You have been presented with a narrative that we should collapse the Scottish Premier League this summer and have the SFA register a new, two-division, league system to resolve the problems inherent in having too many bodies running our game. This is complete nonsense.
Those pushing for a SPL 2 are, perhaps with good intentions, trying to pull a deal together to reduce the impact of the demise of Rangers FC buy allowing a phoenix the chance to gain entry into the league structure two levels higher than what they now face.
It’s a stupid proposal.
As things stand, there is no chance of a Newco getting access to the SPL next season. Despite Neil Doncaster heavily advocating the notion, the idea is simply undeliverable. Our club has been committed to opposing the proposition from the beginning, while many others now realise they have to observe the strong feelings of their own supporters on the matter.
Doncaster should have realised this was a campaign he could not win before he boxed himself into a corner over it. SPL 2 is an attempt to address the ‘No to Newco’ concerns while bringing the income some in the game hope Newco will deliver.
The unnamed SFA source who briefed the BBC on this topic last week made no reference whatsoever to Newco, their focus was all on the administrative challenges of having multiple bodies in charge of the game, but this was disingenuous. If there was a prospect of Newco getting into the SPL we would not be having this debate.
Tell us the truth, be honest, and these random, ill-considered, notions will perhaps be received in a better light.
The hope is that fans of the former club, Rangers, bring their cash along to watch Newco, which would play SPL 2 football next season and would be subject to whatever penalties the various independent bodies impose for years to come for the illegal actions of Rangers. This would allow Newco to claim the history of Rangers, would perhaps maintain the existing BSkyB TV deal and would meet the ‘No to Newco’ demands.
There are several huge obstacles to overcome. The SFA will soon instruct Lord Carloway’s Appellate Panel to consider a new punishment for ‘Rangers’ for misdeeds during the Craig Whyte era. I expect him to suspend the ‘club’ for 12 months. A new independent judicial panel will consider the case against ‘Rangers’ for subverting our game for over a decade through the illegal registration of players. If/when the First Tier Tribunal finds against Rangers a fresh wave of charges will be brought against any club claiming to hold that identity – as a guide, think of the punishments for the Craig Whyte era multiplied by 12.
These three independent judicial panels will destroy whatever is left of what we used to call ‘Rangers’ and there is nothing the football authorities can do about it.
Sevco, who own Ibrox and have applied for SPL access, already face an enormous challenge to meet trading costs for a year, even in the SPL, never mind a lower league (as Dave King correctly concluded). They are prime candidates for another insolvency event any time soon. Best of all, a Celtic fan has now bid for the assets (more on this later)!
Even if Newco overcame these enormous challenges, the SFA and SPL executives, having realised they cannot convince fans of 11 clubs to hold their noses and put up with a Newco-Rangers, will now try to convince former Rangers fans to cough up cash to support a Newco that will be rendered impotent by the most severe penalties in the history of our game.
I cannot see former Rangers fans accepting their role as cannon fodder for St Mirren, Motherwell and (cough) Kilmarnock in a league where the Mighty Celtic romp home by 30 points.
I don’t have an objection in principle to a two-league SPL but plan it properly, don’t allow knee-jerk reactions to dictate thinking. There’s no point in us getting paranoid about this, it’s not some attempt to help the remnants of ‘Rangers’, it’s just a stupid proposal from people who have yet to see the big picture.
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No wonder Celtic keep Managers on 12 month rolling contract..
Imagine Lenny put on a 5 year deal with SPL win bonus forming part of his remuneration..?
Future contract bonuses will need to be based around progress in Europe presumably?
Jim Spence going to announce another NO club tomorrow. As Aberdeen are a foregone conclusion you would assume that it will be either ICT or Ross County.
St Johnstone, I think
Ross County has always struck me as an ‘honest’ club and I would not be surprised if it said NO.
If Aberdeen officially announce it tomorrow they can expect a huge upsurge in ST sales.
Dominoes
My wife is an academic..has a particular interest in digital media and Citizen Journalism. Like most husbands I switch off when she talks about work..but subliminally have taken some of it in…
She has long predicted the demise of traditional media and a step change in the role of journalists with only those with talent and savvy to embrace new media standing any chance of survival – the days of journalists breaking news dying in her opinion – as twitter etc will always beat them to it as events are transmitted by Citizens in situ as they happen.
A few ‘investigative journalists’ will continue but the new market is for talented writers who can make informed commentary.
Must listen to her more..
Goodbye: Hugh Keevins, Chic Young , James Traynor..(aka media dinosaurs)
Hello: Paul, Phil, Alex (Internet Bampots)
angelgabriel on 21 June, 2012 at 23:37 said:
Delighted to hear the Arabs will vote against newco.
Henrik
In my line of work I meet a few fans of other clubs,most regard the “old firm” as
being in the same bracket,they dislike both.
