The wisdom of Hearts owner Ann Budge’s comments to the BBC that “Borrowing money for a particular capital programme you can understand, but running up debts that are prevalent in football is beyond my understanding really” is now, in 2014, surely beyond dispute.
Clubs are at liberty to borrow for infrastructure, or in exceptional circumstances, but in the normal course of business, borrowing for football costs should limited to covering the short-term fluctuations in cash-flow.
This thinking was orthodoxy until Sir David Murray led Scottish football by the nose into a spiral of debt accumulation. The Murray Gospel found many converts among us, those who spoke against it were hounded as heretics. Debt accumulation was the new crusade, the promised land could be reached with just one more brave act, apparently.
Suggesting this was self-harming nonsense to adherents who had supported a debt-fuelled battle for years attacked a fundamental pillar of their belief system. Reactions were seldom considered.
It’s in this light we should consider the real lunatics. Those who encouraged a business model which ended in liquidation, only to come back to the table demanding a fledgling incorporation ‘act like a big club’. There’s a fair amount of research suggesting humans are hard-wired for religiosity. We search for something to believe in, then stick with it as best we can. If you have grown to believe that one more outrageous act will deliver European glory, a good harvest or a rain cloud, part of you will buy into it.
Stewart Regan’s “concern for the Scottish game” at newco Rangers financial position will be genuine, although the “Armageddon” merchant from the SFL has long left the scene. He notes, “Rangers have got a strong economic impact, not just for Glasgow, but for Scotland generally”. Well, oldco sure had an economic impact, on the public purse and several hundred creditors. Mr Regan’s words should be a warning.
This morning Rangers International served notice that their AGM would take place on 22 December, just days within the permitted time period. Accounts are normally issued with this notice, but for some reason, they were not on this occasion. They are required 21 days before the meeting (i.e. within days); I’ve no idea what to expect, but it’s sure to be a quintessential Rangers document.
Some great offers on Celtic books and DVDs at CQNBookstore, a name already telling only part of the story!
740 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- »
Awe Naw
Best of luck for tomorrow ( not that you will need it). As one esteemed poster might say GIRFUT.
Rest in Peace Mr Montford, he shares a first name with the best Man in this World, to me.
A Shop Steward who helped so many for so many years, despite getting all the moaning minnies griefs, I didn’t realise he was a steward until a lot later in life, it made a lot of sense later in life and how it impacted my Life.
God has the most amazing Story – Ye just got to Tune in to it.
Petec
Enjoyed that read from Genesis again. Thanks.
Someone let Neil Patey know tomorrow that Empha Cisse Mata is not like a new signing.
Delaneys Dunky
23:50 on 26 November, 2014
Petec
Enjoyed that read from Genesis again. Thanks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Family is being Priced out by Debts.
NN m8ty, I didn’t mean to interrupt the CQN flow so badly.
To get the equilibrium back, here is Lubo.
Jeromek67 22:22
Nice memories of Arthur, thanks.
Might have been said earlier, haven’t tracked back too far but my best memory of Arthur was shouting “watch yer legs WIllie” to WIllie Morgan in the Scotland/Czechoslovakia decider in ’74….the BIg Joe Jordan game.
Have always thought of him as a true gent. Sad to hear of his passing.
RIP Arthur.
The Battered Bunnet
23:54 on 26 November, 2014
Someone should let Neil in the know that its the most disgusting coffee you’ll ever try..Uruguayan no less. Go figure!
RIP
Arthur Stramash Montford
Sad to hear about the death of Arthur Montford, a gent and a good football man.
What would he have made of what we are subjected to today especially ‘co-commentators’ like McAllister, an absolute bitter balloon of a man.
good night Timland early rise tomorrow for the ferry looking forwardto the game
excited csc
HH
Petec
Love that Celtic action with 3 great songs. Magic! :))
RIP Arthur Montford..loved the commentaries…up go the heads….disaster for Scotland!
Petec
You can’t stop the rock. San Pedro on our side.
Dena
Safe journey and 3 points hopefully.
GNGB
loved the clip of the Sporting Lisbon game. Growing up in the 80s I always thought we had a fairly average team…but wish we had a Burns, Aitken, McClair, McStay & McGrain today.
Arthur Montford R.I.P. a lover of Scottish football.
Who can forget his commentary when Dennis Law scored winner in WC Qualifier v Czeckoslovakia 196?.
15 arrests for rowdyism…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2kuouPV_Fk
Bit of breaking news.
Craig Whyte arrested in Mejico (not Sevijo) and SDM and W’S cited as witnesses in take over trial.
If prosecutors were to investigate accused behaviour after takeover as well as before to establish character, then Res12 will not be needed.
TSFM reporting that former SEVCO director Craig Whyte arrested in Mexico. Extradition pending?
