In October last year, with Rangers riding high in the league and with Craig Whyte enjoying messianic worship at Ibrox, Celtic Quick News published an article with a few predictions:
“In the event of Rangers facing financial Armageddon…. a prepack offer from a new company, for example, Rangers Newco FC Ltd, would offer an administrator a deal for all assets of the club, including stadium and offer to meet outstanding player wages. Deals like this seldom offer unsecured creditors much but even a small percentage might realise more cash than the administrator would gamble on raising in an unstructured sale.
“In such circumstances, the administrator could accept as little as £4m for the unsecured creditors.
“In normal business Rangers Newco FC Ltd would begin trading and this would be the end of the story but football is not normal business. Rangers Newco FC would own a stadium and would employ some footballers but they would not be part of any league structure. They would need to apply for membership to the Scottish Football League or Scottish Premier League.
“In this scenario, the death of Rangers Football Club would leave a vacancy in the SPL, presenting several financial, logistical and sporting challenges…. current TV contracts and sponsorship deals could be jeopardised, while future contracts would be worth a fraction of their current values.
“There is, of course, a resolution to this problem.
“Rangers Newco FC Ltd could present an offer to the SPL. The new company, with its stadium and thousands of potential supporters, could. … adopt the place of Rangers FC, complete their fixtures and allow every other team in the league to fulfil commercial obligations.
“ If [enough]clubs stand against them, they would have to apply for membership of the Scottish Football League, but, having researched this story for several days, I expect Rangers Newco FC Ltd would get enough support to pick-up the place of the defunct Rangers FC.
“Celtic fans, as well as those from Aberdeen, Hibernian, Dundee United and St Johnstone, together with fans from Motherwell, who could become genuine championship contenders [they were pushing us hard at the time], and from those clubs who would avoid relegation if Rangers failed, must insist their club votes against any prepack company parachuting into the league.
“Watch the media coverage of these events carefully. If and when the decision time comes, the case to acquiesce to Rangers Newco’s demands will be overwhelming. Sincere ‘impartial’ observers will do their upmost to convince us all we must do whatever necessary to save Rangers for the good of the Scottish game. Some voices will even tell you Celtic need Rangers Newco. Whatever part of my club is dependent on Rangers I am willing to lose.”
Pretty much all of the above came to pass but the position of the SPL clubs is noteworthy. As recently as last month Celtic were the only club prepared to vote No to Newco. In the months since Rangers went into administration in February the crescendo of fans voices slowly became impossible to ignore. Clubs which were set to vote yes, were left with no choice but to observe their ultimate paymasters.
It was a phenomenal grassroots campaign.
Kelvinbhoy asked me to pass on his thanks for the fantastic response to his appeal for kids bikes for underprivileged children. Well done to all who helped!
585 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 16
- »
How are the spiky golf shoes doing over at FF these days? (thumbsup)
Falkirk FC statement from 3 days ago, in case anyone missed it.
Falkirk FC
CHAIRMAN’S RESPONSE TO RANGERS SITUATION
Friday, 22 June 2012
Martin Ritchie Statement
Martin Ritchie has responded to the many requests the Club have had regarding the Rangers situation. The Chairman has requested we post the following statement for our fanbase :
“Many supporters have expressed concerns regarding the potential ‘Rangers Newco’ outcomes and their impact on Scottish football, the SFL and our own club. We clearly have no say on whether the SPL wish to accept the ‘Newco’into their league next season. “
“However, as a member of the SFL, we do have a say in whether a ‘Newco’would be admitted into the SFL. David Longmuir, Chief Executive of the SFL, contacted all SFL clubs this week and assured them that any meaningful proposals would be put before all SFL members.”
“The board at Falkirk FC strongly believe the current turmoil should be a catalyst for change in Scottish Football. League reconstruction, First Division play-offs, a fairer distribution of the game’s wealth and the ending of undemocratic voting systems should be the minimum level of change.”
“It would be totally unacceptable if a “Rangers Newco” were admitted to the First Division on the current rules. Even a weakened “Rangers Newco” would have resources that far outstripped all other First Division clubs and this would pretty much guarantee them promotion before the season even starts.”
