R8.75 million as contemplated in section 64(e) of Act 121 of 1998. This payment will be effected within 30 days of the plea agreement having been finalised today. The plea and sentence agreement was entered into having due regard to the following factors, as stipulated in the agreement:

     

     

    the State consulted with the complainants, being representatives of the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) and representatives of the South African Reserve Bank (“SARB”), and afforded them the opportunity to make representations; as required by the law.

     

    the said complainants, namely SARS and SARB, are satisfied with the agreement as entered into

     

    SARS has instituted various actions against the accused relevant to the offences and will (in terms of the actions and by agreement with the accused) recover an amount of R 706.7 million (figure verified by SARS)

     

    the accused has reached an agreement with SARS and SARB to settle all disputes between them. In terms of the agreement with SARS, the accused has entered into an agreement to settle his tax indebtedness with SARS and has reached a settlement with SARB

     

    the length of the trial should the accused plead not guilty, and the consequent burden on the criminal justice system

     

    the trial related prejudice by virtue of material witnesses who have passed away or have become unavailable or unable to testify

     

    the expense to which the State would be put by such a trial, which would be lengthy and require the testimony of experts and witnesses based in foreign countries

     

    the nature, aggravating circumstances and facts relating to the offences

     

    the personal circumstances of the accused

     

    the fact that the accused has no previous convictions

     

    the interests of society.

  2. Good morning from a snowy north staffs – the green and white interview yesterday was surreal.

     

     

    Understand there is snow in glasgow hope peter’s got the heating on.

     

     

    COYBIG

  3. bankiebhoy1

     

    09:28 on

     

    21 January, 2015

     

     

    I think that if a paper is bold enough to take the step of following a more balanced narrative it will boost them. Without bringing the Indy debate fully into it the Sunday Herald showed that people wanted to hear a different slant to what the rest of the media were saying – even if they weren’t in support of it. That led to a new national daily.

     

     

    I’d be more inclined to read a paper with a columnist dedicated to RIFC eg Spiers where you know his leanings but is prepared to critcise when it’s deserved. Provided of course it’s balanced by a Celtic correspondant of a similar nature. Jim Spence for Tayside. Michael Stewart for Edinburgh. Richard Gordon for Aberdeen. That kind of thing would probably work for me. Everybody’s writer’s allegiances known and able to be taken into account when reading their outpouring. Nobody pretending to be something they’re not.

  4. Oh dear.

     

     

    I suspect Master Livibhoy must have been flinging his frosties all over the kitchen floor this morning vis it’s no more mister nice Ghuy from his daddy!

     

     

    ‘You’ll have had yer contract…….’

     

     

    :-)

     

     

    I agree with you to a very large degree, though perhaps sometimes it takes two to tango and/or f***y around and I don’t know how we as a club act. ??

     

     

    Told yer pal yet that his stag is taking place in Glasgow?!!!? And that he’ll be paying the dancers of the CQN dancing troupe to keep their clothes ON!

     

     

    PansPeopleCSC

     

     

    HH jamesgang

  5. 67Heaven .. CHALLENGING THE LIE ..I am wee Oscar / Neil Lennon.. Ipox belongs to the creditors

     

    08:39 on

     

    21 January, 2015

     

    bawsman

     

     

    08:16 on 21 January, 2015

     

     

    “Good article” my erchie ….. Mr Spiers is simply preparing us for the inevitable / corrupt acceptance of ming as a fit and proper person … won’t work, though, since the SFA need to be seen, contractually, to be protecting the fabric / reputation / integrity of the Game …. It is their duty….HH

     

     

    Have to disagree.I think its a very good article,from a guy who over the years has said a fair bit against the hordes.This puts the spotlight on the SFA in no uncertain terms.The SFA panel,including PL.If they find no cause to bar King then the game is truly over,and we will then see where PL is coming from.

     

    If more journalists would print the same facts,pressure would grow.

     

    The Easdale brother has no seat on the Hun board because of his conviction.

  6. Dan

     

     

    20:10 on 20 January, 2015

     

     

    scullybhoy

     

    19:46 on

     

    20 January, 2015

     

    Dan

     

     

    19:32 on 20 January, 2015

     

     

    Auldheid

     

     

    Loved your open letter to MON.

     

     

    HH Dan

     

    ???????????????????????????????????

     

     

    CAN I SEE IT?

     

     

    —————————————————————–

     

     

    No problem buddy, from page 3 today on the blog. a belter.

     

     

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

     

     

    Thank you and yes it is excelent!

