In three months Duff and Phelps have not made an inch of progress on the key issue, the Only Show in Town, Craig Whyte, who has security over the stadium and Murray Park is extremely likely to inhibit any attempt to dispose of these assets against his will.
Without a stadium the SFA and SPL cannot licence and admit a football club. While Duff and Phelps may have preferred the SPL to negotiate directly with the owner of Newco (once he was appointed), they were not in a position to ask the SPL for admittance yesterday without a stadium – perhaps a more practical explanation as to why they didn’t attend yesterday’s meeting.
Now that a CVA has finally been acknowledged as undeliverable, players will leave Rangers after Sunday’s visit to St Johnstone as free agents. There will be no Newco on hand to offer them a new deal. Those who can, will find employment elsewhere. This will be more than just the headline players, I know youth players at all levels have been scouted by clubs across Scotland and England. The chance to scoop up another club’s prime youth talent for free will not be passed up.
Getting a deal done this week with the SPL, the SFA, Bill Miller and the players would have allowed Duff and Phelps to maintain continuity, with Newco taking over for Sunday’s game. This will not now happen. The finger Duff and Phelps placed in the dyke back in February is set to slip.
Staff who cannot find employment elsewhere will remain at Rangers until 31 May. If Duff and Phelps sell ‘the club’ before that date, players who want to transfer to Newco can do so under TUPE regulations, which maintains their pay and conditions, however, they will be unable to transfer their player registrations until Newco is a licenced football club (which is dependent on SFA approval, which in turn will indirectly be dependent on Craig Whyte disposing of the stadium).
Duff and Phelps have no money to fund Rangers FC after 31 May, so must sell all assets before that date or the padlocks will go onto Ibrox and Murray Park. Yesterday was their last best chance to pull a deliverable deal together.
The fact Duff and Phelps didn’t even turn up to the meeting, and yesterday evening Neil Doncaster told Radio Scotland they didn’t return his calls when he phoned to ask why, indicates how on-target plans are.
Incredibly, I read one newspaper today suggested ‘Rangers [were]to benefit from SPL delay’. Where there’s life, there’s hope, I suppose. Somehow I cannot see Duff and Phelps’ Clark and Whitehouse high-fiving at the prospect of withdrawing from yesterday’s meeting. It is more likely that an undignified disintegration of a football club is set to take place in the weeks to come.
On a separate note: Just when Duff and Phelps would have presented Craig Whyte with a take-it-or-leave-it offer for all his assets, Brian Kennedy nips in as a second potential bidder for the stadium. Unless Kennedy is putting more skin on the table than Bill Miller all he is doing is fortifying Whyte’s negotiating position.
You can buy a hard copy of the new issue of CQN Magazine via Magcloud here.
The graphic below is just for a flick through, to read the magazine go here to it’s dedicated site.
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The end is night for the forces of Sauron of Ibrokes.
Who does the school belong to at CP, the one behind the ole ticket office?
JFH
he made a plea saying he was a changed man
Would be the civilised thing to do
Hail Hail
Paul67 – The fact Duff and Phelps didn’t even turn up to the meeting, and yesterday evening Neil Doncaster told Radio Scotland they didn’t return his calls when he phoned to ask why, indicates how on-target plans are.
Utter, utter farce.
You literally could not make it up. Ricky Gervais’ fictional paper company in “The Office” was more restrained in its absurd characters and cringe-worthy situations than the reality of Rangers In Administration.
What’s next for the light blues? Phelpsy boasting about how he can throw a kettle over a pub? (thumbsup)
Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan supports Kano 1000 on 8 May, 2012 at 11:10 said:
Wonderful post. I hope someone is working on the business plan you propose.
One small pint, if someone has already pointed it out apologies. The Hibs Dunfermline game was on ESPN last night, but I think that further emphasises the point you were making, competitive games attract crowds, level the playing field, attract customers/fans. Fans want the experience of being there when their team won the league/was saved from relegation etc.
TV is okay for watching other teams, games you can’t get to but nothing is like being there.
DBBIA
Sellick.
Bhoys & Baggies chase McCleary
West Brom and SPL champions Celtic are battling it out to sign Nottingham Forest winger Garath McCleary, according to reports
McCleary is out of contract at Forest this summer and has yet to sign a new deal at the City Ground.
Forest are reluctant to lose McCleary, but know they face a major battle to tie him down to a new deal with a number of clubs waiting in the wings to sign the exciting wide-man.
The 24-year-old has been one of Forest’s stand-out performers this season, netting nine goals in 21 appearances.
