There have been many questions about the unusual circumstance in football of Rangers going into administration but not making any players redundant. It is possible, and not totally uncommon, for directors of a company in administration to arbitrarily choose to provide funds from their own resources to pay any chosen creditor, including staff. In football, players’ contracts of employment need to be with the club, but the source of payment can come from anywhere.
In this instance, Rangers Group, the club’s holding company, or any other body or person, could be in sufficient funds to provide the administrators with enough money to not only pay players, but to continue operating in a relatively normal state. Rangers’ administrators have already suggested Craig Whyte has guaranteed to make-good wages due to be paid this week, although it was not made clear which entity would be paying, or the source of such funds.
Administrators will only be forced into player redundancies if they do not have sufficient funds available to see them through to the timely conclusion of negotiations with creditors, or if they are unable to receive binding undertakings from another source that they will step forward to pay players next month.
Various sources over the weekend suggested HM Revenue and Customs were prepared to extend generous time to pay terms to Rangers. This club is owned by Craig Whyte. While we all know what a stand-up guy Craig is, how likely to you think HMRC are to believe he will stick to a plan stretching out years into the future? It’s just not going to happen.
I hear a ‘We’ll take a few years to pay too’ campaign is set to trickle through the SPL if HMRC agree to this one. Better using the tax man as a bank than using an actual bank.
If you would like to read CQN Magazine online (for free), click here. You can download a pdf of the magazine using the button at the top of the page, second from the right. Click on the link below to order a hard copy of the magazine.
You can support the online edition by making a discretionary donation here.
1,072 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- ...
- 29
- »
Very good article here from 90MinuteCynic
The author makes some good points.
——
Does Scottish Football Need Rangers?
By Bryan McManus
The 1985/86 season saw one of the most exciting ever finales to a Scottish League campaign as Celtic pipped Hearts to the title on goal difference on a dramatic final day.
The appointment of Graeme Souness in April 1986 was seen as a masterstroke by many as Rangers attempted to alleviate themselves from the mediocrity of previous seasons. And while it had been common for the best Scottish players to make the trek down south to ply their trade in the English top division, the Souness revolution bucked that trend by utilising the ban on English clubs participating in European competition to tempt the cream of the English talent pool to head north, non more significant than signing the then England captain.
Rangers won the title in Souness’ first full season in charge and this new found success saw the crowds return to Ibrox. Shortly after the conclusion of the league campaign the Scotland national team departed to Mexico to participate in their 2nd of 5 consecutive World Cups. The significance of that season should not be lost on any football fan as it was the final season before Rangers began their systematic campaign of crippling Scottish Football which has ultimately lead to their demise.
As Rangers regained the ascendancy in Scottish football David Murray, after his failed attempt to purchase Ayr United, made a successful bid to acquire the Ibrox club and so his crusade to make the club the best in Europe with no thought or care whatsoever for any other teams began, so eloquently summarised by his most famous quote of planning on spending double what their greatest rivals ever would.
Scotland had always been renowned throughout the world for producing fantastic footballers some of whom would have easily been recognised as the best in the world in their prime however now clubs were faced with a juggernaut in the form of the club from Govan which resulted in them ditching the idea of scouting and developing promising Scottish youngsters in favour of buying what they saw as “ready made” foreign talent to help them compete.
Not only did this strategy see clubs shelling out transfer fees and wages they couldn’t afford but the once healthy conveyor belt of young talent was now wallowing in the gutter.
During the early Murray years the incumbent families running Celtic football club took the club to the brink of disaster, at that time there was no outpouring of grief from the Scottish Media, in fact they couldn’t help but gloat at the demise of the club so much so that a hearse was parked in front of Celtic Park and the subsequent pictures of the event splashed over the tabloids.