  7. Weeminger

     

     

    I’d be more inclined to read a paper with a columnist dedicated to RIFC eg Spiers where you know his leanings but is prepared to critcise when it’s deserved. Provided of course it’s balanced by a Celtic correspondant of a similar nature. Jim Spence for Tayside. Michael Stewart for Edinburgh. Richard Gordon for Aberdeen. That kind of thing would probably work for me. Everybody’s writer’s allegiances known and able to be taken into account when reading their outpouring. Nobody pretending to be something they’re not.

     

     

    ——–

     

     

    I’d read that paper.

     

    I’m quite happy for people to support their team and be honest and up front about it.

     

    Wee Spency is a great eg.

     

     

    HH jamesgang

  8. 67Heaven .. CHALLENGING THE LIE ..I am wee Oscar / Neil Lennon.. Ipox belongs to the creditors

     

    08:56 on

     

    21 January, 2015

     

    parkheadcumsalford

     

     

    08:48 on 21 January, 2015

     

     

    Correct …. Subtle wee shoite

     

     

    As I said a couple of days ago,dont ever forget the guy is a Hun fan.I think if more Celtic minded journalists would speak out it would be a far different media we would be reading.

     

    I have always thought the guy does well in his reporting.

  9. Wee Minger

     

     

    Thanks for the reply.

     

     

    I think I know what you are advocating, but to me that sounds a bit like the Evenin’ Times sports section with “O&& F%%%” talking heads soundin’ off.

     

     

    Sure, everyone should be open about their affiliations or allegiances, eg) The Infamous St Mirren Fan, but I’m looking for interrogative journalism that goes after a story.

     

     

    There’s enough space for opinion pieces once the story has been called correctly.

     

     

    HH

  10. jamesgang

     

     

    Hahahahaha

     

     

    I have a heavy cold and it maybe affects my tolerance.

     

     

    The stag do is down south mate. No changing that now. They are flying down. £170 return. I am getting the train £40 return. Everything on a budget mate.

     

     

    That famous Edinburgh quote abused again eh? ‘You’ll have had yer contract’

     

     

    LB

  11. LB

     

     

    You’ll be sorely missed.

     

    Hope the writing’s going well.

     

     

    I’m just along the road from you at the mo. Up at 4 for the flight to belfast. Plane broke down. So need to wait for another at 11!

     

    Jetlag without taking off!

     

     

    KTF pal

     

     

    HH jamesgang

  12. It must be today the SFA announce an inquiry into the rioting,storming the front door,assaulting staff,serious assault of an opposition fan,it all occurred at a Scottish football stadium on Friday night.?

  13. Jungle Jim Hot Smoked on

    67Heaven said (Of graham Spiers)

     

     

    “Correct …. Subtle wee shoite”

     

     

    I would go for , “Subtle AS….” 0:-) .

     

     

    HAVING SAID THAT, I DO AGREE THAT HE HAS SPOKEN, ALBEIT WITHOUT CONVICTION (sorry, forgot to click Caps!) MORE CRITICALLY OF SEVCO THAN ANY OTHER JOURNALIST I AM AWARE OF THROUGH THE PAGES OF CQN. (Oh dear, I did it again. Sorry.

     

     

    JJ

     

    ToolazytoretypeCSC

  14. jamesgang

     

     

    Should be going 4 days a week soon so will give me ample time to get stuck into the writing. Finding it tough at the minute. Bit of a perfectionist. Going to change tact and rattle a chapter off and then read it back. Re-reading a page just makes me want to change it. I ramble a lot too. It keeps my mind active though.

     

     

    Ouch! I went to Southampton once for a meeting. Delayed from 7.30am to 11.45. I was back in the airport at 3pm for the flight home. Never seen anything of Southampton. Spent more time in the air!

     

     

     

     

    LB

  15. Jungle Jim Hot Smoked on

    Jamesgang said:

     

     

    “Jetlag without taking off!”

     

     

    Not to worry ,James. I can cause jetlag at CQN Corner.

     

     

    JJ

  16. LiviBhoy

     

    09:25 on

     

    21 January, 2015

     

     

    Re. ICT players. Charlie Christie would be a decent signing, cost no more than a couple of hundred thousand. Can play the second striker/wide striker role currently occupied by STokes.

  17. !!Bada Bing!!

     

    09:50 on

     

    21 January, 2015

     

     

     

    Was linked with us a couple of years ago, he is another Dudu Dahan player

  18. Some interesting selection issues for Ronny tonight.

     

     

    Lustig is fit – but surely he can’t drop Matthews after his performance on Saturday? Forrest is back – does he some in for Commons or Henderson? And who plays up top?

