Let’s be clear from the off, Craig Whyte is not your friend. He was not the man who “murdered” Rangers any more than Alasdair Johnston, his accuser, who was paid to ensure the club was run in an appropriate manner in the years prior to its crash into liquidation.
If Whyte has your job, your pension or your wellbeing in his hands, you would likely fair no better than those who have had the misfortune to be vulnerable to his exploitative nature before. He is the worst manifestation of our corporate system.
As yesterday’s verdict at Glasgow High Court established, he was merely a collaborative player in the drama which saw Murray Group shed its liabilities to Rangers fans into an all-too certain, and limited, future.
The SFA were right to quickly fine and sine die Whyte, despite the fact that he has no inclination to become involved in football again. What the Association must now do is examine the role of those who had explicit and executive oversight responsibility of managing Rangers through the process of its decline and sale to a character with a lengthy corporate irresponsibility charge sheet.
Whyte was not in any way a bad choice for the job required at Rangers. For those with most to gain, he was the perfect choice. He was, in fact, the only choice, if the desired result was to be delivered – and it was.
No one else would have had the stomach to pick up a corporate basket case, manoeuvring bank debt, securitising years of ticket sales, brazingly stiffing public service funding, and in doing so, freeing Murray Group from a disabling liability.
What do I care? I predicted, then watched, Rangers inevitable crash into administration and liquidation. Patience and thick skin was all that was required through the years of bravado from Ibrox. Those who shouted down the glaringly obvious in support of these charlatans have been shown up as malleable accomplices.
There is one outstanding matter I do care about. In my opinion, Sir David Murray did not discharge his duties as the ultimate controlling director of Rangers FC in a responsible manner. If there is one issue which every Scottish football fan can unite on, it is surely this.
The deplorable sequence of events at that club, from it’s exploitation of the Employee Benefit Trust scheme to pay millionaires tax free sums through a system which was designed to allow employers to aid staff through periods of hardship.
To its submissions to the SFA on taxable overdue. To the shredding of correspondence, and failure to disclose other correspondence.
Rangers were a huge influence on our game; on the SFA, the SPL, the media, and more. The executives concerned had placemen who protected them. The SFA must now charge those responsible for bringing the game into disrepute.
More sine die punishments would mean little to men who are already finished with the game, but it would be a hugely significant act of faith towards the paying public, of all colours. It is time for us all to unite against the men who really did sell the jerseys.
956 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- ...
- 26
- »
Good luck to Finucane. It would be good to see him claim that seat. His brother Michael is a solicitor in Dublin and a decent guy
PARK ROAD 67
Just read your post i’m leaving for Corfu in an hour staying in Sidari.
Were you off to.
KEEP THE FAITH
Socceroos having an absolute mare , including Tommy.
2-2 at half time and dead jammy to be on equal terms.
I hope Scottish Labour now become more like Corbins Labour from this point on with a true social conscience once again. Kick the blairites oot.
Anyway any news on Celtic, Paddy, Messi and Ronaldo signing?
And a centre half.
MWD
MOONBEAMSWD on 8TH JUNE 2017 11:37 AM
I guessed that’s what you meant; however, it was never a gift of theirs to give. My own view is for a fully independent (politically and financially) Scottish Socialist Republic outwith the EU but the SNP aren’t willing to offer that so they don’t get my vote. Disingenuous in my opinion.
Until they are willing to offer that, it’s a compromise that I (and I am sure many like me) am unwilling to make. I don’t want the tokenism of independence whilst still fiscally managed by the Bank of England (or the Deutsche Bundesbank/Brussels) and supporting the British Crown.
KTF
GENE on 8TH JUNE 2017 10:54 AM
Labour relying on SNP.
Politicians never lie. Except sometimes and Kezia has categorically stated that there will be NO LABOUR/SNP deal.
CORKCELT on 8TH JUNE 2017 11:37 AM
Ah Bollix, why did I allow myself get drawn into a debate, the smart arsed post from Quonno pissed me off & just a little scratch like that set me off.
At this age of my life I should have more sense but there you go.
I’m logging off to avoid any further temptation.
I reckon that according to some, I am no a smart arse in addition to being a Hun.
I can assure CORKCELT that I with a historical family background in the New Lodge Road, I need no lessons on Irish history, particularly that pertaining to Belfast.
Notice that you body swerved my reference to abstaining Irishmen contributing to advent of Thatcher.
Turned on the u20 world cup semi final expecting to see engerland v scotia but lo and behold its italia instead. I thought the next newco wonder kid had put us through – obviously missed something. Italy 1-0 up may be worth watching (eurosport 2)
Quonno – no formal alliance necessary
GENE on 8TH JUNE 2017 12:09 PM
Agree with you entirely.
Lib Dems shot themselves in the foot when, instead of voting issue by issue, the entered a formal coalition with Cameron.
