Thoroughly enjoying yesterday’s coordinated effort by Newco fans who have rushed to the coattails of Dave King. To be fair to the fans, the time for them to act was years ago, before Sir David Murray set Oldco on a path to destruction, there is little positive that can be done now. Still, that’s no reason to dive headlong into destruction.
After the debacle of 2012, when Oldco were liquidated, the assets were scooped up by people who wanted to make a lot of money. The moment Charles Green and his consortium owned the assets, this reality should have been acknowledged. No amount of 13th hour Blue Knight revisionism was going to change things.
Green made off with his money a year ago, but as a consequence of that, there are newer investors, with exactly the same objectives. There are also local investors in the form of the Easdale brothers. Neither of these groups will be bullied into submission.
King’s escrow plan, which hopes to gain security of the stadium and Murray Park, cannot be accommodated by the club. How many fans do you think they will convince to hand their season ticket money over, 1000? As many as 3000? Whatever your guess figure, this does not have the look of a high participation endeavour.
With many more fans likely to renew, and more still likely to be completely turned off by the nonsense, the The Rangers Football Club Ltd have a legal duty to their shareholders (Rangers International PLC) and creditors (coincidentally, also Rangers International PLC) to retain security of company assets. Placing them beyond the reach of creditors would be a remarkably brave and self-defeating act.
It now suits the club for King’s plan to appear to be effective, or at the very least, reduce season ticket renewals to a trickle. They can cite this as the action which tips The Rangers Football Club Ltd into administration. As the overwhelmingly major creditor, Rangers International would control this administration and their agents will set about reducing costs.
I would expect to see Newco to continue trading as a youth team for the foreseeable future, with Rangers International taking security of Ibrox and Murray Park, to satisfy their unresolved debt. This will be sold to the masses as ‘securing the stadium’, but it would be the key separation of club and stadium which King as sought to prevent.
Going forward, The Rangers Football Club Ltd will have no significant assets, no playing assets to speak of, and a substantial rental to pay to Rangers International, whose shareholders will still require their financial return. Don’t lose sight of this, the Piper Always Needs to be Paid. Always.
I haven’t revisited the RIPLC accounts which drew comment last week (might be worth an update later), but the important information to glean from them is the cost of running a football operation at a stadium which can occasionally host >40,000 people. You’re looking at circa £19m annually, before you employ a footballer.
I don’t see a way forward. This is a dead multi-club football franchise, killed by 1,000 reckless acts. Even the youth team scenario is unaffordable.
The hedge funds will know this already. Remember what John Brown claims Charles Green told him he would do to Ibrox if he was messed with? Raze it to the ground, apparently. After Newco Youth Team has spent a year-or-so bouncing around, we’ll hear that Ibrox is unsustainable as a football stadium (which I could believe). It will be razed and re-designated as an industrial area.
Celtic better have their plans in place now, as should the rest of Scottish football. There was a notion that there would be a three year hiatus before it was business as usual. This will not be the case.
We need to stand together, as a club, and with other clubs, wherever possible. We need to support the game, primarily through season ticket purchases, but we must find common ground with other clubs and fans.
Leppings Lane
Everything was wrong about football back then. Stadiums were not so much designed, they were built to fit the space and available materials. The lower Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough will be remembered as the worst terracing in football but, in truth, it was just where the next big disaster happened. It could have been anywhere.
After a decade or so of football hooliganism in England, fans were penned in, 8’ fences blocked entrance to the field, some topped with barbed wire. If you were at the fence, you were staying there until the thousands behind you headed home. Hampden Park had these fences, a legacy of the 1980 Cup Final, but they were absent from other grounds in Scotland. The Jungle had some high fencing but with regular breaks. If you wanted to get onto the field, you could do so.
Leppings Lane had further chronic safety violations. As well as a fence at the front the terrace was divided into four pens with fences running back to front. Once through the turnstile, fans were free to choose which pens to join; most would choose the central two. Of course they would.