“Fairness is a word not often quoted in the current situation. However, I think it is worth reminding everyone that when Falkirk FC were faced with provisional liquidation in 1998, the new consortium of owners paid every creditor (including the Inland Revenue) in full, i.e. 100 pence in the pound. If we had gone down the route taken by many clubs since then, paying only a fraction to their creditors, we would have had the resources to accelerate the development of our stadium and make an earlier return to the SPL.”
“Any decisions taken by our board will be made in the best interests of our club and of Scottish football.”
Martin Ritchie (Chairman)
Neil canamalar, 14:06
It’s your prerogative to feel that one comment taints all that has gone before as it is mine to feel that although I don’t think it belongs there we should be glad that we have had to wait 4 months to have something to complain about
Starry Plough
I hope they never kick a ball again, however, fully expect the goat people (copywrite TET) will have a trick or two up their sleeves….or is it trouser legs?
minx1888 on 26 June, 2012 at 14:01 said:
CRC is responsible for that. I’ll pass on your message.
;-)
MWD
Got up late today…..what has Jabba been ranting on about? I can always appreciate a good guffaw!
Thanks MWD! That’s what I get for coming on here when I should be working!
Where is the news on Ness coming from,
he is one of the few that i thought would stay
The only player I would touch from that squad is Ness. He is an excellent young talent. Fantastic potential. Good passer of the ball. Superb technique. He is not in the mould of mastermind Moisty’s “punt ra baw up tae ra forwards n’ completely bypass ra whole feckin midfield” tactic. He suits our style of play much better. But you would have to question his ability to stay injury free.
SSN…………………………Mr Custard the Clown refusing to release Ragers Fighting Fund cash
Is Ness coming in as a first teamer, a squaddie, a project or just to take the p*ss?
Having discussed this with a few celtic fans over the past couple of days, my / our views of other clubs fans of being huns without the bus fare, may have been wide of the mark.
Yes the vocal thousand who booed our Irish player and sing hello hello when we play away from home are there, however the silent fans, who didn’t join in, nor did they try and stop their ‘fellow’ fans from doing this, have now stepped up to the mark.
The season ticket holders of these clubs, who go every week, (not the neds that turn up because celtic are playing in their home town), they where the silent majority, however with the help of the internet, their voices have been heard by their chairman.
johann murdoch on 26 June, 2012 at 12:04 said:
bournesouprecipe on 26 June, 2012 at 13:59 said:
——————————————————————
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCHY6n907OE&feature=related
and before you say it, yes I do have too much time on my hands!
Philbhoy – It’s just the beginning! on 26 June, 2012 at 14:15 said:
Well if they do they better pull them out quick, time is running out for all they stand for…
I suppose all the players who walk away…are under no obligation to come out and make a statement, do a press conference etc.
They’re within their rights to feel that as far as they’re concerned, their employer went bust and they are free to do what they like.
Huns seem to be assuming that players will all transfer over unless otherwise stated. Lets see who turns up at training!
HH
OG..,
I worried about why its creeping into his discussions, in a corporate governance\hundead investigation he crossed a line.
Agreed on his good work but IMO need to be watched no as he tries his new strategy ‘one’s as a bad as the other’.
CN
Ole johann used to rush home from school just to catch that show, you can tell because he can even spell like Skippy.
Jamie Ness is to refuse having his contract with Rangers transferred to Charles Green’s new company.
STV understands the 21-year-old midfielder, who has made just 18 appearances for the club having endured a long-standing groin injury, could also be joined by at least two more senior players in announcing their intention to terminate their deals.
Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker have already outlined their objections to playing for any “new Rangers”.
Sone Aluko and Rhys McCabe have also reportedly made clear their wishes not to have their contracts inherited by Sevco 5088, using their rights under TUPE employment law regulations to terminate their deals.
McCoist apparently salivating at the thought of the Harry Ramsden cup. Little does he know you pay extra for a slice of bread with butter…
Shunky suppliers to celtic park announce redundancies
Excellent article Paul, YOU CAN BE THE JUDGE!
