SPL threat effectively terminates football in Scotland

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Yesterday evening STV revealed the real outcome of last week’s meeting between Stewart Regan, Neil Doncaster and David Longmuir as a proverbial gun was put to the head of Scottish Football League clubs.

In short, SPL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, no doubt with the support of some clubs but without the prior knowledge or support of Celtic, has threatened to kick 20 SFL clubs out of the senior game unless they acquiesce to his demand to parachute Sevco into the First Division.

The proposal was presented by SFL chief executive, David Longmuir, and appears to carry his endorsement.

Five scenarios are portrayed:

‘Rangers’ remaining in the SPL is dismissed as SPL clubs have confirmed they will vote no.

‘Rangers’ going to the third division is objected to on two grounds, financial (which is laboured a bit) and – wait for it – “The sporting opportunity is quashed for other clubs”.

Ponder that one for a moment, “The sporting opportunity is quashed for other clubs”.

‘Rangers’ to the First Division is presented as being “financially possible to recover from this scenario”.

‘Rangers’ to SPL2 is dismissed as apparently this would create “a bigger divide” than moving ‘Rangers’ to the First Division but not changing the name of the league.  It is also noted that a legal challenge could bring paralysis.

Finally, they discuss ‘Rangers’ terminated or suspended, which apparently would lead to “complete financial meltdown”.

Then come the inducements to co-opt ‘Rangers’ into the First Division…. cash, your cash.  Lots and lots of your cash, an “immediate cash benefit for all 30 clubs!”  The exclamation mark is theirs!!

We could spend all day dissecting this disgraceful document but I’d like to focus on one immediate element:

‘Rangers’ terminated or suspended – complete financial meltdown.

So how do the SFA, SFL and the SPL rogues who participated in this shambles propose to ensure the SFA Independent Judicial Panel does not suspend ‘Rangers’ for subverting our game for over a decade for fielding illegally registered players for that period?

In short, it cannot.  The independent judicial process will itself need to be subverted.  As I suggested a few days ago, the judges will be told they are no longer wanted, we are back with the hand-selected SFA committee men.

The three most senior executives running our game have told you that one errant club is so powerful it cannot be subject to the rules and must not face the punishments which are due.

I’m not going to dispute the validity of this view (just now), but surely we deserve some honesty? If the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Premier League has accepted the ‘game’ is over, let’s hear from them. Where is the leadership from the SFA president on the collapse of the game under his watch? What are the chief executives saying to their paying customers?

Our sport cannot be subverted below radar.

You have been cheated and the rules will be changed to ensure there are no consequences.  This is no longer a sport, it is a financial accommodation where a few executives are threatening to expel 20 clubs, most of whom have over a century history in the senior game, to allow Sevco to start two divisions higher than they otherwise would.

Celtic can have nothing to do with this.

The game here is dead. The leagues are set to collapse, most likely, no matter what happens now.

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1,889 Comments

  1. Turnbull hutton? Hadn’t heard of this guy till last week but I’d be happy with him taking over doncasters role once he gets handed his jotters next week

  2. The Comfortable Collective on

    Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on 30 June, 2012

     

     

    Fair enough. I agree about the ‘cultural’ historical reasons why they have animosity towards Celtic, but I still find it extraordinary the level of anger against rangers from people who many would percieve are sympathetic to them.

  3. leftclicktic on

    Cant believe what im hearing on shortbread

     

    if they think the clubs will accept this proposal on tues they are in for a shock THREATS, MISTRUTHS,BACKLASH against SFA SPL

     

    GET IN THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. O.G Rafferty

     

     

    If Alex Thomson’s “Hampden” mole is someone from a football club rather than one of the associations

     

     

    I’m a bampot though ;)

  5. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    TCC

     

     

    Only because their acquiescence has been shat upon.

     

     

    This is why we should still say nothing.

     

     

    When it comes to recounting this tale our name should be mentioned as victims only.

     

     

    If it transpires that we subsidise them more then we will yet again be the only victim and it betrays their new found appetite for integrity.

     

     

    We shall see what the outcome is.

     

     

    HH

  6. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on 30 June, 2012 at 14:58 said:

     

     

    I agree with your general point, culturally Scotland doesn’t like Celtic. However, if Celtic can be seen to treat the rest of the clubs in Scottish football with respect that may be lessened to an extent.

     

    We have to go forward with consensus. I am not talking about our club being allowed to be used as a Cash Cow, but genuine consultation, agreeing and compromising, from everyone.

     

    League reconstruction seems inevitable in the next year or so, 16 or 18 teams, play offs, redistribution of TV money, prize money. Not gate money, that belongs to each team individually.

