You can imagine the scene, deep inside Celtic Park. “Let’s invite Fergus over to raise the flag on the opening day of the season. Would be great to get him back 20 years after his critical role in saving the club, especially after that nonsense in ’98.
“Wait a minute, probably best not to mention the flag just yet, let’s call it the opening home game of the season”.
16 years ago Fergus McCann accompanied Jean Stein onto Celtic Park to raise the league title flag, an event which seemed beyond us when he flew into Glasgow to complete the takeover from the old board in 1994.
He was booed by a sizeable minority of the support, ostensibly for not spending enough money on players. It was a source of regret for tens of thousands of us. Fergus arrived with a plan to turnaround a club which played in an antiquated stadium and were being thoroughly routed on the park. He left five years later with the league flag flying high, a modern 60,000 seater stadium and net bank debt at £2.5m. It was something of an economic miracle, and although he got the money he wanted when he sold up, he never got the credit he deserved.
Celtic fans had been conditioned to distrust him by a small handful of people with considerable reach. The club was being rag-dolled, despite the miracles it was performing. The man himself was never one for showboating, his last two contributions to Celtic were to speak at the annual Celtic Charity (the charity he formed) dinner, and to mark the unveiling of the Brother Walfrid statue. Only charity has brought him back, so this will be a rare day indeed.
I’m absolutely delighted to announce we are publishing Tommy Gemmell’s autobiography, “Tommy Gemmell – All the Best’. The book is written and will be out in the summer. It will be a paperback but we are going to do a small hardback run, all of which will be signed by Tommy, and will include a special chapter with questions from CQN’ers, which Tommy will answer in the book. Details on how to submit a question soon.
This one is going to be a lot of fun……….
If you would like to read the new CQN Magazine, GO HERE to read properly, and for FREE, the graphic below is just a taster.
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Celtic will play their home Champions league qualifiers at Murrayfield later this year.
Fergus and Corporate Ownership
Last night BRTH explained his discomfort at the way that Celtic is owned by a major investor, Mr.Dermott Desmond, (via corporate structures) rather than the fans which Fergus had originally promoted.
In 91/92/93/94 I was nervous of Celtic being offered on the open market for anybody to buy. I had previous experience of dealing with a David Murray company and, to this day, friends and relatives remember that I told them – “I would not want this man in charge of my club”. I was worried about a Robert Maxwell type character using the club for their own ends and then dumping it.
As a result, I stayed loyal to the old board longer than most in the hope that they would re-capitalise the club but still keep it in “the family”. All hope of that disappeared as they lurched from crisis to crisis and I backed Fergus.
Where I want to challenge BRTH is on the point that, as far as I know, all share issues were open to Celtic fans to participate at all times. After that initial fund round, I think that there was no-one in overall control of Celtic so, at that stage, Fergus delivered his objective.
Further developments meant more demand for capital and further share issues were offered and the fans responded very well. However, Dermott Desmond was in the background and guaranteed to take up whatever the fans did not wish to take, thereby ensuring that the subsequent share issues would meet their objectives. Had the fans wanted more, they could have had it but most had made their contribution and could not reach into their pockets time after time.
Further, BRTH states that he believes that this shares could/will be offered on the open market if Mr Desmond dies or wishes to dispose of them. This is a valid point to make and, for the long term future control of the club, it would be good to establish succession planning. But we don’t know what provisions are in place for these shares – there could be a Trust instrument in place or some conditions which will control their disposal.
One example of ownership containment is for the club to buy back its own shares – this is the opposite of “dilution” – i.e. the remaining shareholders’ %age share is increased as the bought back shares effectively are not in the hands of any investor. This would involve using club cash to pay for the shares at a market price which would likely use up our cash reserves.
A further example is to have a provision that they are offered to existing shareholders should they wish to increase their holding.
It would be a valid line of enquiry for the Celtic support to find out what future provisions are in place.
Dermott Desmond is a Celtic fan and I would expect that he would be very aware of the consequences of selling out to a party who would be bad for the club.
One last point – I cannot think of any situation in the history of Scottish football where a majority shareholder sold shares to someone unworthy of taking over their club. Please note that I have been on planted Zog for the last few years.
Back to work slaves CSC
The “Bobo’s gonna get you” chant directed at Henrick was pure tongue in cheek. I joined in, like those around me. We were all laughing at it.
Is fatsalary being taken to task re his slanderous “its a carve up” remark? And exHail <:0)
Tallybhoy
13:16 on 7 February, 2014
Fergus will probably have to wait until he’s deid to get a statue.
Few others on the waiting list:
Willie Maley, Jimmy Quinn, Jimmy McGrory, Bobby Murdoch, Ronnie Simpson, Tommy Burns and countless others stretching back to 1888.
‘Avenue of heroes’ should be quite a spectacle.
An “Avenue of Heroes”? That’s a cracking idea Tallybhoy, lets get it started and spread the word. Imagine walking up The Avenue from London Road – how inspiring would that be.