Alistair Dewar eh?
well it was a dreich 0-0 draw at dens
there was no talent no tactics no sport no entertainment and on th 71st minute the baw burst
over to you arthur…
Its on the Mexican radio
I wish I was in Tijuana
Eating barbequed iguana
I’d take requests on the telephone
I’m on a wavelength far from home
I feel a hot wind on my shoulder
I dial it in from south of the border
I hear the talking of the BFDJ
Can’t understand just what does he say?
Mags..
South of the border….down Mexico way…
Kikinthenakas
I’m sure Minty knew that they were unsellable
I’m sure Whyte was Minty’s idea
I’m sure Minty sold the Ticketus idea to Whyte
I’m sure Whyte recorded everything
Im sure Minty gave a heads up to the SFA on everything.
Sramash
Scramaraire m (gs~, pl. ~i) 1. Scraper, scrounger; grabber. 2 Big gaunt useless man
Scramaisc, f = GRAMAISC
Gramaisc, f. (gs. ~e ). Rabble, mob.
Is maith lion an teanga Gaeilge
South of the border down Dundalk way ,even better.
Enjoyed that read back on our signing policy etc
Usual i miss the good chat.. Bleedin time difference.
Adam mattews..
Id say we got him like ledley cause money we could offer.. Like ledley he will be asked to sign on for less.
Only chance we have of keeping him is if english teams think his injuries are too often. Good player but injuies have stopped him becoming a top player.
I like him but would be happy enough with lustig and fisher .
macanbheatha Oscar Abú
01:58 on 27 November, 2014
Your T’s oot!
proudbhoy
02:08 on 27 November, 2014
I think Celtic should sell all their players ..whats to lose?
Mags
She’s just after saying that to me:-)
margaret mcgill
I am sure Minty is worried about uttering.
The Devil Is In The Details
https://rangerstaxcase.wordpress.com/2011/10/31/devilinthedetail/
Morrissey the 23rd
02:26 on 27 November, 2014
Can you email me your #
From The Herald
‘I’m an emotional guy and want to connect with fans’
Michael Grant
Chief football writer
Thursday 27 November 2014
IF Ronny Deila is climbing with Celtic then he has reached a point of the ascent where a slip is likely.
MAN WITH A PLAN: Ronny Deila may be about to clinch his first signficant achievement at Parkhead.
MAN WITH A PLAN: Ronny Deila may be about to clinch his first signficant achievement at Parkhead.
At Parkhead tonight his side will expose its excellent recent results to an opponent capable of applying a handbrake to their momentum. Only Legia Warsaw had greater weaponry to test Celtic than the Red Bull Salzburg team which will turn out in Glasgow this evening.
It was to Celtic’s credit that they took a 2-2 draw when the sides met in Austria in September, because since then Red Bull have shown themselves to be the strongest of the four teams in Europa League’s Group D. Craig Gordon’s saves spared Celtic from a defeat in that opening game.
A strong team has a strong goalkeeper – he isn’t there by some stroke of good fortune – but the fact that he was so busy was proof of how difficult Deila’s men found that game. Red Bull are the Austrian champions, they are six points clear in their league, and it’s only nine months since they beat Ajax 6-1 on aggregate in last season’s Europa League.
Deila spoke about passion yesterday when he was asked about his exuberant celebrations after Celtic won thanks to a late goal at Aberdeen earlier this month. There were echoes of that infamous strip show from his days at Stromsgodset. He was more reserved at Pittodrie – perhaps it was colder – but there was still an obvious letting loose after the relief of passing a major test. If that was how he reacted after his team went top of the SPFL Premiership for the first time, presumably he won’t be shy and retiring if Celtic get the result which qualifies them for the round of 32 tonight.
If they beat Red Bull, or Dinamo Zagreb fail to beat Astra Giurgiu in Romania, they will be playing European football after Christmas and Deila will have delivered his first significant accomplishment as manager. “Passion is important but you have to think right,” he said.
“If you have too much emotion, you can’t think properly. But after the game at Aberdeen it was time to let emotions out. I’m an emotional guy and I want to connect with the fans.
“It’s a part of me I’ve shown before and would be nothing new for the people of Norway. So far there has been a lot of assessing but when things are clear it’s easier to get emotional, and also when you get wins like that. I want more moments like that in Aberdeen.”
Since that victory in the north-east Delia has felt a different attitude from the Celtic support, perhaps a greater sense of acceptance. “Days like that bring us closer together. You have to earn your respect and I have to do the same as well. When you come from Norway into Britain you have to work hard. It’s different from coming from Borussia Dortmund or somewhere.
“Now I have to show that I can do it at this level. You have to learn the culture. I have to adapt to the culture here as well and vice versa. That has taken some time but I understand things here more and more.”