     

    The MSM are trying to paint this as the edge of an abyss, it could be used as the start of a brave new world, Hun free.

  7. Jim Spence had a very good session on radio hootsman by giving balanced well informed views on TFOD dragging Scottish football into the abyss, if the BBC could only find some others to join him.

  8. Ray Singh-Carr on

    Doc is Neil Lennon on 30 June, 2012 at 15:12 said:

     

    The MSM are trying to paint this as the edge of an abyss, =======================================================

     

     

    It is. Now when is someone going to do the honourable thing and push their manky corpse over the edge?

     

     

    :-)

  9. re Lafferty joining Sion

     

    i wish i could join Sion !

     

    lovely country

     

    hope the guy grows up a lot while he’s there

     

    i see Sion finished 9th last season having been deducted 36pts

     

    no european football next season

     

    they got thro the relegation play-off 3-1

     

    and the courts will be lookin at the deal so its unlikely that

     

    the bold Sion will “field an ineligible player”

     

    he may be on the bench for 6months

     

    nice life for some

     

    easy money

     

    hope he plays by the rules rather than

     

    cheats n dives for a change

     

    am glad he’s gone

  10. I’ve just emailed the following to Clyde and suggest that we show our support to all clubs who are rejecting the intimidation from the men in suits

     

     

    ‘Congratulations on an excellent statement re the scandalous proposal on league reconstruction. As a fan of Scottish football for over five decades I have been worried that the game which I love was about to be killed by panicking officials resorting to bullying tactics. Your statement restored my faith in the integrity of the game. Whilst I’m not a supporter of Clyde FC I will aim to visit you for a home game next season (unless it’s against a newco!!).

     

    Best wishes for next season

     

    Howard ‘

     

     

    Sent from my iPad

  11. Actually, the idea of visiting some lower league teams on Saturdays when we’re not playing sounds good. Mrs Fencelt can explore the local shops!

  12. thomthethim CQN (genuine) Badge Wearer on

    jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/ on 30 June, 2012 at 14:48 said:

     

     

    Why is it you never get a female tennis player called Annette

     

     

    ***

     

    There was one, back in the ’30s.

     

    Annette Corde. French, I think.

  13. TopCorner

     

     

    I’d love that.

     

     

    Is it just a matter of boolin’ up there?

     

     

    Went to the U19’s home and away against Man City last season and loved it.

     

     

    SwanseaBhoy

  14. Ray Singh-Carr on 30 June, 2012 at 15:19 said:

     

     

    The abyss I referred to was the one the MSM are painting all Scottish football is facing without Rangers, they are saying everything will be okay if Rangers are saved. It is a false position, without even trying too hard it is easily debunked. If someone says, “Scottish football is dead without a strong Rangers”, the answer would be, “Is this the same Rangers who have cheated and stolen from every club and every tax payer in the country? Oh yeah we really need them don’t we!”

     

     

    Rangers are already on the way to the abyss under their own steam, no pushing necessary. Liquidation is the ultimate abyss.

     

    Sevco may well follow sooner rather than later;-)

     

     

    I don’t think Sevco will play football next year, 3rd Division is the best they’ll get.

  15. 67Heaven ... I am Neil Lennon..!!..Truth and Justice HAS prevailed on

    Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper extrordinaire on 30 June, 2012 at 14:54 said:

     

     

    Aren’t you the excitable one today……LOL. we are all excited about this news, but let’s just wait and see……meanwhile enough good news on RS for the moment……(hope he hasn’t fallen out with his girlfriend….LOL)

  16. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    Doc

     

     

    The tartan army – the provincal clubs supporters. The vast majority seem to be able to see through an MSM driven propaganda campaign if their reaction to Newco is anything to go by.

     

     

    The message is clear. Cheat Celtic all you want. Please do so we love it. If you cheat us we will not stand for it.

     

     

    Weakening Celtic. Getting more money for them. Punishing cheats.

     

     

    Anybody thinks anything else is deluded imho

     

     

    HH

  17. 67Heaven ... I am Neil Lennon..!!..Truth and Justice HAS prevailed on

    Doc……my thoughts exactly……we need them like a hole in the head …… They have very adversely affected Scottish Football in every area, for many years…..and they are now paying the piper ……

  18. TBB tweeting that 8 SFL clubs can scupper the latest proposals.

     

     

    So far, seven have declared against.

     

     

    Good.

     

     

    Hope it’s Albion Rovers that are eighth.

     

     

    Strong statement from Clyde and strong words (corrupt, balackmail, threats, heads should roll at the SFA & SFL) from the Raith Rovers chairman.

