Paul Simon wrote about ‘a loose affiliation of millionaires and billionaires’ but if you want to raise money to rescue a company you need more than a loose affiliation. ‘The rebels’ at Celtic managed this in 1994 (somehow), but Paul Murray’s Blue Knights affiliation unravelled over a few days.
While Duff and Phelps were casting aspersions on the SPL for spiking their plans to announce a preferred bidder last week, the Blue Knights were already struggling to pull £0.5m together as a covenant to secure a period of exclusive rights to buy the club.
18 years ago a Celtic supporter walked into a branch of Bank of Scotland and paid £1m into Celtic’s bank account to bring it back under agreed limits and prevent the club going into administration – without any security or negotiating rights. A discrete but hugely important act by a man still on our board. No one from the Rangers consortium was prepared to gamble half as much last week, they even asked Ticketus, finance provider for Craig Whyte’s doomed venture, to stump up the non-refundable cash! The ticket agency declined.
The Celtic consortium soon fell apart with a modest degree of acrimony but personal issues were put to the side until the job of securing the club was complete. Paul Murray’s group was less fortunate. As a chartered accountant Murray would have been fully aware of the Employee Benefit Trusts which brought the club to its knees. What he knew and whether he benefited are likely to be some of the questions other consortium members were asking. He was not best placed to lead the recovery.
Murray also tried to keep a broad church together, from wealthy but detached Rangers fans to various elements of the support. This sounded ambitious from the off.
The most important comment from the Blue Knights yesterday was “The consortium believes that the whole deal process has become incredibly complex and it is critical that a preferred bidder is appointed this week.”
If it’s possible for the words “incredibly complex” and “critical” to be an understatement this is the occasion. The Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League announce their fixtures in the middle of June. If Rangers are to phoenix before then they better hurry up and die. The liquidation process will take weeks (if it goes smoothly) and can be open to legal challenge. Stadium ownership has also to be secured and the claims of Ticketus and Andrew Ellis have to be satisfied.
Add to the mix creditors, the big tax case, punishments from the SFA for their on-going inquiry into the last takeover, potential punishments from the SPL inquiry into improperly registered players, increasingly widespread opposition from within the SPL and the rest of Scottish football to a place being created for a phoenix and you get the picture.
The last few years reads like a lesson in how to destroy a huge football club. Chances of SPL football at Ibrox next season? No more than 50%.
Bids for the original canvass painting of Neil Lennon by US based artist, Joseph Gormley, have hit an incredible £500. Keep an eye on the auction, which ends on Thursday, here.
Buy a hard copy of CQN Magazine, issue 7, by clicking on the button below. You can read online here.
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The Great Rangers Story now upgraded to News at 10.
Abit half hearted unlike the Channel 4 versions.
@MattMcGlone9: And then there’s the housewives favourite who is simply loved by the Scottish media, thanks to @hoohimthetim67 for pic http://t.co/9qpwGTfI
@MattMcGlone9: And they keep coming as ‘dignified’ as ever, thanks to @oneill34 for this wee gem as the press prepare a rope for NL http://t.co/DiRYL5RG
@MattMcGlone9: Then there’s the double dignified act,Mr Senior and Mr Junior cardigan (apprentice boy)Thanks to @craigybhoy12 for pic http://t.co/VKYiPAWs
Art of War, deleted, language.
@MattMcGlone9: Then there’s this chap who actually has a job with the Scottish media, only in Scotland, thanks to @aarbee12 for pic http://t.co/Mgy9pnYG
theglasgowcelticway
We did win the Prestigious Wembly Cup admittedly before he could install his own techniques into the team.
Why would a Celtic fan, with internet access, phone Keevins, Jabba et al to criticise NFL? It’s one thing to feel angry at defeat and bowf at your mates, but to ‘phone these know-nothing clowns? Why do they think they get on air? Because they support the poisonous meeja agenda. No other country would tolerate a football manager being subjected to the crap that NFL has been through as both manager and player.
NFL went on the pitch on Sunday to express his anger at the referee for his failure to be consistent. People think he shouldn’t be allowed to do that, fine, don’t let him do it, ban him from twitter, don’t allow him external communication. Or you could look at the comments made by Ferguson, Mourhino, Wenger,Redknapp, O’Neill or any other manager after the ref has made contentious decisions and realise that that’s football!
ranjurz are staring into the abyss, the media in this country are in denial (I don’t read the internet, hugh Keevins), naturally they don’t wan’t to cover this, they resent Alec Thompson’s interference (I wouldn’t know what he looked like if he sat beside me, hugh Keevins) and most of all they resent NFL’s success, that’s why they allow callers (‘Celtic fans’) who are prepared to criticise NFL despite the fact that we’ve won the title. How many callers have been on to criticise McSwally?, Paul Murray?, David Murray?, the administrators? Compare that to the number of callers slagging off the man who won the league.