The central two pens were accessed via a tunnel running under the upper stand. On That Day, fans entering at the rear of the tunnel had no inclination of the crush ahead. By the time they were part of the crush, others had gathered behind them. Space to retreat was quickly lost.
The outer pens were empty, the central two, death-traps. Fans piling into the tunnel knew nothing of the crisis ahead.
For some minutes it was possible for the police to burst open the pens and allow fans to flood free onto the pitch but they were still in crowd control mode. By the time they realised there was a disaster underway, it was too late.
There were lies and cover-ups. Fans were blamed, and accused of atrocious acts, all untrue. The government were complicit. The Sun were the worst media offenders but by no means the only one.
Two weeks ago a fresh inquiry into the events of that day opened in Warrington. At long last, the truth, which we’ve all known for years, will out. Too late for many campaigners and bereaved, who died fighting the combined weight of the establishment, but welcome nonetheless.
Tomorrow, CQN’er, Iain McGovern, sets off on a 232 mile walk from Celtic Park to Anfield, where he hopes to arrive 11 days later, in aid of the Lola Commons Fund for SiMBA. It’s his way of commemorating Hillsborough. Supporting him could be yours.
I’m delighted (actually excited) to confirm John Hughes will be on the blog on Thursday morning. John is Celtic’s seventh highest goal scorer in our 126 year history. He has remarkable insights into some of the great times and characters of our history. Tune in and ask him questions online.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=YM4bMZ74PPk
SowhateryCSC
“WELOVEYOUWELOVEYOU…CSC”
lionroars67
00:35 on
16 April, 2014
Prize money for all levels of achievement are agreed before a ball is kicked
I am not in favour of Celtic sharing out any money obtained by the teams achievements on the pitch through Celtic living within our means
However if the other clubs want to revolutionize the SFA then i will reconsider my viewpoint, no revolution no shared prize money, if we did with no change at the SFA it would be the end of my season ticket
Did Cosgrove ever raise the issue of the ole Ragers sharing prize money ?
==============
Cosgrove has been against financial doping ever since Gretna used it to deprive St J of promotion.
It was the imbalance of CL prize money sharing that ruined Rangers and damaged our game. James Forrest sets out an accurate narrative on his latest blog.
http://www.onfieldsofgreen.com/bursting-the-bubble/
It is a testimony to the stupidity and selfishness of football thinking that other narratives have been given prominence.
A redistribution reduces the rewards for cheating thus reducing the incentive, as well as levelling the playing field to a degree where better competition exists.
The reality of football is that it IS interdependent and putting your opposition out of business is bad for business.
Had our opposition not been so odious this would be an easier “sell”, but they and their msm dependents have become so attached to the bigot pound many think it is the only currency for Scottish football.
It must not be allowed to regain its former value.
roy croppie @ 01:20
Shame that group of organised left-wing bhoys were kicked out out their seats.
Yesterday we had people remembering their loved ones who died at Hillsborough and now we have a Celtic supporter describing today as a black day in Celtic’s history.
Jesus wept!
Right it looks as if we’re going to be asked to accept that ‘Rangers’ can call themselves ‘Rangers’ because they can brand themselves in any manner they see fit.
We’ll be told that, yes, they’re a new company but if they wish to refer to themselves as ‘Rangers’ then they can.
I’m not expressing opinion either way on this it’s merely my interpretation of events after today.
Remember at the AGM we heard how the club would be paying for the costs of defending those arrested and beaten up by Amsterdam cops?
Yeah. Me too.
morrissey the 23rd
01:26 on 16 April, 2014
Remember at the AGM we heard how the club would be paying for the costs of defending those arrested and beaten up by Amsterdam cops?
Yeah. Me too.
——
Have you heard differently?
Morrissey the 23rd
And that is my main gripe with our board and the reason I’ve been at loggerheads with them since the Motherwell game. Far more important than missing out the word ‘the.’
