I hear the SFA had asked for clarification on Craig Whyte’s alleged disqualification as a director, without getting confirmation one way or another, since the issue was initially brought to their attention by the landmark BBC documentary, Rangers: The Inside Story. Rangers disclosure to the Plus Exchange (where the club’s shares are traded) on Wednesday that this specific BBC allegation was correct, was the information the SFA needed before they were in a position to act and apply a Fit and Proper Person (FPP) test to Whyte.
Dramatic though it sounds, failing a FPP test, in itself, is only likely to cause superficial damage to a club or its owner. An owner would need to resign as a director but he could allow the other directors to continue running the business, or he could appoint a proxy to take control of the business, which is often the way controllers run football clubs anyway.
What is of more interest, however, are matters likely to be disclosed as part of the SFA investigation. The Association would require Mr Whyte to explain what he did to be barred from holding a directorship for seven years, something the BBC lawyers would be able to question Whyte on in the witness box, should he actually sue, instead of repeatedly threatening to do so.
Of most interest to the SFA will be Rangers financial submission for their Uefa licence, which enabled the club to be nominated as Scotland’s participants in this season’s Champions League. A condition of participation in Uefa competitions is that no debts to tax authorities due on 31 December the preceding year remains unpaid on 31 March.
In September HM Revenue and Customs gained permission from the court to freeze £2.3m of Rangers money in connection with an unpaid tax bill. The principle element of this bill has not been disputed by Rangers. The SFA will now be keen to establish if any part of this bill was in connection to taxes due in prior to 31 December 2010. If it was, Celtic were entitled to be Scotland’s Champions League representatives, when overcoming the likes of Malmo stood between them and a £15m pay-day.
This is a legal minefield for the SFA chief exec, Stewart Regan, who has my sympathy. Things are about to become interesting.
While we are on the subject of that £2.3m tax bill, HM Revenue and Customs are due to get their hands on the cash after Friday next week, the last day Rangers are able to dispute the debt. If Rangers enter administration prior to that date, the cash would revert to the administrator and the club’s secured creditors would be entitled to it.
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Summa
Get my email address from Blantyretim. I live close to Warsaw but if I can help you somehow with your stay in Gdansk or Poznan I’ll do my best. It would be better if you start thinking about the hotels now.
Mullet and Co
Thank you for your response and explanation. I’m not on the computer and can’t make longer reply.Your opinion I find interesting and value it highly.
SoS
Have a good one!!! HaiL HaiL
Mags,
dunno… can only talk from personal experience. tbh I don’t hear anythin as strong as contempt from most of the supporters I talk to. Those that don’t like him consider him to have been fortunate in his enemies – i.e. state of the huns at the time – I think his record in Europe speaks against that. Also cited is his final season, which should’ve seen us burying them. But I don’t hear any evidence for your first sentence. I know there are some of that mindset in any support, I believe our support has a far lower proportion than others.
Can NL lead us to victory ?
A few weeks ago, like many of us, i had serious doubts.
But there was one amongst us who had no doubts.
I salute you.
.
BT..
Ha Ha.. You forget l work with the Feds.. I could Hack you Phone but wouldn’t want to read Your text Messages to Your Lovechild Jinkysboy..;0)
Hope Yir Guid..
Had a Trial run with the New BBQ last Night.. We Bitte Fragile this Morning:0) Tasmanian Cider Mixed with Strawberry Daiquiri..Ooooft.. As Olde Estadio Naci would Say..
Summa
G64
…the REAL question is…is he better than Fatima?
STFTB
vanilla froth cream champagnge
close your eyes
Paul McC, thanks for that, an interesting read.
Having recently blown out the 50 candles, I feel a wee bit like the Roman God Janus. He had two faces, one for looking forward and one for looking back—hence the month of January named after him.
These days I live a quiet life, take the country air and all of its joys. Alas it was not always so. Each trip into my native city takes me past places and buildings which have played significant parts in these past-ahem-50ish years.