O’Neill said ‘….a player said to me; in football, you’re only as good as your last game. I told him, at Celtic you’re only as good as your last pass!’
We’ve won
Sorry Paul67, trying to remember what I posted now that got caused the grief.
First time I’ve not passed the `sniff’ test!
HH
bill Ng the singapore born billionaire! According to STV
Neil needs our support, and not just banners and songs. We slag off the old media but dismiss it at our peril.
We have all been supportive of Steve, Terry, Snake etc. who have called into these shows, and we have had those Carlsberg moments of dung and jabba falling out over who was the best hun, and Alex Thomson giving us the best 20 minutes of sports radio EVER.
Those who don’t want to know what’s being said, just scroll on. With respect, if you seriously think that having all Celtic fans in the world (and we are accessing from everywhere) stop listening or calling, they will wither and die, you are wrong.
IMHO of course
hamiltontim on 17 April, 2012 at 21:31 said:
Nah, weegie born and bread. Tis the wife is from foreign lands.
Down staying with the in-laws for a week. Letting them see that the grandchildren being 300 miles away is not such a bad thing. Always down there at Christmas/New Year so I never get to the New years games.
S
hen1rik – I remember that story in the Daily Record.
Fair play to them, they pulled no punches about it, accurately describing the UVF banner as a “flag of hate and evil”.
This stuff depresses me, so to cheer me up I just bought that BR 01 Instrument watch I’ve been swithering about.
Heavy is the burden of being me. (thumbsup)
“crushed nuts?”
You got one thing wrong. Ranger are not staring at the Abyss. The Abyss is staring at Rangers!
We should be celebrating the title win but instead the media and the SFA/SPL are trying to taint it by putting the focus on Neil.
The fans who are against Neil are not real fans.
Neil tell them you’ll accept punishment when Kenny Shiels, Butcher and others get pulled up.
shady
I really like the place, it’s very middle England but my missus claims that she detects a calmness in me when I’m down there that is often absent up here.
The lack of huns may be a factor!
Was interesting to hear from a gerr fan tell us about the behaviour of the Celtic fans at doom domb last nite and he was totally digusted abt it and his Celtic mate text him that he was leaving because of his concerns for his safety. Ill will also be very concerned for my safety and my families safety when the BILE are marching up and down our streets in the coming months!!
C M
Is precapiss worse than the abissss?? Just askin like. Spell checker goosed the noo!! .
Born and bread?
Ooooh – very poor.
S
hamiltontim on 17 April, 2012 at 22:58 said:
Agreed, it is very nice. Usually get a few good nights out too with baby-sitters and morning entertainers on tap. Must admit it is good to get away from the glassy eyed junkies and scarred neds for a wee while. Not sure could live there though -starts to feel a bit claustrophobic after a while.
Plus, home is only 40 minutes walk from Paradise.
S
shady – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PakK1egbBU (thumbsup)
I think what Neil did on Sunday was the worst kind of behaviour possible from a human being.How dare he walk up to another person and ask a question.It showed that he is without doubt the most vile creature ever to be involved in football.Doesn’t he realise that his birthplace and religion already make him despicable?And that by being at Celtic and also having ginger hair he is only a midges’ bawhair from beig Lucifer himself.Not content with being responsible for the financial calamity currently engulfing the globe,all crime in Scoatlin and the state of the roads he seems to be on a one man mission to ruin the game here with his heinous acts.I think it’s time the authorities deported him back to where he came from then this wonderful country can get back to claiming it’s rightful place at football’s top table and a recovery from his misdeeds can begin.The only plus side to his scandalous behaviour is it gives our A-grade pressmen good copy.However,as our MSM men are known giants in the journalistic world i’m sure they could continue their sterling work without the contributions of nEiL Diablo.
So in short,it’s time this monster took his wanton destruction from our shores and let the country get back to some kind of normality.
SICKOFTHISPASHcsc
Cripes – name-checked by Philvis.
Did you enjoy Bread as good humoured family comedy or socio-political satire?
S
Right Bhoys. I know this is not going to go down well but, but, but, but it has to be said:-
Neil Lennon was born to two fine parents.
Neil Lennon naturally peed and poo’d since being born.
Neil Lennon fed on liquids.
Neil Lennon fed on solids.
