If you’ve been here for 12 years you’ll know that Celtic Quick News started because there was a great untold financial story going on in Scottish football. Celtic were castigated by many, including a large portion of their own support, as “prudent”, while Rangers, then under the majority ownership of Sir David Murray, were lauded for their willingness to ambitiously push the boat out.
But there was a problem. Celtic were losing millions every year. Rangers were losing a lot more, £35m in one season alone. David Murray’s company, Murray International Holdings (MIH), were ½ a billion in debt to Bank of Scotland, and rising.
By this stage MIH’s steel business was dwarfed in significance by its property portfolio. They borrowed from the bank and, perhaps with an eye on the fantasy Ibrox Super Casino, gambled that the market would rise inextricably.
For a few years the debt kept rising. “What’s the problem?” many said, if the Bank are prepared to lend MIH and Rangers, their strategy must be sound. These were difficult times to be preaching financial responsibility in Scottish football, but the reality was written in mile-high font for many of us. “They’re going to crash and burn”, seemed inevitable.
Today we read the news that MIH are, like Rangers before them, finally liquidated. Ignore the reported £200m that Lloyds Banking Group (now owners of Bank of Scotland) lost, that’s just the loose change. The Bank had swapped debt for shares in MIH as clouds gathered. The true financial cost to Lloyds (significantly owned by UK taxpayers) is vastly higher.
Much of the story of David Murray will never be told, not while he’s alive, anyway, as it took place well away from verifiable sources. This might change after he’s dead. The one redeeming positive he brought to football was to end the sectarian signing policy at Rangers in 1989. For that he should be lauded, many before him had the chance to do the same but chose not to.
That aside, the influence of Murray and MIH was poisonous to his club. He sold out for £1 to a liquidation expert in May 2011, against the wishes of his own board’s advisory committee, as his club claimed its last ever league title. The rest, is poetic history.
As luck would have it, tonight I’ll be with some Celtic supporter friends. We’ll raise a glass to Sir David and his legacy. Thanks for all you achieved, David, it could never have happened without you.
Erik Sviatchenko is a lesson in the difference good players make to a team. He’s started 11 games since joining in January, we’ve lost four goals over that period. In our previous 11 games we lost 12 goals. His impact on team performance has been phenomenal.
We’ll miss him tomorrow – so should make tactical changes to accommodate the perceived risk.
Motherwell are on fire. Less than two months ago they were in the play-off spot. Now they need just one point to guarantee a top six finish. They will battle every second for that point. If we are going to win tomorrow’s game, we will need to put in our of our best shifts of the season.
Time to get it together, Celtic.
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ABURNTOUTCASE on 11TH APRIL 2016 1:27 AM
Loved the golf tonight. A good Tim pal of mine got me to put a couple of bets on for him. Danny Willet £10 e.w.@80/1…Lee Westwood £10 e.w.@80/1.! Ffs,first and second! The £1200 is currently resting in my account.Must remember to speak to him when I get back from Barbados. ps He reckons we will hammer the Thems on Sunday.
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Definitely worth £10 each way on us on Sunday..! :-)))
excellent book “The Road of the Crowd”, and presumably quoting some official publication – these are the capacities of Scottish football grounds at the outbreak of the Second World War.
How some of those grounds were ever passed for these sorts of crowds is incredible.
Any St Mirren fans who attended Spartans v St Mirren a few years ago will no doubt gulp in astonishment at the figure for Edinburgh City’s wee City Park.