There was no offer of handouts from the Government or local councils and there was no promised “disaster for Scotland” at the thought of the club no longer existing. Ultimately the rebellious nature of the Celtic support came to the fore, as opposed to displaying the subservient attitude of their city neighbours the Celtic fans rallied against the board leading to the purchase of the club by one Fergus McCann, affectionately known as The Bunnet, and the club began its recovery.
As Celtic attempted to mount a challenge both on and off the park, David Murrays pipe dreams and moon beams continued aided and abetted by the so called “journalists” who were at his beck and call happy to print lavish tales of his extravagant dreams for Rangers in return for a free lunch and a ruffle of their hair.
The signing of prestige players continued at Ibrox, international players from throughout the world plyed their trade at Ibrox on their away to achieving their coveted 9 in a row, by this stage the level of competition in Scotland was practically non existent, crowds began to drop and clubs began to experience severe money troubles, all except Rangers, or so we thought. We also had an ageing national team with little or no talent coming through ready to take on the mantle of playing on the international stage.
As other Scottish clubs suffered during this period of Rangers dominance David Murray and his cohorts continued to turn the screw, Ibrox stadium was filled most weeks with fans reveling in the success and visions of seeing their club reach the echelons of European competition, at no point was there any concern raised by the media at the level of expenditure or the obvious ruin of the Scottish Game.
There was a voice however who stood out from the norm, indeed he was a man from the Ibrox inner sanctum, a man who had worked miracles for the club who envisaged the destructive path the club he loved were taking, surely someone would listen to him, his credentials were impeccable after all but no, Hugh Adam was mocked for having the temerity to question David Murray and subsequently sold his shares in the club he held so dear and distanced himself from the Ibrox hierarchy. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but foresight even more so though it seems the only man with foresight at that time was hounded from Rangers.
The appointment of Martin O’Neill at Celtic heralded a period of fantastic success for the club, his stewardship saw Celtic reach heights that had been forgotten. He was backed by the Celtic board who were now ridding themselves of the “biscuit tin” mentality that had been bestowed upon their predecessors. Rangers had to compete and again David Murray had to find away to ensure that they would not trail their rivals, it was around this time that he introduced the (mis)use of EBT’s to ensure that Rangers continued to attract the standard of player the fans had become used to and the media couldn’t wait to write about together with their arrival on the fabled private jet.
David Murray continued to throw money at the club, and despite the newspapers desperate attempts to report that the likes of McLeish or Smith won trophies on a shoestring budget, the Ibrox club regularly outspent all of their rivals in Murrays ongoing pursuit of success while his ego was lovingly massaged by tabloid journalists, journalist who’s integrity was a distant memory.
Any journalist who dared to attempt to expose the truth or highlight the glaring discrepancies at Ibrox were savagely hounded by the Rangers fans as they delighted in another tit bit thrown by Murray to his cronies in the shape of a Batistuta, Ronaldo, 6 star stadium or super casino.
It has now become apparent that Rangers recent success was built on an unsustainable business model implemented by David Murray and carried on by his successors. Their implosion felt imminent for such a long time and has been brought to a head by the bizarre antics of Craig Whyte.
David Murray always stated he would only sell the club to someone who had the best interests of Rangers at heart and who could take the club forward, and so Murray’s legacy was to pass the baton to a man whose past is more chequered than a chefs trousers. The level of debt accrued by Rangers is inexplicable, their apparent failure to pay what they owe is inexcusable and the liquidation of Rangers Football Club seems inevitable.
Despite what the Scottish First Minister, MSP’s and almost every journalist in the country would attempt to have you believe, Scottish football does not need Rangers, Scottish society does not need Rangers and the Scottish economy does not need Rangers.
Before the Souness/Murray revolution Scottish football thrived, it was exciting and clubs from outwith Glasgow achieved success in Scotland and beyond. Grounds were full and supporters travelled to watch their team all over the country as the league was competitive and they knew that on any given day they had a chance to win. We always produced fantastic footballers and as hard as it is to remember, qualified for World Cups.