Delbhoy59
Heard on the radio earlier this morning that the Murrayfield pitch is in really bad shape, might check out the Rugby tomorrow evening to see if true. Don’t know if the maggots have got anything to do with it?
Planted = planet
Just watched the Ross Kemp ( I know, I know) programme about spending time observing the orcs in Norn Iron during the marching season. Jeezo!!
I’ve always regarded them as pond life but this took it to a new level. The degree of brainwashed village idiocy was stunning. Kemp himself looked incredulous.
Strongly suggest a watch.
ThankGodeverydayforbeingaTim CSC
Jobo
Eddie Toner said on Twitter this morning said that the lower tier holds approximately 30,000.
Booing of henrik was audible on the TV when he scored for Barca – I was watching it here in Spain and was near to tears.
Maybe the booing of Fergus McCann was an Old Firm fan thing and an indication re how many people read and believed rags like The Daily Retard ?.
Punch and Judy CSC –way down south.
Folks I have a spare Main Stand ticket for tomorrow’s game. It’ll be a freebie so first to register their interest gets it!
HT
BT
Oui?
celtic mac
13:56 on 7 February, 2014
Delbhoy59
Heard on the radio earlier this morning that the Murrayfield pitch is in really bad shape, might check out the Rugby tomorrow evening to see if true. Don’t know if the maggots have got anything to do with it?
Apparently a ‘hybrid’ pitch is to be laid in time for Champions League qualifying matches. Not sure what they mean by that
ToyotaPrius CSC
KEVJ
As I have said,Fergus made most of his mistakes whilst in thrall to Jock Brown.
But Dr VENGLOS was appointed on 17 July.
I don’t remember crying into my Paddy’s Day Guinness because Wim had gone.
HH and nae offence,bud.
Celtic will play their home Champions league qualifiers at Murrayfield later this year.
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Will it just be the lower tier thats open ;-)
Just thinking …..
Fergus McCann saved our club … or should that be company ….. from administration.
Craig Whyte ” was driving the train when it crashed”
which of the two has his name sung at celtic park every week and has had banners passed around the whole stadium ?
News of Ally’ treble has even reached the USA, people on TV are being told through there ear pieces.
————–
http://youtu.be/sap2hfA-pHg
A female deadybear on the RIFC Shares Discussion Board shows unusual commonsense regarrding Phil’s blogging.
“Joanthebear
RE: Rumour-mongering
Well I believe, after checking, that everyone was saying he was barking mad the last time! If history teaches us anything, it should tell us that this man has the inside track as to what is going on. Ignore or vilify him if you want, I on the other hand will listen to what he says. It may affect my club and my pocket!”
Absolutely delighted that Fergus will, at last, be given his proper place, and recognition, in front of the Celtic support.
The is not perfect – who is- but he remains one of the most significant individuals in the long history of Celtic Football Club.
He deserves all the plaudits coming his way.
If Jock Stein caused the collapse of Rangers Football Club then Fergus McCann was the saviour of Celtic.
I think there is a great deal of revisionism in Paul’s article.
Fergus did indeed achieve what he set out to achieve and left with money he richly deserved. But we have short memories on what went on when he was here. In his last season at celtic he let the support down because he was only interested in protecting his investment and had no ambition for the club beyond that. In short he achieved his goals earlier than he thought and treaded water for a year.
What is so bad about that? Well there is always one group of people who are left out when Fergus’success is mentioned. The supporters.
The support made Fergus’ plan a success. The support bought the shares (the share issue was oversubscribed) and bought the season tickets and flocked to the new CP.
After that celtic were in rude health – apart from on the field. We had improved on the field but during that final season we went backwards pretty spectacularly. So for many Fergus let us down that last year – and he let down the very people who made him successful.
Sitting here so many years on and looking back is hindsight. Particularly when you compare it with the evil ones demise.
But lets not pretend all was rosy and Fergus was perfect. Cause it aint true.
Incidentally I too am glad he is coming to do the honours. Despite what I said its well deserved and will be good to reunite us all again (but no singing ok)
Hrvatski Jim,
Excellent post,
any nice golf courses on Zog?
neganon2
14:07 on 7 February, 2014
GHOOD MHAN …….!!!!!!!!
Delbhoy59
Hybrid? Is that what the maggots are working on?
JJ
“Who gives this entitlement? Does it have to be earned or can anyone have it?”
For this blog, access to an input device and the avoidance of swearing or libel, seems to be sufficient.
In a democracy, most every one gets to vote, without any pre-test of understanding or intelligence
Murrayfield for Euro qualifiers…..
I just turned to my workmate and told him that I coulda put money on it not being ibrox.
Sleekitally csc
Afternoon
I have been reading for many years but this is my first post and i am aware that i will now be called an unfortunate. The reason i have decided today would be the day to finally post is simply down to the news about Fergus McCann.
There are differing opinions on him from many and some can be seen on the blog so far today but for me he is and always will be a Celtic giant and that is no easy feat when you consider he never kicked a ball for the team.
