It has been another busy news day but for now we’ll concentrate on the two most important matters.
10 SPL clubs, excluding Celtic and Rangers, have arranged to meet next week. This is the most significant news since Craig Whyte bought Rangers in May last year. One SPL chairman told the BBC:
“With the Old Firm having talked in the past about leaving Scottish football, we have had to think about a future without them.
“Part of that situation could be about to come true, so we have had time to think about how we would get on without them.”
The smaller 10 SPL clubs have a once-only opportunity to redraw the power and financial map in Scottish football. They want more of your money and this is their chance to get it. They also want to be able to vote crazy ideas into the league that benefit teams without many fans or good players.
This is perfectly understandable and expected. The distribution of TV income currently favours successful clubs, who are invariably featured most often. Smaller clubs want to change this into a more equitable distribution model. You and I will still buy the overwhelming majority of subscriptions, but our club will receive less cash from the TV deal.
“Part of that situation” refers to an SPL without Rangers. This meeting is likely to end Newco Rangers hopes of getting straight back into the SPL in their tracks. Without knowing the numbers in favour of a change, this looks like the killer blow, delivered before any proposition from Craig Whyte reaches the agenda.
We have discussed the need for Whyte to present a fait-accompli in order to get his wish. Having been unable to do that, others had the opportunity to organise and make alternative plans.
The other important occurrence today was the attendance at the Rolls Building courts in London today by HMRC lawyers, keen to secure any monies seized from Collyer Bristows’ client account last week. HMRC have made it perfectly clear they are all over Duff and Phelps and will seek court intervention to secure their rights.
This is significant.
You can make what you like about a more even distribution of SPL TV money, or the possibility of being held to ransom in future by bad teams who want to vote themselves out of relegation, but the only thing we know for sure is that this has been a profoundly bad day for Craig Whyte and anyone else hoping to phoenix a Newco Rangers.
In light of today‘s developments, Mr Whyte and the administrators have some thinking to do before announcing any plans tomorrow.
Issue six of CQN Magazine, the Fit and Proper edition, is set to become a landmark collectors item. You can browse the magazine online here but you can buy your own hard copy by clicking on the link below. Read with 20-20 vision…..
You can support the online edition by making a discretionary donation here.
747 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- »
Morning CQNer’s
Just trying to catch-up with the blog
I’m hoping that we make the no media conference a, permanent fixture.
I’ve been one of the Celtic hierarchie’s most staunch critics. With good reason IMO! But, I would be the first in the queue to lavish, well deserved praise on them if we dump the Murray Media.
It’s time to blaze the trail of the ‘new media’ conference’s IMO!
Neil Francis Lennon dizny deserve to have to, accommodate a bunch of chancers who, can barely conceal their dislike of him, us, and ‘our’ beloved club. NO MORE!!!
Hail! Hail!
Mort,
Aye, the Daily Mail is well known for only printing the truth.
Could I suggest that the press conference has been cancelled, and there has been radio silence from Celtic this week, because of the ongoing High Court trial?
BBC Scotland has learned a broad wage cut agreement with Rangers players has been agreed to keep redundancies DOWN.
Notice it does not say to STOP redundancies. Like I said earlier this morning, the administrators have caved in to the players demands and granted all their get out clauses.
I am glad, as I dearly want to play that mob another twice this season…
Rangers FC – The solution
In bygone days of yore….
Stars will be chosen from around Europe to stress the international quality of the Glasgow club. Smith has maintained that the essential heart of the team will remain Scottish but, at this moment, few of our native-born artisans attract attention from around the world.
Players such as Vialli do, and while Rangers await his reply to their offer, Murray has promised that if that deal does not stand up, another one will be put in place. I do not doubt that. Murray is once more raising the ante, just as he has done on a regular basis since taking over the reins at Rangers. His transfer fees over the past few years have beaten those of any other Scottish club. The salaries paid at Ibrox dwarf others in the premier division. Now he is pushing these salary limits even further, encouraged so to do by the abolition of the transfer fee.
It is a bold initiative and one which, if successful, will make Rangers even more powerful next season. And the season after that, and on and on and on as the wealthiest club in the country simply becomes stronger and stronger. At the moment the target is a bigger share of the cash on offer in the Champions’ League, and a team with top players from a clutch of countries can help provide that.