At every corner a memory, at many a door a familiar face, and on the odd occasion a skip of a heartbeat, the reliving of a moment and a wee hankering for Yesterday.
This week we had a national strike—and it set me a thinking.
The Sky is dark, the wind is cold and the world seems very grey or brown. It is the early to mid 70’s and Jock Stein’s Celtic are still king of the hill in Scotland and a force to be reckoned with in Europe. Elsewhere however things are a little stale. The swinging sixties are behind us and the seventies offer what seems like endless industrial drabness—at least that is how it looked to a certain teenager.
We had mountains of rubbish in the street, strikes galore, the three day week, schools closed each week because there was no oil to heat them, regular unforeseen power cuts as well as the nightly organised power cuts which gave us blackouts in every house at 8pm. After that it was life by candlelight. Such an existence can barely be believed by those who didn’t live through it.
By day, it seemed everyone was bedecked in clothing that was industrial grey or brown. There was very little colour to life—certainly not in the fashion stakes anyway—and endless men in flat caps or Donegal hats were the norm. To a teenager, longing for an identity, adventure, some romance, a bit of glamour and something different, and a cause etc– it was all very grim at humdrum at times.
Football offered an escape from this life of smog and visionary grime, but it was not the only escape. There was the Music! Perhaps more importantly– live music, and in terms of concerts in the 70’s that meant the Glasgow Apollo at the top of Renfield Street.
Sadly The Apollo is no longer with us but it sat proudly across the road from the Pavillion Theatre and the original Atholl Arms. The building had gained a certain fame as Green’s Playhouse ( As an aside Jimmy McGrory married one of the Greens ) but to me it was always the Apollo and it meant……a trip into the fantastic, the other worldy, the place of legends and a brief spell in another time, another place.
On big concert nights the bars round about would play the music of whatever act was appearing that night, both before and after a concert. A night at the Apllo was an escape to not just another world—on certain cases it was another planet. Later, when I could gain access to those bars the whole experience of a night in the Apollo became even more extraordinary.
In those days, certain bands or acts could transform some of the young folk in Glasgow into something altogether different. Some temporarily—some permanently. Gone was the look and feel of an Industrial City caught in the midst of this grey/brown humdrum existence, and instead here were thousands—and I do mean Thousands— of young folk suddenly dressed in the most extraordinary garb. Leopard Prints, Army uniforms, feather boas, Argentinian Gaucho outfits, Pencil skirts, Pillbox hats and so on—all sitting in bars around the Apollo as if that was the norm. There was no throwing on a pair of old gardening trousers and an M&S Jumper to go out on a winetr’s night to a concert. No, this was no longer Glasgow in winter—this was the Belle Epoque, La Dolce Vita, The Renaissance, Mardis Gras, The Bridge of Sighs, Sam’s Gin Joint and 1930’s Berlin all rolled into one. All styles were served here!
As for the Apollo itself? Well that was two sets of double doors, bouncers manning each and checking tickets as you entered. Hand the ticket in at the desk, and up a couple of stairs to a sort of mini landing, and then a larger further set of stairs up to the big Landing where all the merchandise was. Thick, sticky, red carpet and damp smell that was as near to the old Glasgow subway as you would find anywhere.
Then into the former cinema cum Theatre through one of two sets of double doors entering into what seemed like eternal black. Rows of curved back seats, sloping steeply down—like into the pit of hell in the dark—- only to stop abruptly in front of the incredibly high and incredibly deep stage. No point in a seat near the front as you would see nothing and would most probably break your neck looking up.
If you were in the first circle you could look down on the masses below and from here you would get a good look at the stage, with the massive bank of speakers piled one on top of the other at either side. Speakers which must surely have been the inspiration behind Optimus Prime and the Transformers as these were giant contraptions which loomed menacing when silent and quiet, and completely mind blowing when providing maximum reverberation during a concert. An Apollo concert left a ringing in the ears for a good half hour afterwards at least.