I had my first season ticket the seson he took over and can remember sharing what was an unbelievable outpouring of joy with my dad, late on ‘that’ Friday night, wishing he drove so we could have went through to Parkhead (oh for the want of a Celtic blog to see the elation that night) . The next day at St Johnstone was just an unbelievable day, so much happiness that had nothing to do with the game, quite possibly the best bus journey to Perth any group of people have ever had.
The first home game seen a full stadium and a removal from my normal standing spot in the Celtic End due to the crowd size, we lost but no one really cared, it was the start we all thought. Four and a bit years later, standing in the new Celtic End (but ever so slightly higher) that completed the 60,000 seater colussus, we were unfurling the league flag – It’s all about the timing!!
We know what happened, there are many reasons why many people booed that day and it was their right to let their feeling known, i was and am sickened by the thought of it still. I was 20, this was the first time we had won the league since i was 10, only second time i had actually witnessed the flag being flown – nine miserable years of waiitng and hoping.
Each of the reasons that people may have felt the need that day are more than likely true for some but the vast majority were simply influenced by one man and one club playing fantasy football with, as we now know, money they never had or would ever be likely to have. How much and how many world cup stars did he sign for his new dutch manager that pre-season? and all because he couldn’t take some ‘sporting’ challenge for a change. That was the reason that day happened, our wee guy wouldnt do that, in fact he would probably chase our best players out for wanting a bonus or rise.
I mentioned my dad earlier, he was annoyed that day even though he wasnt there, he sadly didnt make it to see valentines day two years ago and the culmination of the cheating. I looked back recently to an interview someone linked from about 2005 that Fergus McCann done, where he outlined what happened, why he took over, what his plan was and in some cases why he done what he done when in charge. It’s startling if you measure it against what has happened for the past two years in Govan, it could easily have been us.
I can think of nothing better than cheering that man onto the pitch in August, he will always remain, to me, the catalyst for every wondeful moment i have experienced with Celtic from 15 onwards, he had his flaws, no doubt was a nightmare to work with but as five year business plans go that was and remains startling. He knew it couldnt be done without us and we would never have been able to do it without him.
He deserves to know that we NOW KNOW.
I’m very pleased that Fergus is to be honoured and have no reservations in saying that he ‘saved’ Celtic.
I was at the match when he was booed and to my mind it was a very very small minority.
It strikes me that the issue for some fans is that he represents a business model for running our club rather than the romantic idea that we can do what we like because we are Celtic. PL and our current board are still having a hard time from some of our fans for the same reason. I reckon if PL was to raise the flag this year then there would be plenty of booes. Some people cannot be convinced but as Fergus said at the time, ” the dogs bark but the caravan moves on”.
South Of Tunis
13:59 on 7 February, 2014
Maybe the booing of Fergus McCann was an Old Firm fan thing and an indication re how many people read and believed rags like The Daily Retard ?.
Punch and Judy CSC –way down south.
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Nail on head. The Daily Retard ran a campaign to re-appoint two of their Masonic brethren Murdo and Wim.
The following week the fans cheered Fergus to the rafters as he walked arm in arm with the Widow Stein to open the new stand. Haste ye back ya carnaptious crabbit we specky bauchle ye are my hero.
SoT, have for more years than I like to admit been partial to a Paesano Panatella at Valvona and Crola in Edinburgh. My lunch there never varies (well the Crostini Misti do) and I have never asked about the sweet sour mustard until yesterday.
The waitress explained it was called Mostardo, a fruit mostardo that ballance the spicey sausage.
Mary Contini then spoke to our table and she went and got a jar of this very colourful fruit condiment, which I bought. The one they use is Pear, Cherry and Peach or Apricot.
Do you know of this wonderful produce of Italy?
Geordie Munro
14:12 on
7 February, 2014
Murrayfield for Euro qualifiers…..
I just turned to my workmate and told him that I coulda put money on it not being ibrox.
Sleekitally csc
__
Nice one.
Celtic Football Club @celticfc 2m
32mins: GOAL!!! Holmbert Fridjonsson heads home emphatically from a cross from the left. It’s 1-0 to Celtic who have been the better side.
This bhoys can score goals!
HH
/Bishop B
#Celtic to play Champions League quailifiers at the home of Scottish Rugby http://t.co/yniHEveRL2
Wilhelmus Marinus Anthonius Jansen , a bhoy I hold in the highest regard [ he did sign the greatest living Norwegian, after all] has managed no clubs in World football since he left Celtic, although he has was briefly an assistant at a Japanese Club, and also Feyenoord for a few years.
Re. the Murrayfield stuff. Perhaps this is the time to reach out to the less fortunate in our city and play our qualifiers at Crumbledome/Ayeboaks. This would show us as fine-minded and charitable people, and at the same time save our fans travelling difficulties.
What times are the trains to Edinburgh?
.
Maybe it was the Thespian Brigade that Booed Fergus..
btw l Loved Him Reading Fae the Bunnet and have Done it Myself to Remember My Wifes Name at Times..
bit Awkward in Bed tbh..
Summa