The Souness/Murray revolution should be applauded for attempting to break years of “tradition” at Ibrox by signing a high profile Catholic however the Rangers superiority complex, win at all costs mentality and “we are the people” attitude is still prevalent throughout the club.
The sins of Rangers football club have hampered and shamed Scottish society since their inception.
While Rangers supporters may generate income when they travel to follow their team, the mismanagement of the club has resulted in millions upon millions of pounds being omitted from the public purse. Funds that could have been used to support schools, hospitals, public services and ironically, protect the very soldiers that Rangers regularly parade around their stadium at any opportunity.
Since it was first mooted that Rangers were entering administration the level of disrespect shown to Scottish Football clubs, chairman and more importantly supporters has been staggering. While Rangers continued on their road to self destruction other Scottish football clubs wisened up to the fact that they must live within their means many years ago. We are again beginning to see the emergence of young Scottish footballers and the growth of so called provincial clubs.
If Rangers do go to the wall then as opposed to killing the Scottish game it will in fact create the opportunities for others to achieve success. It is inevitable that Celtic may be dominant for the first few years however as others begin to challenge crowds will return to see their team contest the title and European places. Youth will again be allowed to flourish and ultimately the top players are likely to be sold at a handsome profit allowing clubs to continue to reinvest. Our national team will benefit and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that we could again qualify for major tournaments.
The death of Rangers will not be the death of Scottish football, no one club is bigger than the game. The Rangers fans need to stop pointing the finger of blame at everyone else and looking for salvation from the Government.
Rangers and only Rangers caused the sorry mess that they find themselves in and they are solely responsible for getting themselves out of it. Whether that be from investment to help them get out of administration or the more likely scenario of starting as a “phoenix club” and working their way up from the bottom, only time will tell but one thing is for sure, if we are without Rangers, Scottish football will not only survive, it will flourish.
———-
I’m a non-Catholic and went to school north of Glasgow in the late ’60s and early 70’s (Auchinairn Primary). Everyone was a Rangers supporter so I was one too (I even got beaten up a few times by kids from the local Catholic school – it’s just the way things were).
One of my pals, a serious Rangers supporter, got an autograph from Derek Johnstone, and showed me proudly how ( yet-to-be BF) DJ had added “No Surrender FTP” to his moniker (this was an autograph for a primary school pupil…!).
Even at this tender age I remember how shocked I was by this, and from that moment I began a process of Hun-shunning and a realisation of the greatness of all things Celtic which has shaped the person I am today. I believe I’m a better person for it.
I once owned a Rangers scarf but I’m not a Hun.
Is it possible we are all witnessing a very carefully pre-conceived plan to gain power at Castle Grayskull……?
‘They’ realise that the ‘shoite is going to hit the fan’ bigtime’, with administration / liquidation a very real threat……
……the only way out of it is to instal someone with a dodgy reputation, whose ‘day job’ is winding up companies, and walking away with a little profit.
……He then goes about his business, not realising he is ‘a puppet on a string’, and they start a campaign of character assassination, to move the plan forward as quickly as possible.
……He very quickly, as anticipated, cocks it all up, while trying to keep them afloat.
……then, once in administration, the ‘saviours’ come in, make noises that they will save the Club, but do nothing until the administrator gets the old 6p in the £ agreement with creditors, including HMRC…..or…..go into liquidation..
Then they make their move, backed by the recovered £24m, take over with minimum outlay, have share issue, and become the heroes who saved the club…(shafting ALL creditors in the process)…..and cw is presumed the villain….?? …… just a thought…!!!
macjay1 for Neil Lennon at 20:58
What would be your interpretation of Thatcher’s decision to withdraw Forces from the Falklands area when she was told that such a move would be interpreted by Argentina as a sign that Britain was no longer interested in defending the Falklands, as indeed it was.
The only three I can come up with are:
cost cutting with no regard for the consequences;
disregard for the Falklands till she saw the political opportunity of avoiding the Tories not being wiped out in local elections by going to war;
or a calculated move from the outset to engineer a war?