  19. Gordon j,

     

     

    I think Mathews will keep his place tonight.

     

     

    Has henderson shaken off his knock? Has krissy got new boots? ;)

  20. JJ

     

     

    Ach away, you’re a wee tonic!

     

     

    Livibhoy

     

     

    Was reading about some authors who go for a 30 day blitz. Not easy with a family I know. But they just bosh it all down on paper. Typos, grammatical errors, the lot. They focus on bashing out the story then come back to perfect it. Prob doesn’t really fit your way of thinking and writing. Doesn’t really suit mine.

     

     

    We now have a gate. All we now need is a plane. Wish they’d just cancel it all so that I could go to the match tonight!

     

     

    HH jamesgang

  21. time for change

     

     

    09:31 on 21 January, 2015

     

    A good day Saturday,both the result and all credit to Hamilton FC for their welcome to Jay. Also for their subsequent statement praising both sets of fans….good luck to them on their 10p promotion this week end…Their Chairman put Radio Clyde on their places Monday night.

     

     

     

    ——-

     

     

    Share those sentiments. What hair red on Monday night on Clyde? ?

  22. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    GEORDIE MUNRO

     

     

    Beef?

     

     

    His stock is not high amongst our support after some of the tripe he has sent us…

  23. I would be all for the type of paper which allowed their sports journalists to write copy with everyone knowing their football team affiliations. I suspect that any Glasgow based one which employed the likes of Phil Gordon wouldn’t get very far. You are not going to get a job in the SMSM if you are seen in any way to be supportive of us. Explayers only get a gig when they are consistently overly critical of us, like Bonnar and McLeod.

  24. Jungle Jim Hot Smoked on

    Gordon_J

     

    Last quarter for Lustig; a bit longer for Forrest?

     

     

    Anyway, that`s Ronny`s job; mine is to go out to the golf course and deal with Winter greens ( No, James, not sprouts etc)

     

     

    Cheerio,

     

     

    JJ

  25. jamesgang

     

     

    My ramblings may never see the light of day.

     

    It’s something that I do in my spare time for now.

     

     

    Hope your flight gets binned so you can head home and get to the game tonight.

     

     

    LB

  26. “His stock is not high amongst our support after some of the tripe he has sent us…”

     

     

     

    Bobby,

     

     

     

    Lol. :))

     

     

    Who? I thought we’ve only had a couple on his books.

     

     

    One is turning into a bit of a player and the other wasn’t given a fair run imo.

  27. 67Heaven .. CHALLENGING THE LIE ..I am wee Oscar / Neil Lennon.. Ipox belongs to the creditors on

    turkeybhoy

     

     

    09:41 on 21 January, 2015

     

     

    Yes, agree….BUT …… he, for example, conveniently failed to quote your analogy of Mr Easdale’s conviction barring him from the bored (we rest our case, melud)…… Precedent set, case closed….what “myth”, Mr Regan…? ……… HH

  28. Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon

     

     

    I would fine him.

     

    If I threw my shoes on the pitch I would get arrested.

     

     

    LB

  29. 67Heaven .. CHALLENGING THE LIE ..I am wee Oscar / Neil Lennon.. Ipox belongs to the creditors on

    winning captains

     

     

    10:17 on 21 January, 2015

     

     

    ….are you a car salesman by any chance ?….hahahahahahaha

  30. 67Heaven .. CHALLENGING THE LIE ..I am wee Oscar / Neil Lennon.. Ipox belongs to the creditors on

    livibhoy

     

     

    10:18 on 21 January, 2015

     

     

    …….and the pitch would get fumigated… :)

  31. If VvD goes soon, my starting 11 would be along these lines:

     

     

    Gordon

     

     

    Matthews Lustig Denayer Izzaguirre

     

     

    Bitton

     

     

    Brown Henderson Johansen

     

     

    Forrest Scepovic

  32. Livibhoy,

     

     

    Eejit. Lol

     

     

    I just had an image there of the players after the final home game of the season all throwing their strips into the crowd….

     

     

    Followed by all the punters getting ‘taps aff’ and lobbing them back!!! :))

  33. Livibhoy

     

     

    I wonder. I think I might attend your book launch one day.

     

     

    JJ – sprouts. In the oven, drizzled in olive oil and cracked pepper. Perfect for an under par celebration lunch!

     

     

    Bobbio

     

     

    Pull the udder wan. You’re just milking it now Mhate.

     

     

    HH jamesgang