McCleary caught the attention of a number of clubs following his stunning four-goal haul in Forest’s 7-3 win over Leeds in March.
West Brom have been keeping tabs on the flying winger’s progress and they believe he could make an impression in the Premier League.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon is also an admirer of McCleary and is keen to add to his attacking options as he prepares for next season’s campaign in the Champions League.
Should McCleary leave the City Ground on a free transfer he is sure to have no shortage of admirers with a host of clubs ready to move for his signature.
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
Do you drink in the Clachan? Not too many Celtic bars in Whitburn as far as I am aware.
LB
DBBIA-I believe the club took ownership of the school after a bit of haggling with the council.There was major flood damage and a bit of a stand off to see who picked up the tab.It is to be the Club Museum ,last I heard.
Elastoplast over a crack in the dam more like…wonder what negative spin the LL have prepared for that great Easter Road turnout last night…its inevitable when someone points to it as the latent potential in a SPL without der hun.
ASonOfDan – with a number of clubs waiting in the wings to sign the exciting wide-man.
I believe the preferred West of Scotland term is “wide-o”. (thumbsup)
Former Northern Ireland U-21 footballer James McClean has been subjected to sectarian abuse after being named in the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad.
Some of the messages directed at the Londonderry man on Twitter also contained threats.
The 23-year-old winger, who plays for Sunderland in the Premier League, discovered on Monday that he had been included in Giovanni Trapattoni’s team for next month’s finals.
He said he was thrilled at the call-up.
McClean tweeted: “Absolutely honoured and couldn’t be happier to have been called up to represent my country at the Euros. No better feeling.”
He later told the Mail: “To be called up to represent Ireland has always been a personal dream of mine and to be associated with players who I have watched myself is very special.
“I can’t wait to join up with the squad and start to focus on the Championships.”
His news was met with messages of congratulations, but also some posts containing sectarian abuse and threats to kill.
Some of the messages have since been deleted.
One fan tweeted in response: “The sectarian and discriminatory abuse James McClean is taking off confused NI fans is simply a disgrace.”
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
We need to unite behind players who are going to lay their bodies on the line”
End Quote
Conall McDevitt
SDLP
Another said: “Just heard that James McClean is in the Irish euro 2012 squad. Good lad, he deserves it.”
McClean, who carries an Irish passport, made a general response following the abuse on Twitter.
He tweeted: “Love the dogs’ abuse am gettin off shock N.I fans, just worry about watchin ur own country at the euros… oh wait #mybad #awkward haha.”
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said it was “reprehensible that anybody’s life is threatened by whatever decisions they take”.
“Hopefully we can get beyond that and get on with the tournament and people can support whatever team they feel comfortable supporting,” he said.
SDLP assembly member Conall McDevitt also condemned the threats saying proper football fans would not condone them.
“Football is one of the most amazing sports in the world. We need to unite behind players who are going to lay their bodies on the line… and not think about the politics.”
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “We don’t discuss individual cases, however, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly. We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk.”
EKBhoy on 8 May, 2012 at 12:50 said:
SPOT ON …..”DO NOT BECOME THE STORY” …….. That’s it in a nutshell….!!!!!!
Livibhoy
I used to drink in the Clachan and the Croftie long long time ago.
I now drink in Alt-Sachsenhausen ;-)
Hail Hail
2010 Never Again
My friends in Celtic….please let me share a few thoughts with you
I believe we have to learn from history and not be party to a repeat of it.
Those familiar with the story and history of Belfast Celtic will see the similarities between what that famous Irish Club decided to do in the name of morality and integrity and what is being espoused by some of us in reference to where Celtic currently find themselves.
No doubt we have a moral dilemma here and also a very emotive one.
I’ve thought about this for quite a while now.
The truth of the matter is….we the Celtic Support share a strong sense of morality and common decency. A sense of fair play and sporting integrity.
I have absolutely no doubt in my mind if we were guilty of the crimes against decency and integrity that Rangers undoubtedly are….then not only would we expect the punishment to fit the crime we would be at the forefront demanding it be so.
Alas I believe….there lies the significant difference between our principals and sense of what is right and those who identify with a misplaced and disturbing sense of superiority, privilege and triumphal-ism. Viva la difference!
To those in our support who wish to withhold their patronage and their financial investment in Celtic I understand the sentiment behind this.
To do this though….I’m afraid would only be playing in to the hands of those who have no love of Celtic and no sense of decency, morality or integrity.