Legia took Celtic apart over two legs and Red Bull have the power to inflict further harm tonight. Delia spoke with undisguised respect for them, predicting an intense game with high energy levels and Red Bull pressing the home side aggressively and relentlessly.
Celtic don’t expect to have a minute’s peace when they have the ball and the Austrians will try to smother them when they play it from the back. Celtic’s ability to cope with that, and to minimise their own errors and assert some authority in the game, will determine whether they are spared their third defeat in six European home games this season. “You could say they are Champions League level,” said Deila. “Their level is quite equal with Maribor and Legia Warsaw [who won at Parkhead and Murrayfield respectively]. Maybe, along with Legia, they are the best team we have faced so far in my time as manager. We need to step up because it is going to be a tough test.”
Celtic’s season has reached a little crossroads, though. If results go their way tonight they will have qualified with a group game to spare, and if they defeat Hearts on Sunday they will march on to the next round of the Scottish Cup. They would enter 2015 fighting on four fronts. Being able to sell themselves as a club still in the European knock-out stages would be particularly beneficial when they are trying to lure players during the January transfer window.
“It’s positive to go through and makes it easier to get players. We want to build a team which is progressing. We are going to add and it has to be the right players. It could be four, it could be two. If we take loans, we must have option to buy so they can become our players.”
Players who might become his can wait. Today he faces a late decision on whether Jason Denayer can play after taking a knock against Dundee. Wakaso Mubarak is unlikely to play because of illness and Mikael Lustig is out. Red Bull score goals and missing one or possible two of their strongest back four is a problem against a prolific forward like Jonathan Soriano.
Celtic could do with there being truth in the rumours that Red Bull – who have already qualified but have not yet the group – plan to field a weakened team. Whoever is selected, Deila’s men face one of the most demanding nights of their season.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/im-an-emotional-guy-and-want-to-connect-with-fans.25979341?
HH
Also from The Herald
New Commons deal in jeopardy as Deila admits to age concern
Michael Grant
Chief football writer
Thursday 27 November 2014
KRIS Commons could leave Celtic over a failure to agree the length of contract being offered by the club.
Celtic manager Ronny Deila looks relaxed in training ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash with Red Bull Salzburg
Celtic manager Ronny Deila looks relaxed in training ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash with Red Bull Salzburg
Ronny Deila, the manager, strongly hinted yesterday that Celtic are wary about offering a long-term deal to the 31-year-old and that the length of contract, rather than the financial package on offer, is the reason for months of stalling on a new deal. It is understood that Commons wants the security of a reasonably lengthy contract but Deila said there was “danger” in a club committing to a long deal on an older player.
Commons is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to speak to other clubs from January 1, with Crystal Palace and Neil Lennon’s Bolton linked with him recently.
Deila does want him to stay but yesterday he appeared to endorse the club’s reluctance to offer longer contracts to older players. Scott Brown last week signed a new deal which tied him to Celtic until 2018 but the captain is 29, two years younger than Commons.
Talks between Commons and Celtic have been dragging on for most of this year. “I don’t think the money is a problem,” said Deila, ahead of tonight’s Europa League Group D game against Red Bull Salzburg at Parkhead. “If we want to do it, we can do it. It’s more about policy than the sums of money. If the demands for money are unbelievably high then the club could be ruined.
“So it’s not the cash that’s the problem. It’s if you want double the next paid player at Celtic, that’s a problem. Thankfully we have not had any problems like that so far.”
But when asked if the length of deal was an issue with Commons, Deila said: “That’s something we are thinking a lot of, of course. We have to do the right things for the club and provide for the interests of the club.
“The length is something we always have to look at because when you get older a long contract it is a danger. It’s good for the player. If we keep the player fit all the time and motivated it’s no problem.
“But you never know what will happen in a year. If an older player has a long contract then injury could hit and you have used a lot of money you cannot get back. But when he is at the top of his game as a player there is no problem. You know that he has a high impact on Celtic.”
Deila’s intention to make Celtic a quick, mobile team, capable of fast attacking, has led to speculation about whether Commons truly fits with that style. Commons is neither quick nor mobile, although his technique, creativity, imagination and goalscoring have made him invaluable. “I think international football now needs 11 players who have to run hard,” said Deila. “Kris has skills which are unbelievably important.
“He is very creative, he is a goalscorer and has good relations with the players around him. His defence play is something he has to develop. But he is starting to work harder and doing his job better. As far I’ve been told [Commons’ representatives] have to come back to us now with an answer to what we have offered.”
John Guidetti’s agents are expected to meet with Celtic in the next 48 hours to discuss whether the on-loan striker could stay at Parkhead beyond the end of this season when he, too, will be a free agent.