First Division
Pittodrie, Aberdeen……… 42,000
Cliftonhill, Coatbridge….. 28,000
Recreation Park, Alloa…… 20,000
Gayfield, Arbroath………. 15,000
Somerset Park, Ayr………. 28,000
Celtic Park, Glasgow…….. 95,000
Shawfield, Glasgow………. 55,000
Central Park, Cowdenbeath… 35,000
Brockville, Falkirk……… 35,000
Douglas Park, Hamilton…… 30,000
Tynecastle, Edinburgh……. 60,000
Easter Road, Edinburgh…… 35,000
Rugby Park, Kilmarnock…… 35,000
Fir Park, Motherwell…….. 38,000
Firhill, Glasgow………… 70,000
Palmerston Park, Dumfries… 12,000
Ibrox Park, Glasgow…….. 100,000
Muirton Park, Perth……… 30,000
Love Street, Paisley…….. 50,000
Cathkin Park, Glasgow……. 45,000
Second Division
Broomfield Park, Airdrie…. 28,000
Glebe Park, Brechin………. 5,000
Boghead, Dumbarton………. 15,000
Dens Park, Dundee……….. 40,000
Tannadice Park, Dundee…… 25,000
East End Park, Dunfermline.. 20,000
Bayview, Methil…………. 20,000
Firs Park, Falkirk………. 12,000
City Park, Edinburgh…….. 30,000
Station Park, Forfar…….. 10,000
Old Forthbank, Stirling….. 10,000
Old Meadowbank, Edinburgh… 22,000
Links Park, Montrose…….. 10,000
Cappielow, Greenock……… 25,000
Hampden Park, Glasgow…… 183,388
Stark’s Park, Kirkcaldy….. 35,000
Royal Gymnasium, Edinburgh.. 40,000
Ochilview, Larbert……….. 8,000
” but you,IMO, think, you are better than others. ”
That was posted last night/early morning.
Of course we would have to define `better` but surely some people are better than others?
JJ
JUNGLE JIM HOT SMOKED on 11TH APRIL 2016 8:38 AM
” but you,IMO, think, you are better than others. ”
That was posted last night/early morning.
Of course we would have to define `better` but surely some people are better than others?
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There is an implicit hierarchy contain in the phase. Which means we are all better than someone, except the person at the very bottom.
Who do you think you are “better than” ? :-))
WWW
I was in Celtic Park for a friendly V Real Madrid ( we were brilliant and lost 3-1!) . The crowd was given , I think, as being around 73,000. I was behind the goal at the Celtic End. It was incredibly tight! Possibly the Rangers` End was empty but, if not , another 20,000 or so in the ground is hard to imagine. Perhaps the famed creative accountancy was in play.
JJ
PS Firhill 70,000? Really?
Natknow
The guy who takes my place at the bottom 0:-)
JUNGLE JIM HOT SMOKED on 11TH APRIL 2016 8:58 AM
Natknow
The guy who takes my place at the bottom 0:-)
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That’s my spot! LOL! I’m reminded of that sketch with Barker, Corbett and Cleese..
75 pages…
Is that a world record. You’ll be able to stick on another star Paul.
Árd Macha
Good morning hope your all enjoying the police state, brought to you by the SNP.
POLICE Scotland has issued bars and social clubs in Glasgow with a policy on sectarianism and instructed them to adhere to it if commemorating the centenary of Ireland’s Easter Rising, licensees claim.
Several owners and managers of premises said they have been visited by force licensing officers and told to ensure any events marking the 1916 rebellion should not breach the city licensing board’s code of conduct on religious bigotry.
The venues include the Celtic Supporters’ Association, close to the club’s stadium on London Road. Two other venues, which have asked not to be named, were also given copies of the policy, with the licensees claiming specific reference was made to Easter.
The document has been circulated more widely in light of the forthcoming Scottish Cup semi-final between Celtic and Rangers.
Police Scotland said it has inquired about Easter events to ensure any potential protests arising from them could be “policed appropriately”.
It was revealed last month how one event, a film screening in Lanarkshire, was axed following the force’s intervention. Local licensing officers had told a pub and church hall neither had the consents to acclaimed documentary Mise Eire being shown, leading to the abandonment of the screening.
It also emerged the specialist police football unit set up after the Old Firm ‘shame game’ of 2011 has been gathering and assessing intelligence to identify any issues that could potentially emerge around Ireland’s ‘Decade of Centenaries’, which includes the Rising, Somme and creation of the Irish Free State.
But concerns have been raised by Scotland’s leading ethnic minorities group that bracketing 1916 centenary events, including the Somme, as sectarian or offensive, could potentially leave those taking part open to criminal proceedings.
The board’s policy makes references to “conduct associated with the religious and political divide in Northern Ireland” and warns against “decorating or displaying material at the premises with colours, images, designs, insignia or words associated with, or which can reasonably be construed as being associated with, either the Catholic or Protestant side of the religious divide”.
Joe O’Rourke, general secretary of the Celtic Supporters’ Association, which owns the club, said: “An officer from the licensing department of London Road police offices visited the club and issued advice regarding any upcoming Easter Rising commemorations.
“He advised against having any flags ‘which might offend someone’ either inside or outside the premises and handed a member of staff a document which referred to ‘Protestants and Catholics’.”
