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.
[calameo code=000390171b8e5a2cffbcc lang=en page=114 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
828 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 22
- »
Nat know
Thats very kind of you indeed, although you would need to be able to take receipt of the vinyl itself
i dont know if that possible
are you going to the get together may 10?
TWISTS N TURNS
Is back!
And with a belter too….
Old Chinese proverb:
When all is said and done
Sevco are done, when all is said
RIP the 96.
Looking back it coulda happened to a lot who post on here……we were just the lucky ones.
Meanwhile, here in Brasil …………..(Libertadores last sixteen games start tomorrow)…..
Nearly all the State Chamionships were settled on Sunday. Principle titles going as follows:-
Rio de Janeiro– Flamengo drew with Vasco (94th minute goal which was about two yards offside) to clinch this. Vasco now appealing in civil courts. Referee’s Federation have blamed the ref. The ref has blamed his linesman. The words “(No) honour amongst thieves”, springs to mind here.
São Paulo – Ituano pulled off shock of the decade (so far) by beating Santos on penalties 7-6. Ituano, owned by Juninho, gain enough money in prizes (about 700k GBP) to cover their running costs fort the next nine months.
Mineiro– After two 0-0 draws, Cruzeiro sneaked this one, by virtue of having a better qualification record.
Gaucho– Inter RS, romped this 6-2 on aggregate. How much of this is due to the fact that Gremio (who fielded a full strength side in both matches) have an eye on the Libertadores remains to be seen.
Brasileirão starts this weekend.
On this day:
1916: Celtic play two games in one day due to fixture congestion. They defeated Raith 6-0 at home before travelling to Motherwell where they record a 3-1 victory. Joe Dodds scored in both games.
1967: Bobby Lennox scores for Scotland in the 3-2 win over England at Wembley. Fellow Celts Ronnie Simpson, Tommy Gemmell and Willie Wallace were also in the Scotland line-up.
1970: Celtic defeat Leeds United 2-1 in front of a tournament record 136,505 crowd at Hampden to reach the final of the European Cup.
1978: Mike Conroy makes his debut in a 4-1 defeat to Hibs at Easter Road.
1992: The Celtic board unveil plans to depart Celtic Park for a “state-of-the-art” purpose built stadium in Cambuslang.
32Red(necks)?
What happened to Bulmers?
Gone the way of the Dallas Cowboys tie-in?
HH!!
Tallybhoy
It’s because all they do is punt, punt and punt…
HH
Not a fan of the Record,but a great opinion article on something I feel strongly about.
Zero hour contracts,what a disgrace.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/record-view-outlaw-zero-hours-contracts-3415575
TnT…
Great!
Yogi will be signing all the CQN copies of his new book Yogi Bare on Thursday. If anyone wants a special message on a copy please let me know and I can arrange. These were very popular last year when we had Willie Wallace on the blog.
I just dropped a car full of copies for Yogi into Celtic Park. I think he’s arranged to do the Paradise Windfall at next weekend’s match. He is publishing the book himself and was in the process of getting shafted. CQN assistance was freely given to ensure he was going to be okay and we’re all delighted to have been able to assist the big guy. The book is so hot it smokes! And someone should get him started on Mo Johnston on Thursday when he’s on here!
If you want a signed book with a particular message please email david@CQNMagazine.com and I’ll sort it.
Excellent reading today, Paul.
The first part of the blog is the sort of thing that I’ll never tire of reading.
Also delighted that the people of Liverpool are prevailing in their efforts to set the record straight over Hillsborough. English football grounds in that era were a death trap. I honestly thought my time was up when we were being crammed into cages at Nottingham in a UEFA Cup tie. That was terrifying and it wasn’t much better outside the stadium in the approaches to the turnstiles. Very bad times.
Estorilbhoy – excellent probing into McCoist’s unorthodox “charity” endeavours. The more people who read about that, the better. I’ve flagged it up on Twitter and I hope many others do so as well.
Rioskorrie: Which Juninho? (The one who briefly played for Celtic?) There’s about 20 … :-)
Not seen any footage/pictures of PL laying a wreath at Anfield on Sunday,anyone ?
Just to add – really looking forward to Yogi’s guest appearance on Thursday. The big man was my hero in the 1960s. Fabulous character and a fantastic footballer when he was on song.
Chris Graham sleeps in a King size bed.
When Chris falls for someone, he really goes for it.
#tut
http://t.co/puebgOiVWo
Bada Bing
HH
ROY CROPPIE
I remember the Hibs game well. We were struggling badly,signed Mike Conroy on the Monday from Port Glasgow and played him on the Saturday.
We got gubbed,though the ref didnae help.
The Hibs keeper booted Tom McAdam in the goolies,no penalty.
Cue a pitch invasion.
It wasn’t a good season to be a Celtic fan.