In the future the target is surely a place in any European League which seems certain to be formed. That may be several years away, but by that time Murray will have added to his international roster of stars and Rangers’ reputation will have been established at a continental level.That is what the present multi-million pounds negotiations are about. The pay-off Rangers hope for is that spot among Europe’s finest – in the meantime, their support will be entertained by some of the biggest names in the game.
How the rest of the clubs in Scotlan keep up is another matter and one which will no doubt be discussed in more than a few boardrooms over what will be a long, hot summer of superstar signings.
Paul67
I wonder what warranties D/P will offer possible buyers against none of their statements coming to pass?
Seems to me any new owners are being asked to take the same punt as CW was ready to take but with other peoples money.
Whose money will they be using?
Sal adin
Good shout on state aid.
Who would cry foul and who to?
Celtic-UEFA or EC?
Paul Clark, of Duff and Phelps, has now told the BBC tha they have agreed to “vary certain contracts” to allow players – taking pay cuts of up to 75% – more flexibility about how and when they can leave Ibrox.
“It’s understood Naismith and Steven Whittaker have both agreed to 75% cuts on that basis.
“The administrators had previously warned that clauses making it easier for players to leave would make it more difficult to find a buyer for Rangers
We are all left to wonder what kind of scrutiny did S.F.A. carry out on Rangers and their finances over the years..
P.S. What is the status of a meeting of ten S.P.L.clubs without Celtic and Rangers?
Summa of Sammi @10:08
////
Totally agree m8!
Sammi has been transformed under the tutelage of, Neil and the management team. I still think Samaras can push himself that bit more but, he has to be the most imprved player of the season IMO!
Hail! Hail!
Samaras in the team = The Treble CSC
1996
“We will make the biggest moves that Rangers Football Club have ever made both off and on the park.I am totally committed to taking the club forward to be even stronger. By the year 2000, we will be double our size. We have a business upon a business providing the club with resources to compete at the highest level.”
“I can assure every Rangers supporter that I am committed to the cause, everybody behind the scenes is committed to the cause. We are going to double the size of the commercial department, we have got a new supermarket opening, coupled to all the things that are going to happen and I think it’s great times ahead.”
Mr Murray said that Sean Connery, who has been a regular guest at Ibrox, would help him in business ventures but “he isn’t into the football business”. He said: “The people who are interested are interested in investment opportunities. We are looking at people taking a long-term position and taking a view in football in five years.”
imprved = improved :o)
“To clarify, all #Rangers players have now agreed to wage cuts. Still to be officially signed off though.”
Kitalba
How’s things down in the old Pig & Whistle? Any parties or is it a long wake?
Funny thing is I’ve niot heard a peep from a certain gentleman!!
The Haaggen Dazs of them all;
James Traynor, Daily Record, 2 November 1996
£80m TO SPEND
Kenny will be given a roving role to go out and recommend – and try to attract – the best.”We’re not talking about young or middle of the road players – we’re talking the VERY best. Dalglish will be given an open chequebook to make sure the big names are made an offer they can’t refuse. Murray knows the name of King Kenny will not only help capture top stars, but will increase interest from potential investors.
That Dream Team in Full
Ajax attackers PATRICK KLUIVERT and MARC OVERMARS would immediately create a £15 million hole in the Ibrox funds – but would no longer be an impossible prospect.
Paris St Germain’s brilliant Brazilian RAI would also come into the equation and players like JURGEN KLINSMANN and PAOLO MALDINI would become targets.
Dalglish’s brilliant record in England could prompt moves for ERIC CANTONA and ROBBIE FOWLER.
Top agents like Edinburgh’s Jake Duncan reckons even Barcelona’s RONALDO would not be out of Dalglish’s reach.
If Rangers are making millions then the sky is the limit.
niot = not…or was it riot?
ernie
That thought occurred to me also.
TTTT
I think CFC are selling tickets for the Celtic End.
I think your row BBB is next to MBB.
According to the BBC, Celtic have been “excluded” from the 10 team SPL meeting. Surely this cannot be constitutional?
Duff & Phelps is listed on the NYSE with a Mkt Cap of $590 million. I can’t see them doing anything that would leave them open to litigation/reputational risk.
Shieldmuir Celtic on 9 March, 2012 at 10:15 said:
‘P.S. What is the status of a meeting of ten S.P.L.clubs without Celtic and Rangers?’