Buddy, Only because this is the gruel fed to them by MSM and in particular DR who emphasised our weaknesses sufficiently vehemently for their agenda to penetrate their readers’ minds. In the heat of battle, as at football matches, it is nay impossible to judge the true feelings of opposition supporters. I have burst my lungs screaming at supporters of teams I have hardly heard of, say in cup matches. That is the ‘joy’ of goin’ tae the fitba’. Have you ever been at a kids game? Have you ever watched mothers at them? Their judgement is so impaired during matches they can create a whole new language in the space of ninety minutes then offer you a scone in the politest manner on the ninety first (provided there is no extra time of course). But I do agree that the extent of this current reaction is up there with the poll tax revolt. Some of us even tried to take it accross the border as in 1745 but like then we did not get very far. Hell mend them for their day may come yet. Meantime, do not scold yourself for we have all overlooked the great qualities in people throughout our lives because we are so rapt up in our own wee world. Maybe this is the opportunity to swaer your head off at the other side but go for a pint with them in the ninety first minute (provided there is no extra time which is very likely now that there a no clubs that will need it to win the game, wink, wink!). Shakespeare apparently use about 5,000 words in all of his plays put together. I am no Willie and my vocabulary is extremely limited. I feel I have more than exhausted it tonight and as such ought to bid my farewells and be off to bed. Besides, my incontinence pants are needing changed as a result of all the lauughing I’ve done today. It can only get better and I look forward to a bright new tomorrow, clean and fresh and full of hope. Fairwell to you all. I bid you adieu and a very goodnight.
Hail, hail my footballing friends
I’m guessing ESPN asked Craig Burley to verify this picture of Efrain Juarez.
:o)
With no Rangers in the SPL,
who will the refs favour?
who will the MSM fawn over?
who will Motherwell lie down to?
who will Chic Young support?
who will beat their wives when they lose?
Tesco have a sense of humour. Check the date haha. http://pic.twitter.com/Fv3Ron6M
One wee final note. There were more mistakes in my last piece than in a book of SFA rules. Goodnight all.
H H
Bhoys,
for my sins i had a look at rankers media,if any team is in any doubt about
how to vote then they should have a wee read at the comments to see what the berrs think of everyone in the SPL,
in fact most of them are desperate to get to div3 so we should all help them out by voting no,
am sure Mr johnson at kilmarnock will arrange a couple of testimonials so that his friends can visit
I suspect now that Aberdeen have downsized their Board they will announce tomorrow, possibly awkward for Ross County to come out before the bigger guns and they are also ground sharing with ICT.
Once Aberdeen state their view, Rod Petrie will be on the telly re-emphasising his stance.
The smaller fry will follow and in sequence after Hibs:
– St. Johnstone
– ICT & Ross County
– Motherwell
– St. Mirren
– Kilmarnock
Celtic will then issue a very brief statement indicating the sporting integrity is paramount but we must look forward …. Retire to the boardroom crack open the Moët
Predictionscfc
Arty on 22 June, 2012 at 00:01 said:
Another cracking post matey goodnight and god bless.
Just checking the Manager of the Month for last season.
Neil won it 3 times but got beaten in January by Craigy, hmmmm.
Think I remember that one – we didn’t lose a game in that period did we?
Anyhow, next season, how many times will Neil win it?
I’m going for 5.
HH
Hen1rik
On most levels its a case of opposite ends of the same spectrum.
They see 2 teams who are successful,who they perceive to get the
big decisions in games( I know! but that,s what they think) .Provincial clubs fans
will also site players who gained caps @ the old firm who were ignored beforehand.
Many more examples like looking for an exit strategy from Scotland etc, however
I think that with hindsight they will regard our “paranoia” as being justified.
The whole governance of football,the role of the media,the refs,the whole
shooting match will be out in the open shortly.
My hope is that Celtic fight their own corner but in doing so we cut all joint
agreements ,like shirt sponsorship with the huns, and act in a way that will
benefit the game up here while showing the difference between our club
and the now dead fc.
Hopefully then they will acknowledge that the old firm died with the huns.HH
CultsBhoy loves being 1st forever & ever on 22 June, 2012 at 00:01 said:
My dad bought the DR years ago when i was a nipper and i actually thought it was the best out of them all but only in the last 5 years since sights like this and other sights highlighting how biased they are towards us i only buy it on a saturday now cos the missus likes the mag lol.
When you listen to SSB etc they are a joke and i now believe the DR etc will eventually go bust if they don’t change their ways.
Art of War on 22 June, 2012 at 00:08 said:
I’m with you on that 1.
iki on 21 June, 2012 at 23:43 said:
Something should be done to acknowledge the response of fans/clubs to Sevco’s attempt to ruin the game.
I will stand up and applaud Hearts, Dundee Utd etc when they come onto the pitch next season.
I may only do it once, of course.
——
Hail Hail good shout. Would it not be good to show some sign of solidarity in each game to reflect we all, as fans, uphold he integrity of he game above cheating?
angelgabriel on 22 June, 2012 at 00:09 said:
I honestly can’t see the media ever changing in this country.
Regarding the DR – will they start showing nice pics of our manager and not the bog standard snarling scowl? Who will take on the mantle? Pat Fenlon anyone? ;-(
Ghuys, apologies if I have missed this but is the 2nd SPL league no longer an option for Sevco??