Aleksandar Tonev’s appeal over his seven-game suspension for a racist comment is to be heard by the SFA on December 4.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/new-commons-deal-in-jeopardy-as-deila-admits-to-age-concern.25978849
HH
Last one
Sutton urges Celtic to write new ending for Commons and a familiar tale
Graeme Macpherson
Sports Writer
Thursday 27 November 2014
THE English seem to like Kris Commons.
On the run? Kris Commons has a number of admirers in England. Picture: SNS
On the run? Kris Commons has a number of admirers in England. Picture: SNS
Leicester City are keen on the Celtic forward. Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers, too. Chris Sutton is another Anglo admirer, although unlike the other three, the former Celtic striker would prefer Commons to stay in Glasgow rather than retreat back across the border.
Whether that happens or not is down to the player, his representatives and the Celtic hierarchy. Commons, last season’s PFA Scotland player of the year, is out of contract in the summer and talks regarding an extension have been ongoing for some time now, as tends to be the case in these situations. Ronny Deila, the Celtic manager, hinted yesterday that a potential sticking point may be the length of the contract on offer, with the club likely to favour a shorter deal for the 31-year-old, and the player, understandably, looking for something to possibly take him through to retirement.
Sutton, part of BT Sport’s presenting team at tonight’s Europa League tie between Celtic and Salzburg, addressed the situation with weary familiarity. It was the same story last year with Georgios Samaras, and also with Sutton himself back in 2006. In both cases the players involved ended up moving on to clubs in England, Samaras to West Bromwich Albion and Sutton to Birmingham City. The latter hopes the Commons tale does not conclude in similar fashion.
“I am not party to what has happened in the talks but it looks to me like Celtic are going to lose Kris Commons,” said Sutton who spent six years at Parkhead. “I think they are making an enormous mistake if they don’t get him signed. The longer it goes you can imagine Kris sitting there thinking, ‘Well, if they are not going to show willing to me, a player who has given good service, player of the year last year, 32 goals and the most aware forward-thinking player Celtic have’ [then he may have to leave].
“It happened in my time, it happened to me, and there is a point where the player wants something back. I hope that Celtic do the right thing and sign him but the longer it goes the more it looks like he will be heading down south and that would be a massive disappointment.
“I don’t think they can afford to let him go. Because who do they get to replace him? I know this season he has not really got going through no fault of his own but he has still shown, in the Zagreb game for example, that he has the class to turn a game.
“Now Celtic don’t have enough of those players. Whatever you say about [Stefan] Johansen, he is not as good a footballer – he might have better [energy] but Commons can still change a game at the top level.
“Why would you want to let him go? It’s common sense, unless his wage demands are off the planet, which I doubt they are. The supporters want to see progression and they want to see Celtic getting stronger to give them hope, and I don’t think it sends out a good message if Celtic let Commons virtually walk away, which is what he would be doing.
“From the way it looks Celtic could have offered Kris a contract at any time over the last 12 months. If they have somebody in mind who can come in and do the same job with the same level of quality of performance and who can affect big games, like Kris, fine. But I don’t think it will happen.”
Helping Celtic through to the last 32 of the Europa League would no doubt help Commons in his contract negotiations. To do so, however, he and his team-mates will likely have to defeat Salzburg in what Sutton described as Celtic’s “biggest test of the season”. A defeat and possibly even a draw could leave them needing to take something away to Zagreb in their final group game and Sutton does not think Deila or his players will want to take that risk.
“The beauty of this game is that we will see how far Celtic have come, certainly in Europe,” added the Englishman. “I think this is their biggest test of the season bar none. Salzburg will come to win the game. They don’t know how to play any other way. We can really learn a lot about Celtic from this game.
“Celtic have to win so how will they go about it? I don’t think they can go toe-to-toe with Salzburg as the Austrians have players who can hurt them. But they need an attacking intent. I’m interested to see the line up. The manager has real decisions to make.”
n BT Sport has live coverage of UEFA Europa League games throughout the group stages and beyond, as well live coverage of four SPFL games before the end of December including Dundee Utd vs Celtic (5th Dec). Visit BT Sport.com for more information
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/sutton-urges-celtic-to-write-new-ending-for-commons-and-a-familiar-tale.25979420?
HH
Love kris, his family and how they all get celtic and all they have done to bring credit to our club on and off the pitch but at 31 i dont think its really in our best interests to try and keep him for another couple of years.
I would imagine celtic are offering a 1 yr deal but kris would be looking for at least 2yrs and you cant blame him.
Tough situation.. Similar to samaras.
These guys love the club.. And i couldnt see either of them ever selling themselves to the media in return for some celtic bashing.
Longshot
Trying to sort out the other halfs crimbo pressies
Looking at kindle fire hdx .. Anyone any ideas if its good ? Reviews seem decent..
She has macpro . This is more for reading or easy internet surfing etc
I am using a kindle fire hdx and it is excellent for reading, surfing and watching films.