They are shareholders and are entitled to meet. They won’t be conducted SPL business though they will no doubt be disscussing how they intend to conduct SPL business.
celticrollercoaster says In Neil we trust on 9 March, 2012 at 09:51 said:
Cue action
Sally (FPLG) walks into bathroom and opens shower door
“Ooh Walter it’s all been a horrible dream!”
Cue Jelly and ice cream
This will no doubt spawn a Bobby Ewing Loyal RSC
Personally I’d rather see Victoria Principal CSC.
AN MSP this week hit out after the first football match between amateur teams Blantyre Celtic and Blantyre Rangers was moved out of the town.
Blantyre MSP James Kelly said that switching the game to a venue in Cambuslang behind closed doors sent out the wrong signal and image of the town.
The Labour man insists that the police have over-reacted to potential crowd trouble.
But police chiefs insist that the game, which will take place at Cambuslang Rangers’ Somervell Park, was moved after discussions between clubs, the league and police.
Mr Kelly told the Advertiser: “The police have over-reacted with this decision and need to think again.
“We have heard a lot in recent months about the need for people in different parts of the community to come together.
“What sort of signal does it send out when we are saying that these two clubs need to leave Blantyre and go to Cambuslang to play the match.
“It makes no sense and undermines the work of the many people in Blantyre who are working to build a positive image of the local community.”
It is estimated up to 1000 spectators were set to head along to Castle Park – home to Blantyre Vics, in Blantyre where the game was due to be held.
Neil Balneaves, secretary of Blantyre Rangers said both clubs were frustrated and disappointed that the game has now to be played behind closed doors and outwith the town.
“This game should be something for the local community to celebrate, not to be hidden away,” he added.
“I find the idea of segregation, as insisted by the police, an insult to the people of Blantyre, suggesting that we can live, work and socialise together but cannot watch two of our local teams playing a game of football.
The match will take place in Cambuslang with a 2pm kick off.
Police were worried that holding the fixture in Blantyre raised issues including crowd segregation and fire safety.
The force denied the move to keep out fans was theirs, saying the decision had been made after discussions with the club.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Alan Gall said: “Officers from South Lanarkshire Division liaised with the North and South Lanarkshire Amateur Football Association and team officials from both Blantyre Rangers and Blantyre Celtic.
“It was made clear that public order was of paramount importance and that team officials should give consideration to a number of alternative options in respect of a venue.
“Blantyre Rangers elected to play this game behind closed doors.
“Regardless, Strathclyde Police will provide a presence at this game.”
But officials of Blantyre Rangers disagree with Mr Gall’s version of the meeting.
They insist that they were strongly advised to play the match outside Blantyre and behind closed doors.
This will be the first time the two sides have played each other, with Blantyre Rangers in their debut season and Blantyre Celtic just two years old.
There are only three points between the teams who play in the North and South Lanarkshire Second Division Amateur League.
Neither Rangers or Celtic are playing on Saturday so a bumper crowd was expected with fans out to support their half of the Blantyre Old Firm, prompting some fears of trouble between fans.
Cambuslang Rangers manager Alan Wardlaw said the police had approached the club about the game: “The police said the game would be played behind closed doors because, rightly or wrongly, they think there could be an issue.
“The guys I know on both teams say there isn’t a problem between them.”
Ciao—–
Cold and wet -way down south . Winter hasn’t gone yet –
” In broad terms, we believe there are mitigating factors and we hope to demonstrate the distinction between The Club and the actions of any individuals ”
Paul Clark 8 /3 /2012.
Make of that what you will ..
Anyone who reads the Scottish Press is volunteering to be lied to. They are simply telling The People what The People want to hear. Stupid people like it that way..
This is a fabulous mess . It will get even messier.
The Ticketus thing is very interesting . The who owns what thing is very interesting. Gary Withey [ who knows a lot about both those things ] is still missing .
No to a Parachute . No to Newco.
If representatives from two clubs or six clubs or ten clubs fancy meeting up for a chat over a coffee then there’s nothing to stop them. It’s not an official meeting, it can’t make any decisions or change anything. But they can discuss issues of mutual concern and decide to act in a common way if that suits them.
Bhoycott them, if they allow Newco to walk straight back in.
THE TEN non-Old Firm clubs are planning to hold a meeting next week at a secret location to discuss the current crisis at Rangers.
Chairmen from all clubs outwith Rangers and Celtic are keen to hear each other’s views on the situation and it’s understood they will debate how best to deal with the Ibrox side’s problems.