Stokes,you broke my heart
HH
Forgot to say
YA FUD
HH
I posted this earlier
The 100 metres needs a strong Ben Johnson
The Tour de France needs a strong Lance Armstrong
Said no one ever
Kikinthenakas
@kevybhoy1967 Apr 14
@St_Sixtus got email saying free u 12 ticket for every purchased at mcdiarmid btw, worthwhile for the wee barra
St.Sixtus_UTLR @St_Sixtus Apr 14
@kevybhoy1967 I’m finished mate . Will take the wean to see the cup in May apart from that I’m out until things change
@kevybhoy1967 Apr 14
@St_Sixtus specifically the bill and GB or PL or what exactly? Going to cut back next myself but that’s more down to family time tbh
St.Sixtus_UTLR @St_Sixtus Apr 14
@kevybhoy1967 The Act . . The SFA . . Lawwell. . Overpricing . . Etc . .
@Morrissey23rd Apr 14
@St_Sixtus @kevybhoy1967 lack of support from club RE poor treatment of fans; being run by tories;being lied to;Celtic men missing ‘Rangers’
@Morrissey23rd Apr 14
@St_Sixtus @kevybhoy1967 Over zealous stewards; few Sat 3pm KOs; lack of ambition from club; balance sheet more important than silverware…
Hamiltontim is praying for Oscar @ 01:29
I’ll check what I can post then will give you a better answer than this.
If the SFA,SPFL,SFL call them rangers, how can Celtic change that in real terms?
Don’t get me wrong , I will never attend a game v Them, but how can Celtic change the name they are sent from the SFA etc..?
“In the next round you will play rangers”…what can Celtic do?
Morrissey the 23rd
The club have a lot of work to do with our fans and I include myself and my family in that. I feel there are far more important issues just now than what we call the team playing out of Ibrokes.
kikinthenakas
01:33 on 16 April, 2014
You got a stutter?! :-)
Very poignant mate but Johnson and Armstrong weren’t part of ‘the fabric of Scottish society’.
Tom McGlaughlin, trying to connect my post with Hillsborough doesn’t wash pal.
You can shove that tenuous connection you made in your mind right up your arse. A very poor way to have a go at my earlier post. You just seem to crave attention.
“Jesus wept” right enough.
No more from me tonight.
Anybody else uncomfortable with current Celtic director (Non Executive) Brian Wilson and his ‘vote no’ better together campaigning?
Granted everybody is entitled to their own personal politics but should a Celtic director be so active and public with it?
Especially when this season has seen people thrown out, blocked or had political banners removed due to ‘no politics at Celtic Park’ and a few ‘Vote Yes’ flags have been removed from fans at home games.
It doesn’t seem right, I’ve went right off the Beach Boys as well.
EN
When were ‘vote yes’ banners removed?
So, our league is not strong enough when we only have the likes of United to test us.
What we need, apparently, is that team that United just walloped 3:1 when United were having an off day.
That’s the kind of sensible proposal that kept Hughie Kevins in a job at the DR.
And now we are seriously discussing this here.
We should just raise the white flag for sanity has long gone.
A Ceiler Gonof Rust @ 01:48
I cringed reading Tom’s post.
setting free the bears supports Res. 12 & Oscar Knox @ 01:52
Yet another top post.
hamiltontim is praying for oscar 01:50 on 16 April, 2014
Read on twitter from a few folk I trust they were removed around the time there was a the charge due to green brigade political banners.