After all we have been through together in recent years and all Neil Lennon has had to endure personally, now is not the time to for us to be divided. Now is the time for us to be more united than ever.
The time very well may come soon enough when we will see exactly who puts criminality, self-interest and outright dishonesty before what is right and what is not.
When and if that time arrives we will know exactly what we have to do…and at that time I have no doubt we will do it in a decisive, organised and united way.
Until then, surely we can remain united and focussed on what is of paramount importance….whilst still maintaining our integrity and our sense of decency….and staying true to the ethos of what Celtic stands for….without inflicting sanctions that will ultimately divide, weaken and harm our Club….Surely we can see the sense of this?
Belfast Celtic was a great loss to a proud Celtic community.
Let’s not allow the same thing to happen again. We can stay true to our Club and our principals
Hail Hail
Just drinking a “Märzen” beer with lunch and was wondering what it meant (common in Austria but not so much in Germany). The description is interesting, but most of all I now know where what I thought was an english term originates from “Lager”. See below – funnily enough the Germans don’t use the term “Lager” but “Pils” which are actually about the same in terms of brewing techniques……….
Start Def: Märzen has its origins in Bavaria, probably before the 16th century. A Bavarian brewing ordinance decreed in 1539 that beer may be brewed only between 29 September and 23 April. The reason for this requirement was the increased danger of fire during the warm and dry summer months.
Over the summer months, beer had to be stored in caves or stone cellars (referred to in German as “Lagers”) sometimes built into the sides of mountains or hills. Frequently these locations were chosen because there was a pond nearby. During the winter, when the pond had frozen, blocks of ice would be cut and put into the cave or cellar. This was usually possible until March, when the beer was brewed to be stored there for months to come. The entrance to the cellar or cave would also be shielded from sunlight by planting Horse-chestnut or Conker trees in front of it, which have large leaves.
The original Märzen was described as “dark brown, full-bodied”. As intended, the beer was often kept in the cellar until late in the summer, and remaining bottles were served at the Oktoberfest. In order to last so long, either the original gravity and alcohol were increased or the hopping was strengthened.
Description
The style is characterized by a medium to full body, a malty flavour and a clean dry finish. In Germany, the term covers beers which vary in colour from pale (Helles Märzen), through amber to dark brown (Dunkles Märzen).[1] Brewers in the Czech Republic also produce pale, amber and dark beers in the Märzen style, called respectively 14° Světlé Speciální Pivo, Polotmavé Speciální Pivo and Tmavé Speciální Pivo.[2]
The Austrian style closely resembles a Helles in color, body, and flavor balance, and is the most popular beer style in Austria.[3] Austrian Märzenbiers often use caramel malts that impart a sweeter flavor than their German counterparts.
Common names for Märzen include Märzenbier, Wiener Märzen, Festbier, and Oktoberfestbier
I have a history of criticising the board, (mainly because I wanted Celtic to bury them and deny them the CL money that was keeping them afloat for the past few seasons, in any case Maribor and Malmo did it for us) but in this instance, so far, I cannot see a reason to criticise the board.
Their silence is only because officially nothing has happened yet. The huns are still in administration and an enquiry into EBTs/dual contracts is ongoing.
I haven’t seen anything yet from our board that should cause a split amongst our supporters.
From Neil Doncasters interview last night and (maybe misleading) announcements from Duff and Phelps about “comfort” and “unconditional” I cant help but feel that there have been unofficial meetings between various parties to declare intentions. I think at this time a united Celtic support lobbying the SFA and the SPL and the fans of other clubs is the way to go for the next three weeks, so that directors and chairmen are in no doubt that they will lose fans either way, and if that is the case they should vote for the right thing to do.
For me
Relegation is the objective
A newco in SPL without sanctions and I abandon any club which voted for it
A newco in SPL with severe sanctions might be acceptable, depending on the sanctions
Attempting to buy back or merge oldco/newco history in any way shape or form is unacceptable in any option and stripping of titles (not reallocating)if found guilty of dual contracts.
I struggle to understand however, how the SPL clubs can make a judgement on the huns without taking into consideration dual contracts etc at this time, for example will they vote to put the huns back into the SPL and then a few weeks later, vote to throw them out because of the contract issue?
What happens if the huns liquidate in the next three weeks? Does the dual contract issue die along with the oldco?
Gincher67
My wife wanted to go last night but I grudged the money to be fair.