FAVOURITE UNCLE on 8TH JUNE 2017 10:02 AM
There was a lot of chat that Liverpool would include Sakho(valued somewhere around £20m) into the VVD deal which would have cost us a few million, so it may not be such a bad thing they have pulled out. Hoping City or Chelsea still come in for him with a straight cash deal, but if he doesn’t go this year then he definitely will next year. Very early in the summer.
Currently having huge e-mail problems but that being so I have time to enter the ongoing debate on here.
Below is a post which I put on Facebook earlier on today and to which I have added a senetence or two.
Hopefully it makes sense to some:
———————————————————————————————————————————————————–
I like Jeremy Corbyn.
In the main, I like what he says though I don’t agree with all that he says, and even where I disagree with him I think he is a thoroughly decent individual.
I regret that the labour manifesto says little about the free movement of people throughout Europe as that strikes me as something worth fighting for and I regret the labour party have not adopted a more positive approach on this.
But in the main I like Corbyn, he stands for my values and beliefs which I have held close for many years.
However, I will not be voting for him or his party despite holding what I consider to be lifelong socialist views.
My decision is based on the strongly held belief that the Palace of Westminster does not actually represent any form of democracy worth describing as Representation of the People and that the aims and goals of The Representation of the People Act which gave most of us the precious right to vote have long since been usurped by the so-called Mother of all Parliaments.
I believe it to be no more than a sham Parliament. A Falsehood. A members Club and a Cabal.
The quality of Democracy in the UK is very poor. We are governed by a system where the difference between Government and Opposition has become increasingly narrowed over the course of the years, and we recently had the ridiculous situation where in a cabinet of 20 ministers at least 16 of those ministers all went to the same school.
Hardly representation of the people is it?
Despite this, the official opposition have voted more often with the Government than against it in recent years despite Government policy being very anti the majority of the people.
Further, The Mother of all Parliaments has no jurisdiction over the square mile or “The City of London” and The City has its own officer and department seated behind the speaker just to make sure that both Government and Opposition are reminded that irrespective of which party is in power or what their political direction may be, they must always look after the interests of The City.
Representation of the people, by the people, but only in so far as it does not disturb The City and those who run it.
I could cite numerous examples of situations where the interests of the city and the people conflict but I would be here all day. The fact is that both of the major parties in this country have danced to the tune of the city and the press barons for far too long and work within a system which sees these interests protected, fetted and supported at the expense of proper and genuine represntation of the people.
The recent dreadful misrepresentation of facts and truths surrounding the European referendum is just one example of our democractic system being manipulated and brought into disrepute, but there are countless others with reports being suppressed (The McCrone report for one) and the people being lied to or simply not being given the full information.
I do not like this version of democracy. I think it is watered down representation, is a sham, and goes against the ideals and aims of the Represntation of the People Act which was designed to enfranchise as many as possible so that they could elect their chosen representatives to Parliament so that those representatives could speak and act on behalf of those who elect them.
Instead we have a members club, run by whips who in turn are greatly influenced on a day to day basis by not only the City but also by whoever else may hold sway within the “party” with the party system determining what is good for you or me or anyone else who holds the right to vote.
You and I, as individuals, as a community, do not count.
I don’t think it is in the best interests of my children to live in such a political system and so I cannot vote for anyone who seeks to uphold such a Parliamentary system and who doesn’t come out plainly and say that this system is in need of root and branch reform.
No matter what your political ideology or what party you support or who the leaders of those parties may be, unless the political system under which you live is fair, proper and delivers a good quality of democacy and proper representation of the people right down to the people on the street, then every other consideration is, and has to be, secondary.
Abe Lincoln fameously said at Gettysburg that he sought to uphold a system of Government of the people, by the people, for the people.
As an ideal and an aim which goes to the very root of democracy, and the idea that all men (and women) are created equal and that we should all have a say in Government is the holy grail of political democracy.
But that does not happen with Westminster in my opinion. While our system has the facade of a real democracy, the quality of democracy on offer is poor, no more than shallow puddle deep, and is not worthy of my continuing support or that of my children.
In a system where Representation of the People is legally watered down, made secondary, and is always subject to the financial and political interests of a select number who seek to place their interests and the grab for power first and foremost then proper representation of the people suffers and, indeed, fails totally.
Our political system no longer draws on people from diverse backgrounds with different experiences in life, and Westminster has ceased to be a gathering of public representatives and is now no more than a place of work for professional politicians who seek power for their own ends, in their own interests so that they can create their own spheres of influence.
Representation of the people be damned.
Before I can vote for any Westminster rooted party the whole system would need to be radically reformed – a whole root and branch reform.
I am no natural Nationalist. I believe more in the Interdependence of Nations and people than in isolationist and idealistic Independence just for the sake of it.