Sorry Lhads to post this again, but new article caught me out, as well as the stupid wifi internet here. I wasn’t gonna bother posting it again, but then i read FalkirkBhoy’s post and agreed.
BeijingBhoysBrigade on 26 June, 2012 at 14:18 said:
Mort on 26 June, 2012 at 13:33 said:
Hopefully, you are spot on regarding the challenge and increased incentives for the other teams, although I would much prefer the two Edinburgh teams and or Aberdeen/Dundee United than small wee pish like Motherwell or St Johnstone challenging. If the Dons/Arabs/Hibees/Jam Farts take the chance and kick on, we could have much more of a competitive league than everyone thinks. No I haven’t been on the glue. Full houses is what we want in Scotland’s four biggest cities.
On the lack of comment from Celtic regarding no to newco, I think we are playing it shrewdly. We don’t need to say anything yet. Also isn’t it interesting that the only part of Scotland that hasn’t had a SPL Club public announcement of NO to Newco, is south west Scotland. East Coast and Highlands tick. No surprises for me there though, as Lanarkshire and Ayrshire are both hotbeds of hunnishness.
Finally and this may stick in some folks craws, but it goes to prove that ALL of Scotland isn’t falling over itself, to aid the former Establishment team. Sure there are loathsome bigotted creatures in pockets around many parts of Scotland, and I know as i grew up In Aberdeenshire, that many Dons fans do indeed dislike us intensly, but their real venom is reserved for Der Hun. The way that The West of Scotland works with dodgy handshakes and other hunnish behaviour is NOT the template for the whole of Scotland. Sure there are masonic knuckle draggers in every city, but they do NOT represent the people of that town. I went to Dundee Uni, and the only time I experienced any sectarian aggro, was from students from Nothern Ireland with a Unionist persuasion. Dundonians themselves were/are hard as nails, but totally cool and the gang.
Next season we will undoubtedly be the team that EVERYONE wants to beat, and rightly so as we are THE CHAMPIONS and the biggest team by a mile. Now many opposition fans really do hate and us, and I dare say that the home grounds of Murderwell, Kilmarnock and St Mirren may indeed swell when we come to visit, as probably a few Huns will go along to cheer on those teams. But it doesn’t mean that EVERY non Celtic fan in Scotland is a hun sympathizing Catholic/ Irish hater, which some would have you believe. I think the actions of the fans of the other clubs which have propmpted NO to Newco, HAS to be applauded. While I’m sure most of them would like us to go as well, they are NOT huns in disguise.
Standing up for the good decent folk in Scotland.
Hail Hail Comrades
WITH Rangers effectively excluded from the Scottish Premier League after six clubs signalled their intention to block an application from a newco, the spotlight has turned to the clubs in the Scottish Football League.
The SFL is considering controversial plans which could see Rangers play in the First Division next season under a possible merger of the SPL and SFL.
However, two clubs have already stated their opposition to such a move.(Partick Thistle fans say they will boycott all game including their own so it is really 3 saying No.)
FALKIRK: NO
Martin Ritchie, chairman of the First Division club, issued a statement opposing a Rangers newco: “The board at Falkirk FC strongly believe the current turmoil should be a catalyst for change in Scottish football.
“League reconstruction, First Division play-offs, a fairer distribution of the game’s wealth and the ending of undemocratic voting systems should be the minimal levels of change.
“It would be totally unacceptable if a Rangers newco were admitted to the First Division on the current rules.
“Even a weakened Rangers newco would have resources that far outstripped all the other First Division clubs and this would pretty much guarantee them promotion before the season even starts.”
RAITH ROVERS: NO
A statement from the First Division club’s board read: “Raith Rovers FC continues to closely monitor developments in the saga of who will replace the liquidated Rangers within Scottish football.
“As proud members of the Scottish Football League, we may soon be called upon to consider proposals for the way forward not only in relation to any vacancy that may arise in our league but also in respect of the future construction of the game in Scotland.
“Whilst we retain an open mind on the subject of league reconstruction, and will carefully consider any proposal put to us by the SFL board in this regard, the board of directors of Raith Rovers FC is unanimous in its view that we shall certainly not cast our vote in favour of any integrated plan that in our view compromises sporting integrity by involving the admission of any ‘Newco’ directly into Division One.”