We watched in on TV and to be fair they started well and got the win they needed. If the Pars had been better this season Hibs were in real trouble. They have been terrible and Fenlon has turned it around slightly and got them to the cup final. I can’t see Hearts losing that one to be honest but will want Hibs to win it. Hibernian are a club that is ran well financially but suffers on the pitch.
All clubs well run should be thriving in this league just now with the lack of cash but Hibs are really struggling. They rely on youth and Celtic have made in roads in the east of Scotland to pick up more youngsters and Hearts have improved on that too. Hibs used to always have the pick of the players as their youth system was excellent. McPake looked the best player on show for them last night but there is not one player in that side who would even get in our squad.
Darren Fletcher of Man Utd was on Celtic’s books as a youngster. He was taken in a taxi to Celtic BC East training and games because his folks didn’t drive and then chose Man Utd over us when he was old enough. Hopefully those days are gone. Celtic need to pick up as much young talent as possible from all over Scotland. Could we loan some youngsters and squad players to Hibernian? Cervi could certainly do with some SPL experience and there must be some other youngsters who would benefit from a run of games. Loan moves usually mean that the player is surplus to requirements but sometimes it can launch a players career.
BTW – Mark Brown was woeful between the sticks. Never looks comfortable. How he was at Celtic for so long I will never know.
LB
Paul67 –
Does this mean the panic is over or should we expect some posters to keep blaming Celtic for this mess?
Tamrabam
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on 7 May, 2012 at 22:24 said:
I dont see what is wrong in asking for more clarification from the authoritues when obvious rules are broken and exceptional activities arise. Putting on the record. But no it is clandestine politburo stuff. It helps communicate our position without saying much but we are not even afforded that respect. Leading to the inevitable perception of unnecessary subordinatiion. Confidence is gone forever. They will be wishing for the good old days of the referee strike.
Celtic keeping quiet until the ftt good. Ftt going into Millers CVA pot bad. Voting in an election that is a tax fraud and a big un .CELTIC ARE YOU KIDDING ?
Imatim and so is Neil Lennon on 8 May, 2012 at 13:13 said:
I don’t believe anyone is advocating abandoning Celtic, emotionally or financially. I think the arguments of those not renewing SBs at this time are along the lines of waiting to see what action our board takes in relation to the issues. I think this is fair enough. People can then decide if it’s ‘their’ Celtic they are paying to see, or a caricature of it.
MurdochauldandHay on 8 May, 2012 at 11:41:
“Oh Dear the someones upset the football hacks in Scotland”
Interesting read that. And it tells us more about the mindset of the Scottish hack when he starts making denials about Masonic conspiracies when Alex Thomson has never come close to suggesting anything like that.
Thomson has simply exposed them for being useless and subservient – something they continue to be even at this late stage of the saga.
Steinreignedsupreme on 8 May, 2012 at 13:20 said:
Is this really your interpretation of what you’ve read on this blog? No dig, just a question.
Dontbrattbakkinanger on 8 May, 2012 at 12:59 said:
“Who does the school belong to at CP, the one behind the ole ticket office?”
I’m pretty sure Celtic own it now.
Golden Dawn?
Thought she was brilliant in that Private Benjamin movie
ASonOfDan – Former Northern Ireland U-21 footballer James McClean has been subjected to sectarian abuse after being named in the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad.
Some of the messages directed at the Londonderry man on Twitter also contained threats.
If they had a brain cell to rub together, they might reflect on why some players opt not to represent the province and its lovely supporters… (thumbsup)
Third Lanark…
I smell liquid…
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
congratulations to Claire lomas who has just completed the london marathon in over 16 days is a specially created pioneering”body suit”.
An absolute pleasure to watch her smiling face on the news.
What an example.
HAIL HAIL
Statement from CSA
Bhoycott !!! The other club’s supporter’s have been boycotting Celtic Park for years.
It is interesting to see the reaction to talk of a selective bhoycott of away matches by Celtic supporters next season. As far as I can see there has been a boycott of Celtic Park by the majority of Scottish football supporters for years now.
Outside of Rangers the biggest travelling support to Celtic Park is probably Aberdeen, the rest you can talk about in hundreds, not thousands, I believe this season Dunfermline brought 79 supporter’s to Celtic Park.
So we as Celtic supporters are asked to financially support teams who can’t support themselves, at Tannadice on Sunday we had more supporters present than the home team, and that is the case at most grounds we visit in Scotland.
So while we continue to contribute over 30% of the income into Scottish football, the team on the other side of the city continues to dominate the Scottish football scene.
We are canvassing our branches just now to gauge their support for a selective bhoycott next season, the reaction up until now has been mostly in support of that option, but we have not contacted every branch as yet.
