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!
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LiviBhoy,
That was a very good post you made about Paul Lambert, what a player and a role model he turned out to be for the Hoops. As you pointed out, we were up against ‘The cheque book brigade’ who were buying £3 million + players from all over Europe and perhaps we were guilty of over looking talented home based players such as Paul at that time.
I agree that maybe young Armstrong or Pawlett could do a job for Celtic, if they are coached properly and get to play with a better standard of player, such as we have.
I would definitely prefer to see some of these lads sign for us, rather than lost causes such as Tonev, pukki, or Berget to name just 3.
There is no better time to implement such a signing policy as the present.
Of course, I would like to see more from our own academy make the break through to the first team.
HH
adi_dasler
If Ronny was approached by Real Madrid to sell Scott Brown I would hope he would take the player aside and say you would be mad not to go son. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world playing at the very highest level. We will do alright out of this and you are welcome back anytime.
As a coach and manager you can’t hold a player back from a dream move like that. You wish them well.
I guess big Feck would have been annoyed at losing him for free. Big Feck has a cheek though with his track record of jumping ship when is suits him in management.
LB
LB
My point is Big Feck hanging on for dear life !
Some good discussion today …. usually enjoy the contributions of Livibhoy and SFTB, and today is no exception. Shows what a blog can be. Hopefully, some people at Celtic are reading and taking note.
Por Cierto. I think I agree with you, but, can you elaborate? If you are suggesting that too many young players go off the rails with booze and birds (‘… and the rest I just wasted’), (i) I agree, and (ii) how does that get changed?
Some of the talk on here has reminded me of a great quiz question.
Can you name the only Scottish footballer who has a World Club winners medal to his name. . .?
The Comfortable Collective
Paul Lambert must be way too easy!
LB
SFTB-Thanks for reply, my point is there is not a lot to lose by getting Gauld in for 6 months,to see if he is up to it.He plays in a position we are looking to fill.HH
Archiebauld
Tcc,
Fletcher
LiviBhoy
Paul Lambert is indeed too easy.
However, almost as easy a clue is the fact that it has been the talk of Paul Lambert’s career which has reminded me of the question. . . . . . .
Geordie Munro
Nope. . . .
Although if Fletcher has won it, my question should read the FIRST to win it.
Tcc,
Ahhhhh ok. Good question though.
I couldn’t remember hibs winning the champions league nrcer mind world club cup :)
The CC
Big Rambo?
Another clue (or to muddy the waters)
the First Scottish player to win a World Club Championship winners medal did so before he had actually played any games for the club. . . . .
(i.e. he was in the squad)
sftb
I beg to differ re Amido Balde.
He played for Guimaraes, he certainly didn’t stand out for them >}
HH
the comfortable collective..
The Scottish woman who played for the Usa womens team.No idea re name.
Michael Stewart?
South Of Tunis
No, no.
I’m talking about the mens game.
The play off game between the Champions of Europe and the Champions of South America.
The one Celtic should have won in 1967/68.
!!Bada Bing!!
Nope.
Darren Ferguson
!!Bada Bing!!
Eh! Nope.
P.S. English teams have one it once.
Man Utd. in 1999.
No mention of Scottish Players in their squad
The CC
Joe Jordan?
The guy I’m talking about was an unused substitute when his team won it.
scott booth
TET
Amido may not have been a stand out but he played 27 times and scored 9 for them when they were a top division outfit. He played 90 minutes in a winning Portuguese Cup final team against Benfica.
Gauld is playing with a mid table 2nd division side.
Incidentally, Wikipedia still describes Amido as a “fenian gangster”.
well said paul, murray lead the charge to incompetence and financial ruin, repent murray and apologise
Frank McGarvey…..Liverpool
TCC
Peter Cormack, Liverpool?
Guy who played for Dortmund
The answer is Scott Booth
SFTB-Who do you say Gauld is currently with? I thought it was Sporting Lisbon.
sftb
Fenian gangster me gusta >}
HH
LiviBhoy
16:24 on 26 November, 2014
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Good on Lambo. But I feel you give Murderwell too much credit. I read Paul’s book a while back – did McLeish not drop him pre-season and laugh at him when he asked permission to go on trial at Dortmund?
That one incident/the Lambert emigration totally sums up all that’s been wrong with Scottish football for a generation – guys in positions of influence who couldn’t spot a quality Scottish player due to their own bigoted agendas/total incompetence.
Congrats to Dixiebhoy.
Scott Booth. . . .
Half time zenit v Benfica.
Benfica playing well away from home..
Amido Balde…….the unseen fenian gangster
Monaghan1900
16:27 on 26 November, 2014
Whenever it is it should be FFin’ amusing:
“AGM Behaviour and Questions”“It’s past the stage of putting your hand up and politely asking a question like a 14 year old in school.
The top table should be set on fire…or something that lands on the lawful side of things if that’s not allowed.”
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‘if that’s not allowed’.
IF! IF setting something and someone on fire is not allowed.
Talking about arson. IF it’s ‘not allowed’…
I fecking love the Huns, sheer demented entertainment.