EN
Auldheid
01:21 on
16 April, 2014
The SFA is representative of the clubs in Scotland, the same clubs that stood back and allowed Peat, Ogilvie, Smith, Dallas, Longmuir and Ballantyne to take office in powerful positions that allowed Murray free rein for financial doping to run the game into the mess it is now, i have no sympathy
One club cheated to a ridiculous degree to the extent it required C/L money to stay afloat that club was aided by those powerful placements mentioned above, it was not the C/L money on its own, Celtic i hope continue to spend the C/L money wisely as they have been doing in terms of providing a steady stream of talent to the Scottish game with Celtic and Scottish football receiving a much needed higher profile in the C/L by competing hopefully on a regular basis at group stages, giving away millions to other clubs will diminish Celtic and Scottish football
If we don’t want the ruinous corrupt level of financial doping return that seen a club be liquidated, then the Clubs build a new jerusalem at the SFA, its the clubs who can solve this!! it always has been and still is, new constitution new rules no time to lose
We may have better competition in Scotland as we reduce the level of finance evenly across the clubs however IMO the football would be reduced to a low standard, English football from its three top divisions EPL, Championship and League one would regularly take players away from Celtic and other Scottish clubs as agents and players will inevitably chase better wages, don’t see what Celtic can gain from this proposal and certainly from my perspective it would not be one i would be willing to support
I am not interested in the tabloid SMSM its discredited on so many levels its only morons who listen to it or read it, the SMSM constantly feed the morons here the EPL marketing hyperbole on a daily basis including BBC Scotland, if they promote English football above Scottish football how can we hope to grow? they are no answers for Scottish football in the media including the BBC, ask your mate Cosgrove why Richard Wilson was given a job ?
setting free the bears supports Res. 12 & Oscar Knox
I’ve not read anyone on here supporting that view tonight. A few couldn’t care less what they call themselves as the party has been over for some time now for the team in blue.
EN
I’m aware of some political banners being removed in recent months but not one of those.
Ps this is not a party political broadcast on behalf of the YES/NO/MAYBE campaign :-)
Estadio Nacional @ 01:48
I am. I’m disappointed in myself for not being brave enough to expand on that.
lionroars67
02:03 on 16 April, 2014
Good stuff that mate.
For the avoidance of doubt
If what ever clumpany does return to the premier league my seat will be empty in paradise that day Celtic play them
wholeheartedly agree with this post
So, our league is not strong enough when we only have the likes of United to test us.
What we need, apparently, is that team that United just walloped 3:1 when United were having an off day.
That’s the kind of sensible proposal that kept Hughie Kevins in a job at the DR.
And now we are seriously discussing this here.
We should just raise the white flag for sanity has long gone.
roy croppie
I am responding precisely to what Kojo posted and on the numerous replies he got.
lionroars67
02:03 on
16 April, 2014
I think I have been quite active on matters SFA and the need for their reform so no argument there.
On redistribution I suggested a solidarity fund for a particular purpose that if UEFA were up to the job of standing against the “bigger” clubs, they would introduce as a good idea and no one would argue.
But in difficult times somebody has to show football a lead and what better club to do so than Celtic?
hamiltontim is praying for oscar 02:04
Aye a few reports from that game, also around the time of Nelson Mandella passing and heard a banner regarding that was also removed. Maybe just over reaction from political banner charge by overly keen stewards.
Personally I think the club should fully support Yes, we seem to be in favour of songs of freedom etc ;)
EN
morrissey the 23rd 02:05
I’d be interested in why you think bravery is required ;)
EN
Estadio Nacional @ 02:38
Theirs a lot of politics in football. Look at our board and fans.
EN
A Nelson Mandela scarf and Green Brigade merchandise were removed but that was it as far as I’m aware.
morrissey the 23rd 02:41
Agree, politics is kind of unofficial part of the club, good (fans) and bad (john reid etc) it’s hard to escape it. That’s what I’m on about, the ban on political things by fans doesn’t sit straight with directors who are openly promoting the no and union campaign. Hence my post.
EN
Being a North Lanarkshire man, emotion is not my strong point.
But I’m drained after watching the two hour documentary on ESPN commemorating the Hillsborough disaster and highlighting the lies and cover up.
I alternated between tears and anger.
I expect there will be a YouTube copy of it around.
I’ve seen some videos in the past but this is the most comprehensive coverage I have seen.
The raw emotion shown by the fans, their families and the police on camera tears at your heart.
God bless those who died and those who fought for the truth and justice.
This could have happened to any and many of us on here given the wrong set of circumstances.
I’m away to kiss the wife and the grand weans.
So according to GCT calling rangers rangers is just semantics.
Well that just bollocks. It’s not semantics it’s propping up a lie. And celtic prefer to do that rather than be part of us.
Hun believable……