Che says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:08
In all seriousness this ongoing situation with thems could have serious consequences for the Celtic Support if it drags on much longer,
after one week of celebrations, my livers shot and im now allergic to ice cream and jelly.
Weekend posters suggested American Cream Soda (or Cremola Foam) as ice cream/jelly substitute :-)
Club should put free ice cream menu for wed might. Despite temperatures. Huns don’t do joined up thinking- when they do they get into trouble.
Goodnight one and all
Off to watch a film wae the missus
did the Strathclyde police get paid for policing Saturday’s bigotfest at Ibrox as promised/guaranteed, or has there been some sort of hunguffery in the wording and acceptance of said promise
Macjay
At this point I will concede due to iPhone keyboard frustration. I admit your points are valid but won’t concede that those deaths were worth it. It makes me feel better that those that died for something not just for our feelings towards the faulklanders. As I say oil and political opportunism. It was a long time ago.. all this stuff and I might google later to catch up but not for casual conversation. If someone else more geographically suited like say Spain laid claim to it I don’t think she would negotiate or act in the same way if they had invaded.
HH
Bass Bhoy
Superb!
That’s why we’re Tims buddy.
MWD
Celticrollercoaster can you put up the link to your just giving page for Vanessa please?
Smashinmilkbottles hope the foot is not too bad…. made me laugh!
wonkyradar says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:10
ill continue along mate in solidarity with the Celtic family.
EDB,
Thats very interesting about you. I had you marked as a lecturer or a teacher ;-)
HH
minx1888
You are a naughty Ghirl!
MWD
Bassbhoy….what a story that is…..you are to be commended for ‘recognising’ the ‘sinister (dreadful) hatred’ at such a young age…….and for doing something about it……many of my Celtic friends are not Catholics ….Hail Hail…!!!
SmashingMilkBottles says:
20 February, 2012 at 20:24
My mate broke his foot a few years back up at Dundee,drink and a metal fence.Also witnessed a young lassie jump out a first floor window of a McDonald`s in Barcelona breaking her foot.
You will heal mate and what a great story breaking your foot doing the conga on Ice-cream Sunday.Hail Hail
oglach,
I agree and welcome and respect all views within republicanism. I do think they are wrong on the hunger strike though. I think it’s a conspiracy theory borne out of a hatred of Adams in particular amongst some former comrades in my view.
We have never ended a period of conflict on this island without fairly major splits (and indeed a civil war), or succumbed to moral crushing defeat. To be able to do what McGuinness and Adams have done deserves great credit, avoiding both scenarios was a feat in itself, never before achieved.
I knew I would be criticised for the use of the term ‘dissidents’, but I used it for convenience as opposed to anything else. I had tried to think of something more appropriate, but didn’t get there as you can see.
Did McGuinness and Adams make mistakes, no doubt, but they got more right than wrong in my opinion.
They did what good leaders should, they led, often taking unpopular decisions with an eye on long term goals rather than taking the easy option.
It’s a lot easier being a hurler on the ditch, so I’ll take Bik’s word for it.
Family time calls.
Hail hail.
Árd Macha
bass bhoy says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:09
Are you an ex-Hun by any chance? :-)
Mrs CRC also saw the green & white light. Respect to you both.
HH
CRC
lennon’s passion says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:17
Jaysus wept your a jinx
whod want to be your first foot.
minx1888 says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:13
That’s you off SmashinMilkBottles Christmas Card list, welcome to the Club…:)
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
bass bhoy says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:09
thank you
episodes like this re-establish what this club is about for me
hughie was noticeably careful when referring to internet users as internet dwellers today , he’d wan’t to be careful – over 80 % of the uk use t’internet – a good ole survivor is hugh, great with words.
neveralone says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:10
Che says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:08
In all seriousness this ongoing situation with thems could have serious consequences for the Celtic Support if it drags on much longer,
after one week of celebrations, my livers shot and im now allergic to ice cream and jelly.