Another licensee added: “I was visited by licensing officers, they said that the Easter Rising was coming up, handed me the letter and said it was a reminder of my duties as a licensee if marking the anniversary. This was before the Scottish Cup semi-final draw.”
Article continues after…
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Motorola memories: Did you work at the East Kilbride factory? You might remember these pictures
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Superintendent Stewart Carle, head of partnerships for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “Officers have visited a number of licensed premises across the city to provide advice and support ahead of a number of high-profile football matches which will attract visitors from across Scotland to the city.
“In reference to Easter Rising Centenary commemorations, officers asked licensees to contact the licensing department if they planned to host any significant, commemorative events so that any protests against these could be policed proportionately.
“A number of Easter Rising commemorative events have taken place in the city and all successful without incident or protest.”
A Licensing Board spokesman said: “Police Scotland has the responsibility for enforcing the licensing legislation.
“The board’s policy statement provides guidelines and standards for all licensed premises in Glasgow to adhere to.”
Thanks for that post, Tony.
It shows the institutional bigotry that we face. Hope that lot are working as hard to track down and prosecute those threatening Auldheid. HH
Jungle Jim hot smoked
Some of these pics have scores of people sitting on the roof of the stands
Oh and a pic of jock at a jambo match
HH
SFTB @ 18.06 hrs yesterday,
Apologies for the late reply.
As you are aware I wish we had moved to a different environment. However we have not so we have to deal with it.
The game next Sunday, whether we like it or not will stir emotions among our support that the same semi final against any other team would not. ( Ticket demand and pub sell outs will justify that statement )
They are a different club with a four year history but their followers are even more vile in their new life.
And I do not think our manager will survive a defeat. For that reason alone it has got to be worth supporting our team.
“Do you not think we would just be buying in big time to their narrative that we need them, miss them, and will put up with anything, even cheating, to have that enmity back again? ”
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To answer your question. In a word No.
We have no say or choice in who we play. We only have a choice in whether we support our team or not.
Defeat is unthinkable and the consequences will be great.
HH.
Jeezo
http://www.pieandbovril.com/forum/index.php/topic/209779-your-old-stadium/
HH
Hi all,
Watched Sportscene last night. Absolute amateur hour.
I watched the two live games from Tynecastle and Fir Park and their “highlights” of both told a different story. Especially our game. For me they deliberately evened out the chances to make it look like Well were worthy of a point. Told the Mrs as we were watching it that we had loads more chances than they showed.
The presenters hurriedly admitted through gritted teeth that we’d probably won the league and moved onto the next game. 5 minutes on our game. The Hearts game not much more.
How can we promote our game with this shambles of a programme? Don’t get me started on McCall’s Board Analysis!! Lol
Paul Hartley was bang on about this programme!
M.
I was minding my own business having a couple of quiet pints before bed while staying in an inn in the Scottish highlands last week.
Friendly local invited me to join him at the bar. I declined politely as I was a mouthful of beef away from bedtime.
Do you like football he asks. Yes, said I.
Who do you support he asks.
Celtic, said I
Not another one of you ‘€$¥#’ said he with a smile, gesturing over towards some others at the bar.
Turns out he runs the local zombie bus. He was sure I would be glad they were back. And quite surprised when I told him they were neither back nor was I pleased.
Your club died.
No it didn’t
Then pay your debts and give up your tainted titles.
Despite this, we parted on very good terms.
Next week will see hellish bitterness whatever the score. Next season will too
HH jamesgang
They are renewing the turf at Hampden today, but it’s still the same pitch, right?
Morning Bhoys a nice morning here in Central Scotland I looked at the crowds at the various grounds in an earlier post I have been in most of these grounds but wouldnt want to have been in them with those crowd figures.The biggest crowd I have been in was 147000 at Hampden for a Rangers v Dundee cup-final. H.H.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/14417886.Colin_Kazim_Richards_should_have_been_sent_off_against_Motherwell/?
Bitterness everywhere this morning
CKR raised his hands but both of them were at it. A yellow for both players was about right.
I don’t remember any articles about the Hearts player raising his hands to Leigh Griffiths face in that match.
Jamesgang- “a mouth full of beef before bedtime. ”
Lol
Was it succulent?
Art of War
Ouch! That’s a very different picture!
Pesky porno iphone!
I can assure it was beer. And beer is always succulent!!