The Upper Circle on certain nights bounced up and down in the most dangerous and scary fashion. I have heard Steve Harley describe how they could see the whole balcony move from the stage and how dangerous it looked. It would have been no surprise if that circle had collapsed and hundreds fell to their deaths! But that was the Apollo. Dark, Dangerous, Smouldering, Dingy, reeking of drink sweat and sex— but oh what fun.
From Alex Harvey pouring beer over his head with the Boston tea Party, to Bowie in full cross dressing or Ziggy garb. From Rod the mod to Elvis Costello and Oliver’s Army. A young Annie Lennox, the girating stones a la Jagger, a blistering Who and many more.
However, below I place a link to a track from a band that just messed with your head in those days if you got them— who transformed the Apollo into a foreign land of emotion,wonder and amazement—and that was a pretty mean trick in Industrial Glasgow in the 70’s. This was not a concert– this was just an experience.
Imaging a stage hidden behind numerous venetian blinds. Those giant speakers belting out a pre-recorded track only to realise that at some point the recording had been faded out and the band were already on stage and had taken up the tune. Slowly, through the first 3 or 4 tracks the blinds at the side slowly opened and eventually raised leaving just one blind behind which you knew the main man lingered.
The crowd, dressed for every age and every European capital imaginable are now completely drunk with anticipation. The noise from those speakers booming—I mean really BOOMING.
This particular song was recorded in October 1974 ( albeit this particular version was recorded in Newcastle- others on the same Album came from the Glasgow concert ) and show this band at their very best. Forget what you saw on Top of the Pops as no studio could recreate the dank feel of a dark concert– and no single could match the depth of some album tracks! This was the mad mental pomp, the Nouvelle Vogue, Glass violins, Moogs , Synthesisers, Sax, Oboe, Guitar and Belting Drums all fused with a voice that is at some points angst, somepoints melodramatic, and somepoints pleading with a tinge of desperation,longing and aggression.
The song is a litany of nostalgia. It is long- 10:38—but bear with it for the vocal and the crescendo in the last three minutes or so. Play this loud—Very loud—because that was the way it was, and was always meant to be.
As for the words—well they are poignant today. Full of the promise and the memory of romance, of another time and another place—or maybe the same place at a later date. They were always a call. A Call to those of an age, to those who worked away from home, even to the Celtic fan who could not get to Celtic park on a regular basis to see those hooped shirts.
So—The Apollo—Takes me right back to when I was young. To walking to Celtic Park the day after such a concert, or maybe before such a concert. Sometimes it was both!!
When you next go to Celtic Park—no matter what age you are today—remember these words.
Lift up your feet and put them on the ground you used to walk upon when you were young!
Just like your fathers and grandfathers before you—and just like your children and grandchildren long after your gone.
If there is something– you should always do– it is to remember to pass the parcel!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0UvZIZLUTo
SoS
no meantion of your new purchase today?
you know where I am and how to get me buddy…
James Forrest is Lennon says:
2 December, 2011 at 21:00
Craig Whyte … The Final Word (For Now)
James Forrest , a great post, I hadn’t thought the obvious – where is any money gonna come from ? a very odd position and most of their fans may be concerned but are not shi**ing it- I can’t make that out- the emperor’s new clothes / we’re too big to fail factor in all of this.
TinyTim says:
2 December, 2011 at 22:24
Quit havering.
The Ghood will prevail says:
2 December, 2011 at 22:08
did you just call me a hun?
JimmyQuinnsBits says:
2 December, 2011 at 22:34
ok fair enough. I am still none the wiser why it keeps cropping up.
Maggie McGill.
One shred of evidence – ONE SHRED – that wee Gord was disliked for his religion?
Summa
Yes, get my phone no from BT. Please don’t call me now. The dogs are quiet and sleep. Don’t make them nervous for the rest of the night.