NatKnow
They would get battered in the Harry Ramsden Cup.
Hi Knoxy, would be happy to be part of the “small change” campaign. If still in time I think Paul may have my e-mail address or is there somewhere i register?
Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper, 2012
Fair enough. I’d put it down as a blip.
Anyway, Thursday could be very interesting…
Wee slip there Paul, they are not expelled, they are not in the SPL to be expelled.
Here’s a song for the poor souls as sung by The Walker Brothers –
The Sun Aint Gonna Shine Anymore –
Lyrics:
Loneliness is the cloak you wear
A deep shade of blue is always there
The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore
The moon ain’t gonna rise in the sky
The tears are always clouding your eyes
When you’re without love, baby
Emptiness is the place you’re in
Nothin’ to lose but no more to win
The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore
The moon ain’t gonna rise in the sky
The tears are always clouding your eyes
When you’re without love
Lonely, without you, baby
Girl, I need you
I can’t go on
The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore
(The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore)
The moon ain’t gonna rise in the sky
(The moon ain’t gonna rise in the sky)
The tears are always clouding your eyes
(The tears are always clouding your eyes)
(Sun ain’t gonna shine anymore)
When you’re without love, baby
The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore
Just reading back some comments from that blog in October.
MWD suggested that it would good for Scottish football to have Rangers newco in the 3rd division as this would provide additional funds to every almost every team outwith the SPL.
I agreed at the time and followed up with this suggestion:
I would also propose that at the same time, Celtic apply to have a reserve or U19 team also compete in the 3rd division with promotion available up to the 1st division.
This would not only help with our players development as they will be getting regular football but will also bring some more additional finance to those other clubs while serving to meet the need of those who want “Glasgow Derbies”.
To do this, another team would need to enter the SFL3 so as to make it up to 12 teams but I’m sure there will be no shortage of interested parties.
Even if Sevco don’t get into SFL, there is an opportunity for Celtic to apply for a reserve team to take the vacant spot.
Mort
bournesouprecipe on 26 June, 2012 at 14:29 said:
——————————————————————
spent many hours trying to do that whistle with a bit of grass…I’ve moved on..or maybe not;))
NatKnow – “We welcome the paper-chase…” on 26 June, 2012 at 14:30 said:
There’s something fishy about that Cup
Bloke109 is Neil Lennon on 26 June, 2012 at 14:32
They’ll be right at home – their manager is a pudding with a chip on his shoulder
:-))
Bloke109 is Neil Lennon on 26 June, 2012 at 14:32 said:
NatKnow
And end up wi’ chips on both shoulders …
Auldheid – did you not say that an SFA membership was non-transferable? STV reporting Rangers are applying to have it transferred
If Newco go into administration are Duff and Phelps the preferred administrators?!
HH
I take it the flux capacitor in your DeLorian is still working the Paul!
Any chance you can give me the nod on the midweek lotto numbers??
A fine piece of wrting even second time round. ;o)
HH
/Bishop B
No laughing at the back now…
Rangers Unified @RangersUnified
Is anyone else getting twitchy that we might not be playing football at all next season?
Retweeted by RhebelRhebel
Penny dropping ever so slowly..
Here’s a thought. Do you think we’ll see as many ‘honest mistakes’ nexy season? The whistle blowers will have a conundrum hinder Celtic, or help a club that put the knife in Rangers chest. What a dilemma. (reality is they’ll just be as incompetent as before, but at least they;ll be less of a feeling of a hidden agenda)
starry plough on 26 June, 2012 at 14:43 said:
Penny dropping ever so slowly..
It has all played out perfectly. They’ve been worn down bit by bit by one hammer blow after another. There is no resistance left, no fight left in them. That the end will come close season is perfect.
They have fizzled away in the end with barely a whimper.
•-:¦:-•** -:¦:- sparkleghirl :¦:-.•**• -:¦:-• on 26 June, 2012 at 14:49 said:
Death by a thousand cuts.
Now that’s justice!
HH
/Bishop B