HH jamesgang
Jamesgang, sorry couldn’t resist :-)
P.s.. you gotta be careful up north with thems.. my bro got badly attacked in Tyndrum for a throwaway comment.
Timaloy29,
Yeh no surprise with their reporting. All last week they went on about Broonys tackle when in the same game Leigh was slapped twice in the face. No mention at all.
It suits their agenda.
Wonder what the negative story will be on the eve of playing the zombies?
We should do a sweepstake lol
M.
MOJ73 on 11TH APRIL 2016 9:55 AM
I think it was more a case of “how many negative Celtic stories can the papers run before a Rangers game”
I remember finding 6 stories linking Celtic players with moves away from Parkhead in the same paper!
Let’s not forget the Boruc story we all knew they were sitting on. People knew he had split from his wife but they waited…
Y NOT67. 9.46am
Lol. Good one.
So the orange marches have nothing to do with sectarianism or northern Irish politics, learn a new lie every day eh
Timaloy29,
Yeh all the more reason not to buy the rags. The treatment of Artur in Scotland was second only to Lenny’s.
Still trying to persuade the parents to stop buying The Daily Ranger but it’s just an age thing with them.
The new generation know what’s going on.
Kill Ultra
The idea of a threat was raised by Yatasuki on SFM.
What changed since you started this issue for reasons that are unclear was my identity being posted on line by the idiots who follow TRFC.
It’s not nice. I’m not making a big deal of it but it’s not nice. So I’m just not going to expose others to that feeling to satisfy your request. In short you don’t trust me or my motives so why should I trust you?
On that basis this discussion is over until there is something to report on Res12.
MOJ73
Lol, A sweep of the eve of game headline options is an excellent idea. My entry:
“Griffiths – My Prem dream. Parkhead exit on cards star tells friends”
AULDHEID
I rarely bother with TSFM,a throwback to being barred from RTC after a comment about criminality.
Is YATASUKI a poster there of long-standing?
Auldheid,
Glad that you are not being deterred by the barbarians.
I wish you God Speed in your efforts re Res12.
If at any stage crowd funding becomes necessary, please do not hesitate to put out the call.
Again, hopefully ALL Celtic supporters whatever their views of our Board will offer unequivocal support to submission of dossier.
Once we hear the outcome we can resume being like the cats of Kilkenny. HH
Kenny Miller leads Rangers to GLORY” Dear God.
“Harry Forrester feels loved at Ibrox” Dry boak.
“CKR lucky not to be sent off,admits player who says he raised his hands to CKR” FFS.
An own goal,a penalty,and a last minute goal ,over Fishermen,Plumbers,Sparks etc,overlooked in the hacks celebration of “Silverware”being won.
“Can they take another step next Sunday to add to their HAUL of SILVERWARE” Absolute bollox,
but funny.
La bella Italia ——
Mad mental violence between opposing Ultras before last night’s Palermo 0-Lazio 3 game .( filmed by the .media without a plod in sight ) Stabbings, guys kicked unconscious and a guy from Rome in a Palermo hospital with a chisel in his brain ..As for the game itself , the Ref suspended it four times as Palermo Ultras bombarded the pitch with serious ” bangers ” . Media quoting the Ref as wanting to abandon the game but Plod insisting the game continued as they feared abandoning the game would make things worse
Hunderbirds are gone.,
Lol. A Griff story will prob b right!
SoT,
what kind of chisel ?
CANAMALAR IT LOOKS LIKE OCD OBSESSION on 11TH APRIL 2016 10:35 AM
SoT,
what kind of chisel ?
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LOL! Possible the funniest comment you made Mr. C!
SOUTH OF TUNIS on 11TH APRIL 2016 10:29 AM
La bella Italia ——
Mad mental violence between opposing Ultras before last night’s Palermo 0-Lazio 3 game .( filmed by the .media without a plod in sight ) Stabbings, guys kicked unconscious and a guy from Rome in a Palermo hospital with a chisel in his brain ..As for the game itself , the Ref suspended it four times as Palermo Ultras bombarded the pitch with serious ” bangers ” . Media quoting the Ref as wanting to abandon the game but Plod insisting the game continued as they feared abandoning the game would make things worse
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Was reading the BBC report etc. earlier –
“…Antonio Candreva narrowly avoided an exploding flare.”
Looks mental..
CANAMALAR .
What you and I would call a Paring Chisel.
SoT,
Phew, lucky guy