Getting ready for Rosenborg, Takeover Panel blues

If results go to form, we will play Rosenborg within one or two days before the anniversary of our matches against them last season.  A year ago we were a tad underprepared; Rosenborg got a credible draw at Celtic Park, a game which could have ended in a significantly more onerous result for Celtic.

Seven days later Celtic were much sharper as they won in Norway.  Rosenborg were our biggest test in last season’s qualifiers.  They went on to eliminate Ajax from the Europa League, the Dutch having competed in the Europa final only three months earlier.

The challenge for Brendan Rodgers is to get his players up to speed a week earlier.

The rise of Europe at the World Cup remains on track.  European teams have won nine, drawn two and lost two of their games so far, with two of the Continent’s better teams, Portugal and Spain, in action today.

I expected the Takeover Panel to allow Dave King time over the summer to comply with the lapsed Court of Session 26 April deadline to make an offer for shares not held by his concert party, but clearly yesterday’s Court of Session action proved otherwise.

Many of the consequences of this, such as cold-shouldering, or legal consequences, are for the medium term.  The immediate issue is that it is clear King has been unable to lodge funds to comply with the court in three months.  As far as fulfilling this legal obligation is concerned, the man is as his QC claimed, “penniless”.

Keep in mind, Newco’s soft loans are repayable within the next 10 days.  Some may be renewed, but have been called in.  There will be enough season ticket money available to make these repayments, but that will leave a gap later in the season.  If only Dave could use some of that season ticket money elsewhere.