I know (and like) a lot of Hun supporters – truth is most of my closest pals are (were) Huns…
Most are professional types – who tend not to display the worst traits of some of their fellow supporters – although they all have a bit of the ‘we are the peepil’ in them.
They are scunnered, they are washing their hands…amazingly – most of them genuine believe in their Hearts that the SPL will die without them. Their dogma is’ no huns no spl’
it is this conceit that I think will seal their fate as many lack the humility to accept 3rd Division, many also can not entertain the prospect of humiliation on and off the Park.
I think the Huns I know who live outside Glasgow will gravitate to their local teams – in my area that would be Aberdeen.
A ‘No’ vote could have very positive unintended consequences for a few clubs. Hearts will be the chief beneficiaries..I suspect.
estorilbhoy- Hail Hail good shout. Would it not be good to show some sign of solidarity in each game to reflect we all, as fans, uphold he integrity of he game above cheating?
——————————
Aye until the first dodgy decision goes against us! ;-))))
Celtic’s vote is very relevant. We must be seen to stand side by side with these other clubs who have bravely come out and stood up for integrity before commercial expediency.
I hope these clubs are rewarded at the turnstiles. Some of them will be able to mount a challenge for honours and will have a much improved chance of entry into Europe and the CL in particular. It’s evident from comments on here that Celtic supporters have a new found respect for the fans of these clubs and that we are not walking alone. They might not like us but they have chosen to make the right decision in this instance. The economic times are tough but it would be good if our support was able to show their appreciation by turning up in increased numbers at the away grounds.
It would be good if we could develop a more positive attitude towards Scottish football and try to play a leading role in promoting its growth. I’m sure better TV deals will follow at some point in the future but it’s more important to get fans through the gates and bums on seats. Maybe the Chairmen could get together and discuss ways of making the product more affordable for families to attend. Perhaps sections of the ground could be allowed to sell alcohol – there is less likelihood of supporter violence now that the Old Firm no longer exist.
There needs to be a root and branch clearout at the SFA/SPL and men of integrity (Rod Petrie?) voted into the top positions to take the game forward without fear or favour.
Who thought – if we are being 100% honest with ourselves – that it could ever come to a position where Rangers Football Club were shunned officially by Scottish Football?
Donald Findlay once addressed a RFC AGM opening with the words, “We are Rangers. No one likes us and we don’t care” to tumultuous applause. The other clubs have given truth to the fact that no one likes them. I wonder if they still don’t care.
I honestly believe the place will be a lot better when they’re gone.
CultsBhoy loves being 1st forever & ever on 22 June, 2012 at 00:01 said:
Your wife may be interested in current events in Oz.,where the Fairfax group are downsizing significantly,with about 2,000 job losses.
Rupert`s mob,News Limited are foreshadowing similar action.
Announcements , amazingly ,in the same week.
A cynic might suspect collusion.
Art of War on 22 June, 2012 at 00:16 said:
estorilbhoy- Hail Hail good shout. Would it not be good to show some sign of solidarity in each game to reflect we all, as fans, uphold he integrity of he game above cheating?
——————————
Aye until the first dodgy decision goes against us! ;-))))
I we’ll be all going nuts lol.
We’ll be saying that Hearts are getting all the decisions lol.
CultsBhoy, 00:01
This story is a case study (and an award winner for RTC). If your wife wants to do a piece about how it came to be on Channel 4 get my email from Paul
TheOriginalSadiesBhoy on 22 June, 2012 at 00:16 said:
Spot on.
Hen1rik
I think my wife believes that the likes of the DR will need to redefine itself as a daily commentary journal – commenting on events/news broken by social media outlets, rather than continuing to portray itself as a ‘news’paper..
Difficult for guys like Traynor and Keevins to accept, I suspect. I actually feel for Keevins – he is just so out of touch as to be almost a pantomime character…with zero self awareness. It’s a form of cruelty allowing him to make such a fool of himself on air..
henrik – the air smells fresher already!
It might be pishin’ outside but inside I’m laughing!
It’s a Celtic Summer :-)
a meteor in the sky, worth a listen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4
Hen1rik.
The DR sports section could increase circulation tomorrow if they handed
out P45s to Jabba,Keevins,& Jackson.It is a rag.They are irrelevant.
Blogs like this are the future.If the MSM don,t adapt they will die the death
of 1000 cuts.Just like the huns.HH
Think of how cushty these journo’s have it now with twitter providing them with good info.
O G R
I’ll mention to her – funnily enough she has no interest in football – so would take a very objective approach – she’ genuinely only interested in the media perspective – RTC award superb..!
hen1rik on 22 June, 2012 at 00:18 said:
Art of War on 22 June, 2012 at 00:16 said:
estorilbhoy- Hail Hail good shout. Would it not be good to show some sign of solidarity in each game to reflect we all, as fans, uphold he integrity of he game above cheating?
——————————
Aye until the first dodgy decision goes against us! ;-))))
I we’ll be all going nuts lol.
—-
Cheers ghuys I know I’m a dreamer but we live in special dreamland times :))
On the subject of non entry of Sevco to SPL is the 2nd tier still an option as mood on CQN is pretty upbeat that this will not happen?
Hail! Hail!