However, there are views abroad in the very heart of England and Wales which in my opinion can only flourish within a system that rewards self agrandisment, self progression and completely ignores the greater good for all with the right to vote.
Good Luck to Jeremy Corbyn today but it will take far more than a vote for JC to ensure proper Representation of the People in the true sense of the word and thus far Jeremy is not that radical a voice on what I consider to be the absolutely most fundamental issue of the day.
Instead, I will vote for those who support an alternative form of Government which in due course will allow people of similar principles to Jeremy Corbyn to come to power and make a difference.
I am not convinced it will ever be in the interests of the City of London, The Palace of Westminster and various other institutions to ever allow true Representation of the People in the current set up and so my vote goes to those who are for the most fundamental and radical changes to our political system.
BRTH
Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi linked with Rangers – transfer latest
They have offered £100k a year for the next 250 years.
Reggie
They would include the valuation of an exchange player in the overall sum
MOONBEAMS,
Fantastic post on Dianne Abbott.She,Corbyn,and his deputy are all on the front page of The Daily Mail today,a rag that makes the Record seem informative,being branded as “Terrorist lovers”.
Use your vote today.
Hail Hail.
TONYROME 11-49AM
Staying in Sidari too mhate at Hotel Club Maria , 6-00am flight on Sunday from Glasgow ! HH !
Tommy.
Screamer.
Yeeeeeees.
BROGAN ROGAN TREVINO AND HOGAN on 8TH JUNE 2017 12:18 PM
Can’t argue with much of that.
Well in big Tam!!
BROGAN ROGAN TREVINO AND HOGAN on 8TH JUNE 2017 12:18 PM
Concise version.
‘I’ve jumped the shark. I’m now a nationalist (though I’m still in denial).’
Entirely predictable.
BRTH
as you know there was a referendum in 2011 on proportional representation (promised by tories in exchange for the lib dems selling their souls) – it was soundly defeated with a massive 42% turnout – says it all really
Reggie,
I don’t think the sell-on Fee for VVD would only be 15% of any cash which changed hands. I suspect it would be the percentage of the value of the deal including any player + cash.
TURKEYBHOY on 8TH JUNE 2017 12:22 PM
MOONBEAMS,
Fantastic post on Dianne Abbott.She,Corbyn,and his deputy are all on the front page of The Daily Mail today,a rag that makes the Record seem informative,being branded as “Terrorist lovers”.
Use your vote today.
Hail Hail.
I suppose the same arse wipe is condemning those selling arms to Saudi terrorists.
That will be the day.
https://twitter.com/gastro_celtic/status/872777370284982272
Rogic goal.
A must read…
http://www.insider.co.uk/news/revealed-how-murray-international-holdings-10575967
If you haven’t voted yet, don’t worry, you can always not vote again in a few years time.
Oh Ernie — you do disappoint me so.
I am glad you find me predictable.
One day I will surprise both of us!
BROGAN ROGAN TREVINO AND HOGAN on 8TH JUNE 2017 12:18 PM,
The best political post I have read in years.
Westminster is a sham.All pretence of democracy died a long time ago there.I have voted SNP today.Not because I am a SNP supporter,but because my dream is for an Independent Scotland,with a Scottish Labour Party answerable to only the people of Scotland,at the helm,suitably called to task by a strong SNP opponent.
Its either that,or the future is what we have now.To keep making the same mistakes,and wondering why you keep getting the same results,is not for me.
No more from me today,I can imagine what this place will be like.
Hail Hail.
The timreaper
I even voted in the police commissioner elections down here – turnout was about 10% – I spoiled my paper with a comment that the whole thing was a waste of money.
Never failed to vote in any election in nearly 50 years
THETIMREAPER on 8TH JUNE 2017 12:37 PM
If you haven’t voted yet, don’t worry, you can always not vote again in a few years time.
What everhappened to Voting Early and Voting Often.
More seriously. If May does not increase her majority does i mean that she must call another election or simply put up with those allegedly obstructing her?
HT still 1-0 to italy
There is no hope for Britain as long as has a numpty population which ensures that the Sun is the biggest selling newspaper .
Quonno
maybe she will do us all a favour and resign
My typing today is atrocious.
GENE on 8TH JUNE 2017 12:47 PM
Quonno
maybe she will do us all a favour and resign
Under the circumstances outlined she will resign and be rushed to hospital to have the stab wounds inflicted by her own party attended to.
No new article, Paul must be out voting.
Tommy Rogic scores the winner two games in a row.
Socceroos painfully unimpressive.
Saudis no mugs.
3-2 FT Big Tam gets the winner…again
TURKEYBHOY on 8TH JUNE 2017 12:40 PM
BROGAN ROGAN TREVINO AND HOGAN on 8TH JUNE 2017 12:18 PM,
The best political post I have read in years.
Westminster is a sham.
==============================================
Yep.
What we need is the Venezuelan model.
:-)