     

     

    A small irrational part of me fears Sevco will sneak into Division 1 but in all probability I believe it’s Division 3 for them. And even that’s too good.

     

     

    SwanseaBhoy

  19. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on 30 June, 2012 at 15:29 said:

     

     

    I don’t think the supporters of other clubs will do us any favours, why should they.

     

    They should look out for their own interests, fairer distribution of finance will be one, a more democratic voting system would be another.

     

    These are things that I can see other clubs wanting, they are fair, the 11-1 voting system was one I was never comfortable with. We can’t play in a vacuum, these things will become negotiable.

     

     

    We are however the most powerful club, the other clubs will need to be reminded of this before too long. Sharing gate money is a no-no for me.

     

    TV money, joint sponsorship is another point though.

     

    We can negotiate from a position of power, but if we negotiate fairly we may move Scottish football forward, successfully and in unity.

     

    Hun free of course.

  20. Afternoon bhoys, hot and hun free.

     

     

    I understand that Celtic didn’t know about the meeting last week that wants the huns into div 1, PL is not a happy bunny apparantly, maybes it will spur him on to do something .

     

     

    Got an amazing pressi yesterday, a signed by the first team squad Celtic top, with an authentication cert.

     

     

    HappyasapiginshitCSC

  21. thomthethim CQN (genuine) Badge Wearer on

    Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on 30 June, 2012 at 15:29 said:

     

     

    The enemy of my enemy…etc.,

     

     

    Hearts and minds may never be totally won over, but, we have to acknowledge when other clubs act with honour and integrity and respond in an honourable fashion.

     

     

    If, as stated, the Tartan Army are predominately supporters of the smaller clubs, then there is a ready made bloc of people capable of bringing the SFA into line, should they be so motivated.

  22. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    67heaven

     

     

    Will the clubs knock the proposal back only or ask for the heads on a platter on who suggested the proposals in the first place or both.

     

     

     

    HH

  23. Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper extrordinaire on

    Heaven67,

     

    its no excitement, I took a big chunk of humble pie last night, for my previous digs at the bhoy, but as usual the msm (daily mail) are telling us more than the club. Remember the supporters money pays for the club PR (official website and everyh other club media outlet), why have it at all if the Celic support are finding out the news from other sources.

     

    Celtic business need to be transmitted to the Celtic support first, why is this not happening.

  24. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    Thomthetim, Doc

     

     

    Lets see if they accept a fair model with regards gate sharing and TV income.

     

     

    I will bet with you now that their new found appettite for fairness will desert them.

     

     

    In fact I am so sure of this that I will give you 100.1 odds that this is exactly what is motivating them.

     

     

    HH

  25. Monaghan1900 on

    From an FF poster going by the misnomer, “Semper Paratus”:

     

     

     

    “Ive had a feeling the last couple of years there been a ‘run’ against Rangers. Bad news followed bad news, we had The fiasco with FARE ,euro bans threat, bullets n bombs, unable to sell the club, negative stories everywhere from newspapers and the BBC . Then the Tax case.”

  26. West Wales Celt on

    “BBC Scotland understands the Scottish Football Association could reject an application for international clearance from their English and Swiss counterparts on behalf of he and Whittaker’s new clubs. Scotland’s national body claims it would require both the “old” Rangers, which will soon be put into liquidation, and the newco Rangers to give their permission for such clearance to be given.”

     

     

    So seemingly the SFA are now taking their defense of hunnish interests to the level of defying basic contract law…

     

     

    sigh…

  27. Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper extrordinaire on

    WWC,

     

    only until liquidation, then players who objected to the tupe transfer, registrations default to the sfa, is my reading, hopefully corrected soon on here if I’m wrong.

  28. come on you bhoys in green (at killie)

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh5bFxjMhTc

     

     

    by the way,

     

    did you know that Jimmy McGrory, when he had finished playin at Celtic, later went on to be manager of Killie and, just as he was gettin into the swing of things, the war broke out and Rugby Park was closed down and used as a base for storing petrol due to its close proximity and good rail- links to the nearby airport

     

    the pitch was dug up and huge chambers were installed to contain the fuel

     

    when the war ended, PoW’s were deployed to help restore the old place

     

    Jimmy remained an employee of killie even tho no games were played – he then went on to manage the hoops (followin on from a McStay i think (i forget which one) and his old boss Wullie Maley)

  29. 67Heaven ... I am Neil Lennon..!!..Truth and Justice HAS prevailed on

    Doc…..Ghood Mhan……..have you been reading my posts ? (thank God somebody has) …….cannot wait for the new dawn (season)