We will continue to monitor events in the meantime, and will liaise with the other supporters groups as well, it will be important to have unified response for any action deemed appropriate.
It’s worth noting the actions of some of the officials supposedly involved in decision making, it appears that while they are happy to accept all the perks of office, some are not prepared to do their duty.
In the case of SFL President and SFA Board member Jim Ballantyne, who is chairman of Airdrie United, he has nailed his colours firmly to the mast by appearing in the directors box at a friendly match in Belfast arranged to raise funds for Rangers, apparently wearing a “Rangers Fighting Fund” badge.
Now let me say straight away Jim Ballantyne has every right to support who he likes, that’s his privilege. But in his position with both the SFL and the SFA that would seem to compromise his impartiality to make decisions, I await his and their comments.
As for Neil Doncaster, I have said in the past that I thought he would be a good man for the job, I’m beginning to wonder now if that is the case, he seems to be getting the run-around from Duff & Phelps, and he also seems to be unsure of the actual rules governing Scottish Football.
Scottish Football is crying out for leadership, but no-one seems to want to take on the role. I think it might be the time for the supporters of Scottish football to make their opinions known, and demand that they are taken into consideration when decisions are made.
LiviBhoy 13.19
Fletcher would have went to Rankers,before Celtic.Fact.
Thanks for the info on the ole school, I think it could become a real asset for the supporters, like they have at Kilmarnock, except much better, obviously.
And of course it would behandy for the ole Gazebo.
And the denial and permarage continues on Twitter, with Rangers supporters continuing to take umbrage at Channel 4’s Alex Thomson reporting on their club:
http://twitter.com/#!/alextomo
My favourite of the day so far is the huntellectual who thinks Thomson should be investigating Vodafone instead of Rangers. Now that’s creative whitaboutery. (thumbsup)
Scottish football needs to get back to basics:
1) Lower prices- particularly for kids/OAPs.
2) Teams producing/playing youth.
3) A widespread promotion of attacking/creative football- emphasis on technique & tacit protection of more skillful players.
4) Better football pitches.
5) Better coaching with suitable funding from top of the game- an emphasis on technique & ball control.
6) Safe standing areas.
7) More equitable distribution of revenue.
8) A seat at the top table for fans representatives/ greater stake in decision making process for fans.
9) Greater transparency from football authorities/referee decisions.
10) An NFL type rule promoting fair play/smaller clubs with precedent over best pool of youth players.
11) A positive support of youngsters at school who have the realistic potential for football to become a career choice.
12) AGM where all stakeholders (including fans) review the state of Scottish football- suggestion for new ideas to improve the game.
The Laptop Loyal told us for years that he would play his final season at rangers. Were they making it up?
AC Milan stalwart Gennaro Gattuso says if he is not part of the Serie A giants’ first-team plans next season he will retire from football.
The midfield hardman is hoping to sit down with vice-president Adriano Galliani to discuss a new deal as he is out of contract this summer.
The 34-year-old admits he will quit football if manager Massimiliano Allegri leaves him in the lurch next term, but says that Milan could benefit from fresh blood after Juventus pipped them in the race to lift the Scudetto.
Celtic’s Level Playing Field
http://i49.tinypic.com/bf1d20.jpg
philvisreturns
It is stupid huns we are talking about.
gorbalstam on 8 May, 2012 at 13:27:
“Is this really your interpretation of what you’ve read on this blog? No dig, just a question.”
No. That’s a fair question. There are some posters who have moved at a supersonic rate to stick the boot into Celtic when they do not have all the facts at their disposal.
Obviously we are all entitled to an opinion. That is the point of the blog. And any rational discussion is a healthy thing regardless of what your views may be. Most of us enjoy a good spat anyway.
But there has been an outbreak of hysteria which at times borders on hostility towards Celtic on here by some folk.
That is divisive, but more puzzlingly it all seems to be based on misinformation being peddled by people we all know have been constantly lying throughout the entire saga.
Juventus obviously taking a page out of the stupid hun book…
Juventus celebrations at winning Serie A were tinged with bitterness on Sunday as players and officials remembered how the club was stripped of the 2005 and 2006 titles over the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal.
Officially, Juve’s 2-0 win at Cagliari brought them their 28th title but sporting director Giuseppe Marotta said that, as far as he was concerned, it was their 30th.
“It’s our 30th scudetto. We have 30 on all the champagne bottles and we have won 30 titles,” he told television reporters.