At the top of the agenda is likely to be a discussion on changing the voting structure in the SPL from its current format.
As things stand, with votes needing an 11-1 or 10-2 majority, the Old Firm effectively have a veto over all decisions and are able to block proposals put forward by the provincial clubs.
However, it’s understood there is a feeling among the 10 that Rangers’ current situation – and the real prospect of them having to reapply for SPL membership should they go into liquidation – presents an ideal opportunity to redress the balance and bring about a fairer system.
Rangers have already been docked 10 points by the SPL for going into administration and further punishments could be handed down once their inquiry into Craig Whyte’s ownership is concluded.
It is believed that some chairmen in the SPL could be willing to allow a revived Rangers back into the top-flight instantly – should they suffer liquidation – in return for concessions which would benefit the wider league.
This would eventually bring issues such as league reconstruction and a more even distribution of TV money back on the agenda.
Meanwhile, Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston last night admitted that the Fife club are already planning for life in the event they never receive the second instalment of money owed to them by Rangers. The Pars struck a deal with Rangers’ administrators earlier this week to be paid the £84,000 of ticket money that they are due from last month’s SPL meeting between the teams in two chunks.
The first, which was transferred on Monday, allowed Dunfermline to complete the February salaries to staff and players that had been under-paid by 40 per cent because of cash-flow problems.
The second, understood to be around £50,000, is due to be completed by 13 April.
He said: “The situation at Rangers changes every day and we just have to make a calculated plan on the information we are given daily.
“Whether we would see any of the second payment if Rangers go into liquidation, I don’t know.
“But there is no point in re-writing the business plan on a daily – or even hourly – basis.
“We had put together a plan for not getting any of the money we were due, a worst-case scenario, so what we got at the start of the week was a bonus, from that point of view.
“But, even though we have made plans for not getting the rest of the money, if we don’t get it it is a substantial sum of money.”
CRC
I didn’t get it and now that it has been sort of explained to me by Larsson and McStay, I’m kinda glad that I didn’t get it.
Sue-Ellen, you’re a drunk, a tramp and an unfit mother.
Tom English @TomEnglishSport Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Things are looking up for the beleaguered Bears. Next week’s big story: Ticketus deal collapses.
Will the SFA and SPL be checking these revised Rangers contracts? Like *really* checking this time?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17300753
May have been previously discussed
https://twitter.com/#!/Auroraceltic/status/177864999694368768/photo/1
Great article from Ian Archer from 1975 courtesy of @Auroraceltic
.
KevJungle..
Makes Sense Tae Sammi..;0)
Summa
Morning bhoys from a warm hun free mountain.
Should hit the low 20’s today.
I see the MSM are spinning there usual web of deceipt.
It will end in the courts.
SmashingMilkBottles
I have huns in my office. They have said not a word about their perils. I don’t say a word either. In meetings we often sit across the table from each other. I sit with my head bowed as long as I can get away with it and then for no reason I’ll snap my head up and look around the table like a startled Rottie. The huns blot it andinvoke the 100,000,000 yard stare and the locals think I was asleep.
The gentleman you refer to sent me an e-mail thisafternoon asking to catch up for a beer soon.
Their silence screams their agony. I don’t care what anybody else says, if they would only say mea culpa and I’m sorry, I’d look on them in a different light.
I’ll meet him, I like him.
RalphWaldoEllison-is Neil Lennon Season 2011-12
Funnily , I’m now kinda sad that I did get it !
Another dayof confusion over whats going on at Ibrokes but remember if the administrators hope to save the club no matter how slim there chances are they have to make positive statements now and then. It seems to me that the crunch day will be the 16th of March they will then know if they have any serious offers for the stricken club if they dont I believe they will go for liquidation soon after now I may well be wrong but I think our game with them on the 25th of March is unlikely to take place.H.H.
Kayal33 on 9 March, 2012 at 10:29 said:
Tom English @TomEnglishSport Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Things are looking up for the beleaguered Bears. Next week’s big story: Ticketus deal collapses.
A long and arduous court case awaits!
Looks like Tom English is back on the old succulent lamb
The Ticketus deal is going to collapse because eh, um, i was told so by Jack
Of course Ticketus will just stand by and let upwards of £25m slip through their fingers
Stupid Huns
JFH the only serious offer can come from Whyte.