—————————–
Strathloyal University have completed a survey and discovered that the incidence of liver disease from alcohol abuse has been ovetaken by ice cream and jelly abuse, and have recommended to the SNP government and Fat Alex in particular that the survival of Rangers football (sic) club must be a priority for the health and culture and fabric of Scotland
minx1888 says:
hey Minxy
How u? Just jump onto the general Vanessa Riddle page and make a donation to the Smashing your foot for Vanessa appeal.
Hope you are well?
HH
CRC
Huns need to get religion into everything….
I wish they’d just stick to the fitba’, eh
…and pay their taxes.
HHH.
Apologies if already posted.
Apparently a £2 pound coin was thrown on to the field at Ayebrokes on Saturday, Strathclyde Police are unsure if it was a missile or a takeover bid.
With so many huns getting their bahookies toed out the ibrokes front door this week who’s going to be paying the taxes .. …..sorry taxis
HH
celtic bhoy says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:26
Apologies if already posted.
Apparently a £2 pound coin was thrown on to the field at Ayebrokes on Saturday, Strathclyde Police are unsure if it was a missile or a takeover bid.
That’s inflation for you yesterday it was £1.
Haven’t posted for a while. Just enjoying the general mayhem round Mordor way. However I see we have become a political forum, with Pat Fenlon and others getting it in the neck. Now, anyone who has read my posts or indeed knows me personally knows I’m a Republican. I’ve been there from the start. Cupar Street, where I saw the first petrol bomb go into the house on the top right, the nearest to the Shankill. from the birth of the Provos, and as one of the instigators of the Anti-Internment Festival in 1974. Many of the boys who died on hunger strike would have either known me or known of me. I have to say they would have talked to any Protestant willing to listen, as they listened in return. The war is over. I don’t like some of the things SF do—but they were voted in. If a catholic decided to play for Rangers or Linfield, then they have their reasons, and I’ll not judge them. My country’s flag is green white and orange. There’s a reason for that, and it’s the legacy of Tone, McCracken, Jemmy Hope and the rest. If Pat Fenlon gave them (Linfield)anything other than his football, it was the courage to go against the easy way and conform to ignorant Orange prejudice.
steweybhoy68 says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:20
wot next… paedo jokes?… get a grip
celtic bhoy says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:26
£2 coin. Now your exaggerating!! Heard it was only £1 coin.
HH
CRC
StStivs 20:55 4.5 hours Stirling to Inverness, thats as fast as I can run!!!! Very droll. Hail Hail Hebcelt
SmashingMilkBottles
Well if your going to break your foot, that’s the way you do it! I myself injured myself at the Hun game exactly one year ago today, after being lifted up and down by my season book neighbour whilst celebrating the second Hooper goal!
HH
bankiebhoy1
How untrue that statement of yours is.
Surely if the Huns were in fact religous be it Christian/Muslim/Bhudist/Seihk… Etc. they would have learned that religion is not a base from which hatred is spewed.
Kinda an ironic bunch of fwits.
So maybe it would do them good to bring religion into their lives and their football.
MWD
Wife watching ‘Diamond queen’ on BBC 1…
I feel a divorce coming on…(if I believed in Divorce that is)
MWD me naughty never! Lennybhoy surely he can still write it’s his foot he hurt :-)) And CRC all good here! Having a great week! Donation made bud well done to you and Mrs CRC
@JimmyQuinnsBits
Sorry dude I couldna help it !.
Will use more appropriate language !.
Ron Bacardi says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:11
did the Strathclyde police get paid for policing Saturday’s bigotfest at Ibrox as promised/guaranteed, or has there been some sort of hunguffery in the wording and acceptance of said promise
jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
They did it for eff all, they were leading the choir!
minx1888 says:
20 February, 2012 at 21:31
True…:):)
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!