Aye “that” Juninho (or “Juninho Paulistana”, as he’s known here to avoid exactly the sorta confusion you refer to)
Winning Captains: Speaking of Judas, was watching him bottle it against Costa Rica in a Italia’90 replay last night. I think my wife was wondering why I kept calling him Judas …
RIOSKORRIE
I’m confused,I thought it was Juninho Paulista.
Rarely been so underwhelmed by a player in our colours.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………Praying for our WEE HERO!
They were tough times and makes just now all the sweeter.
I remember Mike Conroy putting in a great performance at centre half in the 1980 cup final. I think all our regular CH’s were missing.
JFT96
http://t.co/w16GTqDtpI
ynwa
Incredibly emotional reception for Roberto Martinez and Everton FC
“Alas, how terrible is wisdom
when it brings no profit to the man that’s wise!
This I knew well, but had forgotten it,
else I would not have come here.”
― Sophocles, Season Ticket Holder @ Ayebrokes
Roy C -Ta
kingsnake
I found it hard to support Scotland at that world cup with that cretin in the squad.
LB
BMCUW,
My feeling’s exactly about Juninho. A defo candidate for “they embarrassed the Hoops”.
Canny mind where I saw it, but remember him saying in an interview that when he arrived at Celtic Park, MoN defined a new role for him. Juninho didn’t take to it and a rift developed.
I was clearing out my loft and found a “once a tim” summer special from some time in the bad old days, there’s an interview with Tommy Burns, question put to him is “Can you describe the feeling when you score against Rangers” Tommy’s answer is
“I’ve sat here for 10 minutes and I’m sorry I can’t describe the feeling of scoring against the Gers I only wish I had scored more often against them. Mind you only once on a losing team in ten years at Celtic Park, that will keep me warm in bed when I’m an old man”
TB never got to become an old man………..
On a lighter note, he answers the question ” Who is the joker in the pack at Parkhead” with Actually its me the rest just copy my patter”
I’ve been watching the BBC coverage of the Hillsborough anniversary service.
Does anyone know why SKY felt the need to ‘distance’ themselves from some of Martinez’s speech and subsequently talk over him?
I remember sitting at the back of a ‘plane crossing the States reading greeting my eyes out several years after Hillsborough. I was reading an article in Sports Illustrated that was starting the slow process of telling the truth about Hillsborough and reframing the account to show the fans involved as victims rather than criminals.
It was what we already knew but it was so good to finally hear the truth coming out to a wider – global – audience.
I grew up in an era when you knew it was almost the summer holidays cos Liverpool had just won the European Cup again and my hero King Kenny was knocking goals in for fun.
I was too young to know any better about the politics of his move and it was too early to be judging his place (non place) as a Celtic Great. I just knew that they were the team I looked out for south of the border. I would love to see Steven Gerrard’s faith to his team repaid by them winning the league this year. A most fitting tribute to him and the 96 and proof that good can prevail over time.
Only space in my heart for one team now but always space in my heart for kindred spirits.
YNWA
HH JamesGang
jamesgang
I think in terms of England the Scousers are as close to Glaswegians as you can get. I don;t have an English team myself but would love Liverpool to win that league this season.
LB
‘judging his place (non place) as a Celtic Great.’
‘non place’ should include a ? – as I was fascinated by the contrasting views about Kenny Dalglish expressed on here the other night but don’t know anything like enough to offer an opinion…..
I was daft and naïve. He scored for Celtic and then smiled from ear to ear. When you’re a primary school kid, that’s all that matters!
HH jamesgang
LiviBhoy
Don’t know what you do of a day to get paid but you’re wasted pal. You’re like a wee young McIlvanney waiting to happen once you get scribing!
Think about it. Seriously. Get writing. And hitting ‘save’ rather than simply ‘post’..
Maybe BRTH will set up his own publishing house! TimText.co.uk!
HH JamesGang
For US CQNers
ESPN are showing a documentary on Hillsborough tonight at 8PM eastern time.
It cannot be shown in UK for legal reasons but I am sure copies will be available throughout the internet come tomorrow morning.
http://espn.go.com/30for30/
jamesgang
Yeah I have thought about it. I might do it one day.
I always wanted to be a teacher and have worked with young people in the past and enjoyed it very much but going to university now is not an option. Not with a wife and kid. Maybe I can write something. I think we all have a book in us. Even if it was rubbish it would be an achievement I think.
LB
‘gg.
Thank you. Take care.
Hamiltontim is praying for Oscar
14:25 on 15 April, 2014
Celtic advertising the Glasgow Cup Final as Celtic v Rangers.
Oh dear…..
———-
Sickening is a better comment than oh dear,
The MSM can say what they want but it sickens me when my club plays along with the charade
Till later all
Juninho of Lyon, Nakamura Shunsuke and David Beckham were the top three strikers of a dead ball in European football at that time.
I would still say that Naka was the best of them all.
HH.