Neil Lennon grew older every day.
Neil Lennon went to primary school and was educated.
Neil Lennon made friends and played.
Neil Lennon continued growing.
Neil Lennon went through puberty.
Neil Lennon played Gaelic Football.
Neil Lennon played football.
Neil Lennon went for a trial with Rangers.
Neil Lennon had/has girlfriend/s, brothers and sisters.
Neil Lennon became a professional footballer.
Neil Lennon lived a normal life.
Neil Lennon went out, socialised and enjoyed himself without hassle or question.
Neil Lennon had a normal enough life.
Neil Lennon played for Northern Ireland without question or threat to his life.
NEIL LENNON JOINED CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB.
NEIL LENNON BECAME A FIGURE OF HATE FOR EVERY BIGOT IN THE BEST SMALL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.
Neil Lennon sometimes lost control in the face of this hatred and bigotry as a player.
Neil Lennon was assaulted on 2 occassions on the streets of Glssgow.
Neil Lennon became manager of Celtic Football Club.
NEIL LENNON AND HIS FAMILY LIVED IN FEAR OF THEIR LIVES HAVING TO MOVE HOME FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY WHILE THE VICIOUS TERRORISTS WERE TRACKED DOWN.
NEIL LENNON WAS ATTACKED AT HIS PLACE OF WORK.
NEIL LENNON WATCHED HIS ATTEACKER BEING FOUND NOT GUILTY AFTER HIS ATTACKER PLEADED GUILTY TO ATTACKING HIM AND VIDEO EVIDENCE OF THE ATTACK WAS SHOWN TO THE JURY.
Neil Lennon occassionally loses his cool as referees orchasteated decisions from nothing.
NEIL LENNON deserved YOUR SUPPORT and MY SUPPORT.
NEIL LENNON HAS MY SUPPORT.
MWD
.
G’Day CQN Fae Absolouter Wonderful Autumnal Morning in Melbourne..
Is our Final Game to Hearts a Sell Out..?
My Nephew is Desperate for me to Take him when I’m Home..
Or if anyone has Adult & Child I’ll Gladly Donate to a Charity of there Choice..
Just in case.. Bhoysofoz@gmail.com
Thanks in Advance..
Estadio Nacional Cya Soon..
001Bhoy
Summa,
I think you can buy via the website:
https://www.eticketing.co.uk/celtic/default.aspx
http://celticfc.net/tickets_home
S
shady – To be honest, I was only a kid in the 80’s when Bread was on TV, so the main attractions were Adrian’s goofy poems and the novelty of seeing a Catholic family on TV.
I’m sure there was also a lot of interesting political stuff that went over my head at the time. (thumbsup)
MWD – on 17 April, 2012 at 23:10 said:
Agree fully – no if onlys, buts, maybes.
S
This is music from somewhere else;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q6iuW-P7xY&feature=relmfu
Any of the Singtims lurking? Could you do some “due dilligence” on the huns potential saviour Bill Ng. Would be interesting to get a “local” perspective. Hail Hail Hebcelt
MWD
…and mine
.
Moonbeams..
Very Well Said..
I mention Yesterday if Neil Lennon is Persicuted by the SFA.. Celtic should fight it all. The Way in the European Courts of Human Rights..
I mentioned Mitigating Circumstances .. You have Detailed Just Some I would Use..
I You Back Someone in a Corner they Will React..
Well Said Again..
Summa
PS.. Didn’t catch your reply Re; CycleAthon..is there No way it Could be Done Earlier..? Off on the School Run back Later..001
philvisreturns on 17 April, 2012 at 23:16 said:
I just remember it was very popular and I could never understand why.
Plus all that portrayal of benefits claimants as normal humans and lovable rogues ;-)
S
I hope we win this league by half a goal 2 the good!! If you get my drift??
Summa,
If you buy online you can also use Ticketfast so no need to wait for the post – what is it 3 weeks to Melbourne?
TICKETFAST
Beat the queues! Why not try TicketFast (Print@Home) for SPL games at Celtic Park. Just choose ‘TicketFast’ at the checkout screen and you will receive an email with your ticket attached. Print your ticket at home and bring it to the game!
S
001Bhoy
I just bought a P&C for you for Hearts game. Consider yourself sorted.
JS Upper.
MWD
MWD
Cracking post.
…………………………
I will bid you all a goodnight.
HH
KTF
Phoned ssb 3 times over the last 2 weeks 18.05 18.07 18.12pm Never got on. Had a spat a couple of weeks ago with shugg on the Hotline. Surely he’s no hold a grudge. Surely no???