I watched Fatima Whitbread in the shower on Celeb Get Me Out Here last week. I said to mysel dont get an election, dont an election, but dam it she did. lol
Brogan
Brilliant..just Brilliant evoking of what we all feel but seldom articulate..
The Ghood will prevail says:
2 December, 2011 at 22:38
ok Ghood Man. Prevail and splainit to me.
Gordon Strachan is one of our most successful managers in spite of the LL media and those who were taken in by them.
He’s still sticking up for us now.
HH to ye GS
V
Zbyszek
I will let you two get in touch via email coz SoS comes home to Scotland and stays 10 miles from me but can’t get in touch…
BRTH,
AC/DC – 77 or 78, smashin…
those carpets suckin “thhyyuk” as you walked on them
Ceaser67
..very good!
BRTH –
Thanks for an excellent piece.
Brought back to me memories of the only concert I attended at the Apollo – the Wombles Live!
I suspect my recollection of Orinoco stage diving might be playing me false, but I hope not!
BRTH, thanks for the memories. I remember the old Apollo, just, being in my early 40s.
You mentioned Mardis Gras in your post (not the club admittedly) but it reminded me of my late 80s Glasgow clubbing days.
Hot, sweaty nights in Mardis Gras (which had a moving dance floor), The Warehouse, Joe Paparrazzi, Henry Afrikas, Tin Pan Alley, Panama Jax, The Cotton Club, Cardinal Follys and, ahem, The Tuxedo Princess – a place where I saw a knife being pulled and where I never returned!
Happy daze!
splainit it to me
MrX
Maxwell plums on clyde St
Wee Effin Beekeeper take 2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1Z1V5cSWU4
SFTB says
Now it’s cryptic right enough but my reading was, based on your previous jibes against our Irish influence, that Irish based or minded posters would dislike WGS for his Scottishness (the very charge macjay levelled in less cryptic tongue).
Sorry,pal.
I didn`t suggest the dislike came from Irish based or minded supporters.I have no way of knowing their source.
All inclusive,that`s what we claim.
All inclusive.That`s all I want.
Incidentally,my mother was a Murphy.:-)
BRTH
Quality.
A good writer can evoke the real atmosphere of the time.
Mr X
Was at the last gig ever in the Apollo
The Style Council
Thanks for the trip
WW3
Vmhan
I got weeely upset when bad gordy was no nice to the pwess guys.
What are they like?
:)
WGS is a legend
Side bar – been drunk today and now listening to the Proclaimers (I know :O) but drunk its good stuff).
http://youtu.be/q0FHEEuMvuI
.
BT..
Ouch.. Btw.. It’s Only 3 Miles.. I made the CQN Golf Day and The Sammi Shuttle to Easter Road.. But Your right.. Will be back for 2-3 Months again so We will Make up for it.. Buddi..
New Purchase.. Ha.. I’m banned from going to the Shops..
Mr Z.. I think l have Your email.. Will email you this Week.. Cheers..
001Bhoy
Ceaser67 says:
2 December, 2011 at 22:39
I watched Fatima Whitbread in the shower on Celeb Get Me Out Here last week. I said to mysel dont get an election, dont an election, but dam it she did. lol
C’mon now, that’s someone’s son you’re talking about.
goldstar10 says:
2 December, 2011 at 22:28
I was in the Lisbon Lions Upper tier behind St Artur Boruc Goal, another great moment in our History. The McCluskey’s Goal in 1980 was more special to me, because as a 16 year old on in Hampden for the first time without my Father and watching as they self destructed….. Priceless.
JD
Paul McC says:
2 December, 2011 at 22:29
I have always believed CW to be smarter than most people give him credit for.
Aye, he sails close to the edge, and he is as bent as a nine bob note.
He buys ragers for a pound and rides of into the sunset with a few of million never to be seen again.
In my book that is a shrewd businessman.
tarrant
Shorreee.
SoS
we have our reasons for not metting for a chat/beer… both of us…
see you next time mate…